R32 is a refrigerant becoming increasingly common in air conditioning systems due to its low global warming potential (GWP). Known for its efficiency and environmental benefits, R32 has a vital role as a transitional refrigerant, helping to phase out higher GWP substances and comply with regulations to reduce climate impact. It also uses less energy than older refrigerants, leading to lower operating costs and reduced carbon emissions. 

Read on to learn more about R32 refrigerant, including its properties, uses and benefits for your HVAC system.

• What Is R32 Refrigerant?

R32 refrigerant, or difluoromethane, is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) primarily used in air conditioning and heat pump systems and stands out due to its efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Its classification as a single-component refrigerant means it is easier to handle and charge than blends requiring precise ratios for the best performance. As regulations tighten around high-GWP substances, R32 is becoming increasingly important in both residential and commercial HVAC applications.

What Is R32 Refrigerant Made of?

R32 is a chemical compound consisting of the following elements:

• Carbon: 1 atom
• Hydrogen: 2 atoms
• Fluorine: 2 atoms

R32's simple structure contributes to its refrigerant properties, including its heat transfer efficiency and relatively low GWP.

Chemical Properties

R32 has a molecular formula of CH₂F₂, consisting of one carbon atom, two hydrogen atoms and two fluorine atoms. It has a boiling point of -51.7°C (-60.1°F), a density of 0.81 g/cm³ at 25°C (77°F) and operating pressures that are generally lower than those of traditional refrigerants. Here's a quick look at its key properties:

• Boiling point: -51.7°C / -61.1°F
• Ozone depletion potential (ODP): 0
• Solubility in water: 0.44 g/L at 25°C / 77°F
• Critical temperature: 78.1°C / 172.6°F

Thermodynamic Properties

R32 displays excellent heat transfer efficiency, making it an effective refrigerant for air conditioning systems. Compared to other refrigerants like R410A, R32 requires less energy to achieve the same cooling effect, resulting in lower energy consumption and costs to operate your AC. This efficiency also translates to a better-performing HVAC system.

What Is R32 Used For?

R32 is used in modern HVAC systems, including residential, commercial and industrial applications and specific geographic regions.

HVAC System Applications

With its high efficiency and lower environmental impact, R32 makes a preferred choice for home AC units. It is also applied to commercial and industrial refrigeration systems when efficient cooling is critical.

You'll find R32 in various modern HVAC systems, including:

• Residential air conditioners like split and window units.
• Commercial air conditioners, including central AC units, packaged AC and rooftop systems.
• Chillers in some industrial and commercial applications.
• Heat pump systems.

Although not as common, R32 has been deemed safe for use in refrigerators. 

Geographic Adoption

Certain regions, such as Europe and Asia, have predominantly adopted R32 due to stringent regulations targeting high-GWP refrigerants. The Asia-Pacific regions are leading the way in integrating R32 into their HVAC systems, while adoption trends steadily increase across North America as awareness of its benefits grows.

As manufacturers shift toward environmentally friendly solutions, R32's use is expected to expand further in various markets. Homeowners who choose systems that use this innovative refrigerant can look forward to improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.

Why Are We Transitioning to R32?

The world is transitioning to R32 due to regulatory changes, market demand and technological advancements, making it a more common choice among homeowners, contractors and industrial users.

Regulatory Changes

The transition to R32 refrigerant is primarily driven by international agreements like the Montreal Protocol of 1987 and the Kigali Amendment, which focus on phasing out substances with high GWP. These regulations target HFCs and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) with substantial climate impacts, including commonly used refrigerants like R22 and R410A. 

The timeline for these bans includes phased reductions over the coming years, pushing manufacturers and consumers toward more sustainable options. Several countries have already banned or restricted the use of older refrigerants, including the commonly used R134a refrigerant, due to its high DOP and GWP.

Market Demand

As awareness about climate change increases, there is a growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products. Homeowners are now more inclined to choose HVAC systems that use low-GWP refrigerants like R32, reflecting their commitment to sustainability.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set January 1, 2025, as the date when certain technologies must no longer use high-GWP HFCs or HFC blends, so more and more homes and businesses are expected to adopt R32 in the near future. 

Technological Advancements

With increasing technological advancements in HVAC products, we've seen improvements in R32 system designs that enhance efficiency. These innovations are driving R32's adoption, as they are specifically designed for its unique properties, optimizing performance while meeting safety standards.

The shift toward R32 meets regulatory requirements while reflecting consumers' desires for eco-friendly solutions. For homeowners, it means better energy efficiency, lower utility bills and a positive contribution to environmental conservation.

Differences Between R32, R22 and R410A Refrigerant Gases

Below is a comparison table between R32 and the traditional R22 and R410A refrigerant options:

You can see that R32 significantly differs from its predecessors in terms of environmental impact. With a lower GWP, this refrigerant is a more sustainable choice than R22 and R410A. While all three refrigerants make an effective cooling solution, R32's efficiency allows for better performance with lower energy use.

Carefully consider each refrigerant's safety factors regarding flammability. While R32 is mildly flammable, properly handling the refrigerant can help you mitigate risks. In contrast, both R22 and R410A are nonflammable but carry higher environmental costs due to their GWP ratings.

Other differences among these three refrigerants include:

• Toxicity: While considered less toxic than the other options, it's crucial to handle R32 with caution to avoid harming yourself and the environment.
• Compatibility: R32 is compatible with existing air conditioning systems that use R22 and R410A, making it a great alternative for retrofitting existing systems. However, you should consider whether your specific system and components are compatible before retrofitting to R32.
• Pressure: R32 uses lower pressure during operation than R22 and R410A, resulting in smaller, lighter components for AC systems.
• Cost: R32 is generally less expensive compared to R22 and R410A, making it a more cost-effective option for air conditioning systems.

How Do You Know if an Air Conditioner Uses R32?

There are a couple of ways to find out if your air conditioning unit uses R32:

• Check the manufacturer’s specifications: To determine whether your air conditioning unit uses R32, check your unit's specifications or user manual. Manufacturers typically include the type of refrigerant used within these documents.
• Check the label on the unit: Look for labels on the outdoor unit. Some air conditioning systems make it easy to find the refrigerant type by displaying it directly on the nameplate or label.
• Contact an HVAC professional: If you're a homeowner and you cannot find refrigerant specifications in the manual or on the unit, reach out to an HVAC professional for verification. They can accurately assess your system and recommend necessary actions based on its current refrigerant type.

What if Your AC Unit or Heat Pump Uses an Older Refrigerant?

If you're a contractor and an air conditioning unit or heat pump you're working on uses an older refrigerant like R22 or R410A, several options are available for transitioning to a more modern solution like R32. For instance, you might retrofit the existing system to accommodate the new refrigerant.

If you're considering replacing the unit entirely, you'll want to carefully weigh the pros and cons of a replacement versus retrofitting. While retrofitting may be more cost-effective, it doesn't always deliver the best performance when you're looking at newer systems designed explicitly for R32 use. Additionally, older units might have compatibility or efficiency issues when retrofitted with modern refrigerants.

Due to their advanced technology designed for improved energy efficiency, newer models tend to offer better performance and lower operational costs over time.

Why Choose R-32 Gas Refrigerant?

Opting for an HVAC system that employs R32 gas refrigerant reflects sustainable practices while offering financial savings and superior performance — making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners seeking reliable cooling solutions. The following are the key benefits of using R32 in HVAC systems:

Environmental Benefits

A significant advantage of R32 is its environmental benefits. With a GWP of only 675, it contributes less to climate change than traditional refrigerants like R22 and R410A.

Economic Benefits

In addition to being eco-friendly, using R32 can lead to economic benefits through potential cost savings on energy bills due to its improved energy efficiency properties. Systems utilizing this refrigerant often require less energy for cooling operations than those using higher GWP alternatives.

Performance Benefits

Performance benefits are also noteworthy — R32 enhances cooling efficiency in HVAC systems, which can result in better temperature control. With better temperature control, homeowners can benefit from increased comfort and a longer unit life span due to reduced strain when in use.

Pros and Cons of R-32

Weigh these pros and cons carefully when considering upgrading or installing a new HVAC system with R32: 

Pros

Pros of R32 include:

• Lower GWP: Compared to traditional refrigerants like R22 and R410A, R32 has a significantly lower global warming potential, which makes it the environmentally responsible choice.
• Better energy efficiency: R32's thermodynamic properties allow for improved energy efficiency, which can reduce your operational costs in the long run.
• Compatibility: Minor adjustments can be made to most existing HVAC systems to accommodate the use of R32 without needing complete replacements.

Cons

Cons of R32 include:

• Mild flammability: While safer than many alternatives, R32's mild flammability requires strict adherence to safety standards when installing or servicing your unit.
• Limited availability: In some regions, accessing equipment servicing with R32 can be challenging compared to more established options like R410A or others. However, this is expected to change as more and more places adopt R32.

What Is the Best Value Air Conditioner That Uses R32 Gas?

When searching for the best value air conditioner that uses R32 gas refrigerant, several reputable manufacturers stand out — Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric are among the top brands producing high-quality units explicitly designed for this efficient coolant.

For budget-conscious consumers, affordable models are available that still offer reliable performance without sacrificing essential features like inverter technology or smart controls. On the premium side of the market, advanced models offer enhanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity, where homeowners can remotely manage the unit with a smartphone app, or superior filtration systems that improve indoor air quality alongside cooling capabilities.

Consumer reviews often highlight these brands' durability and effectiveness at maintaining comfortable temperatures efficiently, making them excellent choices when looking at long-term investments in a home comfort system. Plus, these units are powered by eco-friendly technology using low-GWP options, like the innovative yet practical choice of air conditioners using R32 gas.

Why Trust Ingrams Water & Air?

With over 30 years in the HVAC industry, Ingrams Water & Air are experts in home comfort systems and air filtration and purification equipment. Our goal is to provide efficient, affordable solutions for homeowners and contractors. We also strive to build lasting relationships with our clients, offering superior customer service every step of the way when you work with us.

We'll partner with you to find the best system for your home or project, including providing technical assistance to help you with installation or maintenance. Our friendly team will also match you with local rebates or relevant incentives to help you save even more. We offer fast, cost-effective shipping and always stand by our products. We're dedicated to making it right if you're not completely satisfied.

Browse Energy-Efficient Products From Ingram's Water & Air

Understanding R32 and what makes it such an appealing option can empower your investment in a reliable, environmentally responsible cooling solution. Transitioning to R32 also aligns with modern technological advancements in today's HVAC systems, making it a preferred choice among homeowners and contractors.

With increasing regulatory pressure and market demand for other eco-friendly HVAC products, we should see increasing investments in research and development to enhance R32 systems. More homeowners are expected to transition to R32, and we can expect a broader acceptance of this refrigerant in the future.

By opting for R30-based systems produced by leading manufacturers, you can be ready to achieve greater efficiencies while supporting sustainable practices that benefit the environment. Browse Ingram's Water & Air selection of energy-efficient products today!