R-32 in PTACs: Why This Refrigerant Is the Industry’s Future

🧊 What the Heck Is R-32?

If you’ve shopped for a new PTAC heat pump lately, you’ve probably seen a lot of talk about R-32 refrigerant. You might be wondering:

What is R-32, and why does it matter for my next unit?

In short: R-32 is a next-generation refrigerant that’s:

• More energy efficient 🔋

• Better for the environment 🌍

• Already being adopted in newer, better PTAC units 🧰

And if you’re still relying on old R-410A systems? You’re going to start feeling the pressure—literally and financially.

Let me explain.

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💨 Why Refrigerants Matter in PTAC Systems

PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) units use refrigerant to move heat—out in the summer, in during the winter.

Think of refrigerant as the lifeblood of any HVAC system. Without it, your PTAC might as well be a fan in a box.

Over the years, refrigerants have evolved:

• R-22 (Freon) was phased out due to ozone depletion.

• R-410A became the standard but turned out to be a climate warming powerhouse.

• R-32 is the newest contender—more efficient, more eco-conscious, and now EPA-approved for widespread residential use.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, R-32 has about one-third the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of R-410A. That’s a big deal if you care about emissions—or want to avoid regulatory headaches down the line.

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📉 R-410A: A Good Run, But the End Is Near

For years, R-410A was the workhorse of HVAC systems. But it has a GWP of 2,088—meaning it traps 2,088 times more heat than CO₂ over a 100-year period.

Not only that, but the pressure levels in R-410A systems are so high that they:

• Require thicker coils

• Increase wear on compressors

• Drive up manufacturing costs

And now, it’s being phased down under international agreements like the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, and the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act.

💡 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized new rules for room air conditioners—including PTACs—to meet higher energy efficiency standards. Most manufacturers are adopting R-32 as the solution.

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🆚 R-32 vs R-410A: The Face-Off

Here’s how R-32 stacks up against R-410A in key categories:

⚠️ Yes, R-32 is classified as A2L—mildly flammable. But don’t let that scare you.

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) confirms that R-32 is safe for residential use when installed properly. Think of it like propane in your grill: flammable, yes—but completely manageable.

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🔋 How R-32 Saves You Money

Here’s where R-32 shines—operating cost savings.

Because of its better thermodynamic performance, R-32:

• Requires less refrigerant to do the same job

• Moves heat faster and more efficiently

• Uses up to 10% less energy compared to R-410A, especially in heat pump mode

According to Daikin, one of the first major adopters of R-32, their systems showed energy consumption drops of 7% to 12% when switching to R-32.

Imagine that over 10 years of daily use. That’s hundreds of dollars in utility savings per unit.

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🏢 Why This Matters for Hotels, Apartments, and Homeowners

Whether you’re outfitting a hotel or just want to cool your mother-in-law suite, PTACs using R-32 are a future-proof investment.

Here’s why it matters:

🔧 1. Easier Maintenance

R-32 is a single-component refrigerant. That means techs like me don’t need to check the blend ratio when recharging it—just weigh and go.

🛠️ 2. Lower Long-Term Costs

You’ll pay less over time thanks to:

• Lower energy bills

• Easier service and recharging

• Better compressor life

🌱 3. Environmental Compliance

As states like California, Washington, and Vermont tighten refrigerant regulations, R-32 keeps you ahead of the curve. No surprise refrigerant bans or expensive retrofits 5 years from now.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) now limits the GWP of refrigerants in new HVAC systems to 750 or less—R-32 fits perfectly.

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🧰 What to Know Before You Buy an R-32 PTAC

⚡ Voltage Compatibility

Most R-32 PTACs still come in standard voltages:

• 208/230V for residential/light commercial

• 265V for high-rise or hotel settings

Just be sure your existing outlet and breaker match. If not, hire a licensed electrician before you plug in a new unit.

🧱 Accessories Still Apply

Yes, you’ll still need:

• Wall sleeve

• Exterior grille

• Power cord

• Optional remote thermostat

But once it’s installed, expect whisper-quiet operation, precise temperature control, and years of reliable comfort.

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❗ Flammability: Should You Be Concerned?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: R-32’s flammability rating (A2L).

While it’s true that R-32 is classified as “mildly flammable,” here’s the key:

• The amount used in a single PTAC is far below the threshold for combustion risk

• Units are factory-sealed—no user exposure to refrigerant

• If you don’t puncture or disassemble the unit, the risk is negligible

As noted by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), R-32’s safety profile has been proven across millions of installations worldwide—especially in Europe and Asia where adoption started earlier.

Bottom line? It’s no riskier than propane or natural gas—and a lot more efficient.

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💬 What Tony Recommends

If you’re upgrading from an older PTAC or installing a new one from scratch, go R-32. Here’s why:

• You’ll get higher EER ratings (often 10.5+)

• You’ll stay EPA-compliant

• You’ll reduce your carbon footprint

• You’ll cut energy use without sacrificing comfort

R-410A units are already getting harder to find—and in some states, they’re not even legal for sale anymore.

And when R-410A prices spike (like R-22 did)? You’ll be stuck paying more to service an outdated unit.

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📦 Where to Buy R-32 PTAC Units

At The Furnace Outlet, we’ve got a growing selection of R-32 PTAC heat pumps from top brands like:

• GREE

• Amana

• Goodman

• GE

They meet the latest DOE 2025 efficiency requirements and ship with everything you need to install, cool, and save—year-round.

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🧠 Final Thoughts from Tony

Look, I’ve installed and serviced more PTAC units than I can count. And when it comes to energy savings, long-term compliance, and ease of use, R-32 is hands-down the best refrigerant available for these systems.

It’s cleaner. It’s cheaper to run. It’s safer than people think. And best of all—it’s already the new standard.

Want to make your next upgrade the smart way?
Start with an R-32 PTAC heat pump from The Furnace Outlet. You’ll thank yourself later.