EU's F-Gas Regulation Drives Shift to Natural Refrigerants in Heat Pumps
The selection of refrigerant in heat pumps is a critical decision, balancing efficiency and environmental impact. The EU's F-Gas Regulation is driving a shift towards natural refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP).
Traditional fluorinated refrigerants like R401A and R32 offer advanced technology but have high GWP. Natural alternatives such as propane (R290) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are gaining traction. Propane has an extremely low GWP of about 0.02 to 3, making it nearly climate-neutral and unaffected by F-Gas bans. CO₂ also has a low GWP of 1. Both are efficient, suitable for high operating temperatures, and supported by EU regulations aiming to phase out high-GWP gases by 2026.
However, natural refrigerants also have safety considerations. They require careful handling and specific safety measures. The choice of refrigerant involves weighing efficiency, environmental compatibility, and legal regulations.
As the EU pushes for a reduction in high GWP refrigerants, natural options like propane and CO₂ are becoming the preferred choice for new heat pump selections. They offer low environmental impact and high efficiency, but safety considerations must be addressed. The shift towards these refrigerants is a significant step in improving the environmental sustainability of heat pumps.
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