Cooling It with Mike: Choosing the Eco-Friendly Refrigerant
Hey folks, Mike Sanders here.
You’ve probably heard a lot about different refrigerants, especially if you’re in the market for a new HVAC system. The two big names today? R-410A and R-32. One’s been around for years, the other’s making waves for being more efficient and planet-friendly. Let’s dive into what makes R-32 a standout for warehouse and home use.
R-32 Has a Much Lower Global Warming Potential
First up—let’s talk GWP (Global Warming Potential). This measures how much heat a gas traps in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide.
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R-410A: GWP of 2,088
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R-32: GWP of 675
That’s right—R-32 has less than one-third the environmental impact of R-410A. So if you’re trying to cut down your carbon footprint, switching to an R-32-based HVAC system is a great step in the right direction.
Better Performance, Less Refrigerant Needed
R-32 doesn’t just help the environment—it also helps your bottom line.
Systems that use R-32:
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Operate more efficiently
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Use up to 30% less refrigerant
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Offer quicker heat transfer and cooling power
That means lower energy bills and less strain on the system over time.
It’s Already EPA and ASHRAE Approved
R-32 is no newbie. The EPA’s SNAP Program already lists it as an acceptable substitute in residential and light commercial AC units. That’s a big thumbs up for safety and reliability.
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) classifies R-32 as an A2L refrigerant—that means it’s low-toxicity and has low flammability when used properly. You can read more about it in ASHRAE’s factsheet.
What About Safety?
R-32 is technically "mildly flammable," but before you get nervous, hear me out. When installed by licensed HVAC professionals in systems designed for R-32, it’s safe and reliable. It’s already being used worldwide in millions of systems without issue.
In contrast, R-410A isn’t flammable—but it’s way worse for the planet. With today’s tech, there’s no good reason to keep sticking with the old stuff.
Final Tips From Mike
Look, if you’re going to invest in a new AC system, do yourself—and the environment—a favor. Choose something that’s future-ready. R-32 gives you:
✅ Higher energy efficiency
✅ Smaller environmental impact
✅ Compliance with modern regulations
✅ Long-term savings
Need a system that fits the bill? I recommend checking out the selection of R-32 air conditioner and air handler systems at The Furnace Outlet. They’ve got solid options that’ll keep you cool without heating up the planet.
Until next time,
– Mike Sanders
