As the HVAC industry continues to evolve, refrigerant technology is adapting to meet higher standards for efficiency and environmental responsibility. R-32 is quickly emerging as the preferred choice in modern air conditioning systems. It offers a strong combination of high performance and low environmental impact, making it a smart solution for both manufacturers and consumers.
Changing Refrigerant Standards
Over the years, various refrigerants have been used in air conditioning systems. As environmental regulations have become more stringent, the need for more sustainable options has grown. For example, R-410A, a commonly used refrigerant, has an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero. However, its global warming potential (GWP) remains high, raising long-term concerns.
R-32 also has an ODP of zero, but it offers a major advantage: its GWP is only 675, about one-third the impact of R-410A’s GWP of 2,088. As a result, interest in R-32 has increased across the HVAC industry due to its lower environmental footprint.
Daikin was the first company to successfully introduce R-32 in air conditioners. This innovation helped pave the way for widespread adoption by other manufacturers.
What Is R-32?
R-32 is a refrigerant from the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) family. It is known for offering a strong balance between energy efficiency, cooling performance, and environmental sustainability. Thanks to its lower GWP and high heat transfer efficiency, R-32 is well suited for today’s residential and commercial HVAC systems.
Benefits of R-32 Refrigerant
1. Lower Global Warming Potential
R-32 offers a significantly lower GWP than older refrigerants. Compared to R-410A, which has a GWP of over 2,000, R-32’s GWP of 675 results in a much smaller environmental impact. Both refrigerants are non-ozone depleting, but R-32 is a better choice for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Improved Energy Efficiency
R-32 is highly efficient at transferring heat, which helps reduce the electricity needed for cooling. In fact, HVAC systems using R-32 can cut power consumption by up to 10 percent compared to older systems using R22. This translates into lower utility bills and reduced strain on the power grid.
3. Strong Cooling Performance
Air conditioners that use R-32 deliver consistent and powerful cooling. Its excellent thermodynamic properties allow systems to cool spaces quickly and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, even during hot summer days.
4. Lower Refrigerant Volume
Because R-32 is more efficient, systems require less refrigerant to achieve the same cooling capacity. This allows for more compact HVAC designs, lowers the total amount of refrigerant needed, and can reduce long-term operational costs.
Should You Upgrade to an R-32 System?
If your current system runs on R22 or R-410A, switching to an R-32 air conditioner can be a smart move. R-32 provides better performance, increased energy savings, and a lower environmental impact. You may also qualify for energy rebates or incentives that help reduce the cost of upgrading.
R-32 offers a forward-thinking solution that supports comfort, cost savings, and environmental sustainability.
Explore R-32 Solutions with Team Harding
At Team Harding, we are committed to helping you make informed, future-ready HVAC decisions. Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or installing a new one, our experts are here to help you choose the best solution for your home or business.
Contact us today to learn more about R-32 air conditioners and discover the right fit for your cooling needs.
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Team Harding has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
