Is R-32 Refrigerant Better Than R-410A?

Is R-32 Refrigerant Better Than R-410A?

While it doesn't get much attention in the everyday news cycle, the refrigerant in air conditioning systems can make a major difference in how efficiently buildings are cooled. Two of the most common types of refrigerant in use today are R-32 and R-410A. Let's explore what makes R-32 and R-410A effective cooling agents, and where each compound is likely to go in the future.

What Is R-410A Refrigerant?

R-410A replaced R-22, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) better known as Freon, as the standard refrigerant in air conditioners in 1991. R-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HCF) composed of 50% difluoromethane (CH2F2) and 50% pentafluoroethane (CF3CF2H). Unlike Freon, it does not contain ozone-depleting chemicals like chlorine or bromine — which is why it has an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero. That said, R-410A's global warming potential (GWP) of 2,088 is higher than that of Freon, which is 1,810. Essentially, this means it has a higher potential than Freon to emit greenhouse gases into the environment. But because R-410A is more energy-efficient than Freon, its overall environmental impact is still much lower.

What Is R-32 Refrigerant?

Like R-410A, R-32 is a member of the HCF family. It first appeared in Japanese air conditioning systems in 2012 and, after being patented in 2015, spread to the rest of the world. Unlike R-410A, R-32 is a single composition gas. It is composed of only one molecule — difluoromethane — which is also a component in R-410A. Its simple composition means it remains stable over time, which makes it easier to manage than earlier blended refrigerants. It's also non-toxic and boasts a lower GWP of 675. That said, R-410A and R-32 are similar in that they both have ODPs of zero.

What About A2L Refrigerants?

You might have heard something about A2L in your HVAC research. Many countries, including the United States, are already in the process of phasing out R-410A in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives — like the A2L family of refrigerants, which includes R-32.

This group's name comes from three classification attributes used by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers:

A: Non-toxic
2: Low flammability
L: Low burning velocity

Essentially, this classification means that A2L refrigerants are less flammable and toxic than other refrigerants, making them safer for use in residential buildings and better for the planet.

R-32 vs. R-410A: How Do Their Properties Compare?

From the descriptions alone, it can be difficult to remember which refrigerant has which properties. Let's compare R-32 refrigerant vs. R-410A refrigerant side by side to make things a little easier:

Chemical composition: R-410A contains equal proportions of CH2F2 and CHF2CF3. R-32 is only made of one molecule — CH2F2.
GWP: R-410A has a high GWP of 2,088, which is even higher than that of its predecessor, R-22. But R-32 only has a GWP of 675, meaning it has a lower environmental impact overall.
ODP: Both R-410A and R-32 have an ODP of zero, which means they do not cause gaps in the ozone layer.
Cooling efficiency: Because R-410A has a higher volumetric cooling capacity (VCC), it requires larger pipes, which reduces its overall performance. R-32 has a lower VCC, making it a more efficient refrigerant.
Energy consumption: R-32 is more energy-efficient, so it uses less energy and keeps your cooling bills low. R-410A requires more power to cool your home properly, making it less energy-efficient and more costly.
Flammability: Although R-32 is a mildly flammable refrigerant, it is safe to use in various settings. R-410A is not flammable and does not require additional safety precautions.
Operating pressure: R-32 operates at a lower pressure than R-410A, which is why it requires less specialized equipment.
Compatibility: While R-410A is widely compatible with many different HVAC systems, R-32's usage is still limited to specific ones.

What Are the Advantages of R-32 Over R-410A?

As a newer alternative to R-410A, R-32 has many properties that make it a more suitable option for cooling homes worldwide. Some of the most notable advantages R-32 has over R-410A include:

Energy efficiency: Because R-32 has a lower VCC, it requires smaller pipes and cools buildings faster. This property allows it to provide the same result in less time while using less power than R-410A.
Lower GWP: R-32 has a low GWP of 675, making it a safer HFC for the planet than R-410A.
Availability: Due to the phase-out, R-32 systems are becoming more widely available to consumers than R-410A systems.

What Are the Drawbacks of R-32?

While it is the safer and more environmentally friendly option, R-32 has its downsides. Some of the disadvantages of R-32 when compared to R-410A include:

Flammability concerns: As an A2L refrigerant, R-32 is mildly flammable. It requires building occupants to take more fire safety precautions than they would with a nonflammable compound like R-410A.
Higher discharge temperature: The discharge temperature is a measure of how hot the refrigerant is when it leaves the compressor, which is the hottest part of the entire system. R-32 typically has a higher discharge temperature than R-410A, which causes it to break down the system's oil faster and requires more intensive maintenance.
Technician training requirements: Due to its chemical properties, R-32 systems require more highly trained HVAC technicians than systems using R-410A.

Why Trust Us?

Ingrams Water & Air has the skills and expertise to prove we know what we're talking about. We've been in the industry since 2000, and our team is made up of experts with even more years of HVAC experience. With a consistent A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau since 2004 and a 4.7-star rating on Google, we apply our knowledge and experience to every job we take on. When crafting educational blog posts on the internet, we aim to give our readers the information they need to navigate the world of HVAC equipment.

Choose the Right Refrigerant With Help From Ingrams Water & Air

R-410A has a more established market presence than R-32, which makes it advantageous in various circumstances. Due to the phase-out, though, you'll want to opt for an air conditioner that uses an energy-efficient, eco-friendly A2L refrigerant like R-32. Ingrams Water & Air will help you find what you need. We'll match you with all local tax incentives and energy efficiency rebates you might qualify for, so you can get the most bang for your buck. If you need to perform any maintenance or emergency repairs, we carry a wide range of replacement parts and accessories to get your unit running as quickly as possible. Explore our selection today to find what you need for your next project.