What Is R-32, and Why Are HVAC Manufacturers Making the Switch?
Let’s rewind for a second. For years, R-410A was the industry standard in residential HVAC systems. It was the go-to refrigerant because it didn’t deplete the ozone layer like its predecessor, R-22. But over time, experts started to realize that while R-410A was ozone-friendly, it still had a high global warming potential (GWP).
Enter R-32, a next-gen refrigerant with a GWP that’s about 68% lower than R-410A. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, R-32 has a GWP of 675 compared to R-410A’s GWP of 2,088. That’s a massive drop, and one of the key reasons why the EPA is pushing for lower-GWP refrigerants under the AIM Act, which regulates hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions.
Goodman, along with other top HVAC manufacturers, is already ahead of the curve. Their newer systems, like the GLZS4BA2410 heat pump, are optimized for R-32 from the ground up. This isn’t some retrofit or afterthought—it’s a purposeful shift toward cleaner, more efficient systems.
The Environmental Benefits of R-32
You don’t have to be an eco-warrior to appreciate the numbers. When your refrigerant choice cuts down greenhouse gas potential by over 60%, that’s a win for everyone. According to Daikin, who helped pioneer R-32 adoption, the refrigerant also uses less volume per BTU of cooling, meaning systems require less total refrigerant to do the same job.
That translates to lower emissions in manufacturing, transportation, and end-of-life disposal. And it’s not just the HVAC world that’s taking notice—climate-conscious consumers are seeking out R-32 systems, too. If you’re serious about making a home upgrade that aligns with sustainability goals, choosing a unit that runs on R-32 is one of the most impactful moves you can make.
Efficiency Advantages: Why R-32 Performs Better
It’s not just about the environment—R-32 also performs better. Its higher cooling capacity and thermal conductivity mean HVAC systems using R-32 can operate more efficiently. That means faster temperature control, less compressor stress, and—yep—lower energy bills.
The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) notes that systems using R-32 tend to reach SEER2 and HSPF2 targets with less mechanical complexity. That leads to fewer moving parts, simpler maintenance, and greater reliability over time.
The Goodman 2-Ton 15.2 SEER2 heat pump is a prime example of this in action. It’s not just efficient because of the compressor or fan motors—it’s efficient because it uses R-32. The refrigerant enhances every aspect of the unit’s design, from coil sizing to refrigerant flow to compressor runtime.
Addressing Safety Concerns: What You Really Need to Know
Whenever something new hits the residential HVAC market, people get cautious. And understandably so. R-32 is technically classified as an A2L refrigerant, meaning it’s mildly flammable. But that classification doesn’t mean it’s dangerous in practice.
National Refrigerants Inc. has found that with proper installation and safety sensors—like those already built into systems like Goodman’s AWST30LU1310 air handler—R-32 is just as safe as traditional refrigerants. These systems are designed to detect leaks and automatically shut off cooling before anything becomes a hazard.
Also worth noting: the refrigerant is used in millions of residential and commercial systems worldwide, especially in Europe and Asia. It’s not experimental; it’s proven. The U.S. market is just finally catching up.
Regulations Are Changing: R-32 Helps You Stay Ahead
Under the AIM Act, HFC reductions are on a phase-down schedule. That means by 2028, systems running on high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A may be harder to service, more expensive to repair, and possibly obsolete. In contrast, R-32 is expected to be supported well into the 2030s.
In fact, many states—including California, New York, and Washington—have already introduced stricter refrigerant regulations. These state-level changes are accelerating adoption of R-32 and similar low-GWP refrigerants across the country.
If you’re planning to install a new system in the next 12 to 24 months, choosing R-32 now saves you the headache of having to retrofit or replace it later.
What This Means for Goodman Heat Pumps
The shift to R-32 isn’t just about what goes inside your unit—it’s about how that unit is designed, sold, and serviced. Goodman’s newer heat pumps, including the 2-ton GLZS4BA2410, have been engineered with R-32 in mind. That means:
-
Fewer pounds of refrigerant needed to reach target BTUs
-
Less compressor wear thanks to optimized flow rates
-
Built-in safety shutoff sensors in matching air handlers like the AWST30LU1310
This thoughtful design means homeowners get a system that’s leaner, greener, and built to last. And because R-32 systems tend to be slightly smaller and lighter, installation and maintenance are often easier, too.
A Smart Choice for 2025 and Beyond
There’s a reason so many HVAC pros, sustainability experts, and major manufacturers are moving toward R-32: it just makes sense. It’s safer for the planet, better for your energy bill, and easier to live with long-term.
As federal and state regulations tighten around refrigerants, making the switch now keeps you ahead of the curve. And when you choose a system like the Goodman 2-Ton 15.2 SEER2 heat pump, you’re not just following a trend—you’re making an informed decision that sets your home up for comfort and compliance for years to come.
⚙️Stay sharp. Stay efficient. Stay ahead. - Mark⚙️
