Navigating the World of Refrigerants In Heat Pumps: A Guide for Homeowners

Mars · 2024-01-27T21:40:52Z

In the United Kingdom, where environmental consciousness and energy efficiency are increasingly prioritised, understanding the role of refrigerants in heat pumps is important for homeowners. The type of refrigerant used in a heat pump not only impacts its efficiency but also its long-term environmental footprint. Among the commonly used refrigerants, R32, R290 (propane) and R410a stand out, each with unique characteristics and implications for homeowners. R32: The Efficient Choice R32 refrigerant has gained popularity in recent years, primarily due to its efficiency. It is approximately 20% more efficient than both R290 and R410a. This efficiency translates into better performance of the heat pump, leading to more effective heating of homes while using less energy. For environmentally conscious homeowners in the UK, this means lower electricity bills and a reduced carbon footprint. However, the efficiency of R32 comes with a trade-off. The refrigerant's Global Warming Potential (GWP) is 675, which is considerably higher than that of R290. GWP is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide. The higher the GWP, the more a particular gas contributes to global warming. Despite its higher Global Warming Potential (GWP), R32 demonstrates a lower lifetime GWP compared to R290, particularly when considering its potential release into the atmosphere. In the context of heat pump usage, the high efficiency of R32 leads to considerable CO2 savings, estimated at around 3 tonnes annually for an 8 kW heat pump. This efficiency makes R32 a compelling option for UK homeowners who aim to balance operational efficiency with environmental considerations. However, this balance is contingent on the safe extraction and management of the refrigerant at the end of the heat pump's lifespan, ensuring that it is not inadvertently released into the atmosphere. R290: Environmentally Friendly but Less Efficient R290, or propane, is another refrigerant used in heat pumps. Its most notable feature is its exceptionally low GWP of 3, making it one of the most environmentally-friendly refrigerants available. However, R290 is less efficient than R32. This lower efficiency means that heat pumps using R290 will consume more energy to provide the same level of heating or cooling as those using R32. Over time, this increased energy consumption could negate the environmental benefits offered by its low GWP, especially considering the CO2 emissions associated with energy production. R410a: A Common but Phasing-Out Option R410a has been a common refrigerant in heat pumps for several years. It offers reasonable efficiency and performance. However, with a GWP of 2088, it has a significantly higher environmental impact compared to R32 and R290 if released into the atmosphere. Given the UK's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the use of R410a is increasingly being scrutinised, and it is gradually being phased out in favour of more environmentally friendly options. What UK Homeowners Should Consider When choosing a heat pump, UK homeowners need to consider both the efficiency of the unit and the environmental impact of the refrigerant used. It's important to note that refrigerant leaks can occur in heat pumps, and such releases are potentially damaging to the environment. While R32 offers higher efficiency, its Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a factor to consider. However, its efficiency can lead to significant reductions in CO2 emissions, which is a crucial aspect for environmentally conscious homeowners. On the other hand, R290, with its very low GWP, may appeal to those prioritising environmental considerations, despite its lower efficiency. It's also important to note that the UK government's policies and incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency are continually evolving. Homeowners should stay informed about any changes that could affect the suitability or financial viability of different types of heat pumps and refrigerants. Consumers should engage in discussions with their installers about the various heat pump options available, including the types of refrigerants they use, to make an informed decision that aligns with both their efficiency needs and environmental values.

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Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)

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robl

(@robl)

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Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 207

01/02/2024 9:05 am

My understanding is that manufacturers overstate their refrigerant benefits, generally suggesting they have the higher efficiency. There are so many complexities that I expect they are correct in some way. It’s easy however to find references on the net suggesting R290 has a higher COP than R32 - a bit of Googling gives(link below, its all a bit complicated, no I didn’t read it…):

I think R290 is generally the best choice for a homeowner. The manufacturer will promote and make whatever they think will sell. The maintenance/installer would prefer something that cannot burn, and is a controlled substance f-gas (fluorinated hydrocarbon) maintaining their monopoly.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359431121005007

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WBX

(@wbx)

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Joined: 2 years ago

Posts: 1

08/04/2024 10:08 pm

Like some other posters, I have my doubts about the claim that R290 is less efficient than R32. There are no references to external sources to evidence this, nor to the claims about R290 resulting in an additional 3 tons per year of CO2 being generated from the additional production of electricity claimed to be required.

However, the most important (but unmentioned) fact? That R32 is to be banned as a refrigerant from almost all new heat pump installations by the EU from 2026. And, given its GWP of 675, that isn’t at all surprising. Propane would probably have become the refrigerant of choice years ago were it not for the flammability aspect. That disadvantage has been superseded now by the need to use more climate friendly refrigerants given the urgency of the climate emergency. In addition, because specialist certification in the handling of refrigerants is not required for R290 installations, potential installers will find it easier to enter the heat pump installation market, installation prices should go down and installation numbers should go up. Adding to this, as R290 enables heat pumps to run ‘hot’, consumer anxiety about having a cold home through switching technologies will reduce. Combined with the UK government’s easing of the requirement for insulation standards to be met before grants are given, and a reduced need to install larger radiators for sufficient heat to be emitted, the ingredients may be present for a significant surge in installations. Energy bills will of course be higher than necessary for those who do not install insulation measures or in some cases larger radiators which may create a new reputational risk for heat pump technology based on running costs rather than it not producing enough heat. The Government is probably thinking that home owners will later retrofit insulation and larger radiators as necessary.

Manufacturers of R32 heat pumps will be scrambling to introduce new R290 models while desperately trying to offload their R32 stock. It seems to me that the lower the number of R32 models in use the better. It’s not for nothing that R32 is being banned, given the millions of new heat pumps that will be installed and their potential for leakage and atmospheric harm. Finally it seems to me that articles in praise of R32 will please many manufacturers offloading superseded technology, especially when the article has not been updated to mention the ban.

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