Eight reasons to choose R290 as a heat pump refrigerant

Propane (R290) is rapidly becoming a popular refrigerant in heat pump technology, and for good reason. Here are eight reasons why propane is an excellent choice of refrigerant in heat pumps.

1 Low environmental impact
Propane has a GWP of just 0.02, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fluorinated gases, which can have GWPs hundreds or thousands of times higher. Unlike the widely used HFO and HFC refrigerants, propane is a natural refrigerant that does not accumulate in the form of PFAS compounds, also known as forever chemicals, which are harmful to our environment.

2 Efficient heat exchange
Propane has excellent thermodynamic properties that enable efficient heat exchange. This means that heat pumps using propane as their refrigerant can operate more efficiently and generate more heat with a lower energy consumption.

3 Functionality at low operating pressures
The R290 refrigerant can be used at low operating pressures, making it particularly suitable for heat pumps. Lower operating pressures reduce the stress on the system, extending the service life of its components and increasing its reliability. This feature also improves energy efficiency, as the heat pumps can perform more optimally with lower energy consumption. This feature also makes R290 an excellent choice for eco-friendly, high-performance heat pump solutions.

4 Natural and widely available
Propane is a natural refrigerant that is readily available. It is not a synthetic substance like many other refrigerants, so it is a sustainable choice in terms of the environment and costs.

5 Low fill level
Only a small amount of propane is needed for effective cooling and heating performance. This means the risk of leaks and the associated environmental impacts are negligible compared to HFO and HFC refrigerants, which require higher fill levels.

6 Compatibility as a replacement for previous heat pumps
Existing heat pump systems can be easily replaced with heat pumps using propane as a refrigerant.

7 Regulatory compliance and a long-term solution

Using propane is in line with the increasingly strict environmental regulations in many countries concerning the use of fluorinated gases. Therefore, propane is a safe choice for the future, as regulations demand more environmentally friendly alternatives. Neither propane nor its degradation products contain forever chemicals that will likely be restricted in the future (under the REACH Regulation).

8 Safe when used correctly

Although propane is flammable, it is safe to use when the appropriate safety precautions are in place. A wide range of technologies and practices are already available to ensure safe use on the domestic and industrial scales.

Thanks to the properties described above, propane is an excellent choice of refrigerant in a heat pump. Propane has suitable thermodynamic properties for heat pumps and is an environmentally friendly option that meets the requirements of stricter regulations. In combination, these characteristics make it one of the best options for heat pump systems.