Why You Can’t Think of Heating and Cooling Separately Anymore
For years, HVAC professionals—and even most homeowners—treated heating and cooling like entirely different beasts. Boilers went in basements. Air conditioners sat outside. They rarely talked to each other beyond a shared thermostat.
But today’s high-performance homes are changing that. Whether you’re building new or upgrading an aging system, efficiency and environmental performance now take center stage. And the trend is clear: boilers and refrigerant-based cooling systems are converging.
What’s making this shift possible?
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Advanced refrigerants like R-32, which offer better performance and lower environmental impact
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Smarter controls that unify heating and cooling logic
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Integrated hydronic cooling and radiant systems
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Incentives for low-carbon, dual-fuel solutions
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A push toward energy optimization, not just energy use
You’re no longer just picking a boiler or an air conditioner. You’re designing a complete home comfort strategy. And if you’re using a Weil-McLain boiler, there’s a strong case to pair it with an R-32 cooling system.
What Is R-32 and Why Should You Care?
R-32 refrigerant is the HVAC industry’s rising star. It’s replacing older, higher-impact refrigerants like R-410A and R-22 in air conditioning and heat pump systems across North America. And it’s doing so for good reason:
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75% lower global warming potential (GWP) than R-410A
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Higher energy efficiency due to better heat transfer properties
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Easier to recycle and reuse
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Already widely adopted in Europe and Asia
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Approved for residential use by the U.S. EPA
According to the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), R-32 is “well-positioned to become the global standard for new residential AC systems.”
It’s not just better for the environment—it’s also better for your wallet. Systems using R-32 can run at lower pressures, reduce compressor strain, and lower energy use by 10% or more in some cases.
That’s why nearly all the next-gen air conditioners and heat pumps hitting the market in 2024–2025 are built for R-32. You can already find dozens of models using it, and more are coming.
Why Weil-McLain Boilers Still Matter in an R-32 World
Now, you might be thinking, “If we’re pushing toward all-electric, shouldn’t I skip the boiler altogether?” Not so fast.
The move toward decarbonization doesn’t mean abandoning natural gas or oil overnight. In cold climates—where heat pumps struggle during deep freezes—a high-efficiency boiler is still the gold standard for comfort and reliability.
Here’s where Weil-McLain shines:
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Condensing boilers like the Evergreen and AquaBalance deliver up to 95% AFUE
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Units are compatible with zoning, radiant systems, and indirect water heaters
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Weil-McLain offers natural gas and propane models with easy conversion kits
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Cast iron and stainless steel heat exchangers are built for 20+ years of use
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Many models integrate seamlessly with smart thermostats and home energy controls
The result? A perfect pairing:
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Use R-32 heat pumps or mini-splits for shoulder seasons and mild weather
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Let the boiler handle deep winter loads when electric systems fall short
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Optimize fuel use, reduce costs, and cut carbon—without sacrificing comfort
It’s what the U.S. Department of Energy refers to as a dual-fuel hybrid HVAC system, and it’s quickly becoming the go-to choice in places where temperatures drop below freezing.
How to Pair a Weil-McLain Boiler with an R-32 AC or Heat Pump
Here’s how I set this up for clients who want year-round comfort and energy savings:
Step 1: Choose Your Cooling System
Look for R-32 units that are compatible with hydronic add-ons or ducted systems. A few options include:
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R-32 Mini-Splits: Great for zoned cooling and supplementing radiant heat
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R-32 Central Heat Pumps: Ideal for homes with existing ductwork
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R-32 Air Handlers with Hydronic Coils: These can share a boiler loop for backup heat
Brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Carrier, and LG all offer R-32-based systems in the U.S. now. And new ENERGY STAR-certified R-32 models are hitting the shelves monthly.
Step 2: Match It with a Weil-McLain Boiler
Choose a boiler that matches your heating load and efficiency goals. Popular pairings include:
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Evergreen (95% AFUE, modulating): Ideal for homes with radiant floors or multiple zones
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AquaBalance Combi: Great for tight spaces and homes needing both heat and hot water
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CGa Series: Perfect for cast-iron radiator retrofits
If your AC has a hydronic coil or uses shared ducting, make sure the boiler has proper zoning or a buffer tank to prevent short cycling.
Step 3: Integrate the Controls
Use a thermostat system that can manage both heat and cooling logic. Examples:
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ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium: Offers multi-stage heating/cooling and dual-fuel switching
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Honeywell T10 Pro: Integrates zoning, boiler control, and smart sensors
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Tekmar 406: Excellent for radiant systems and hybrid HVAC logic
Make sure your HVAC tech knows how to wire priority settings, so the system chooses the most efficient source first—i.e., heat pump down to 30°F, boiler below that.
Why This Combo Is the Future of HVAC
Let’s break it down: why should homeowners get excited about a Weil-McLain boiler and R-32 cooling combo?
✅ Lower Emissions
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, switching from R-410A to R-32 can cut refrigerant-related emissions by over 65%. Add a 95% AFUE condensing boiler, and your carbon footprint shrinks dramatically.
✅ Energy Savings
R-32 systems are 10–15% more efficient than older refrigerants. Weil-McLain’s condensing boilers cut gas bills by up to 30% over legacy models. Paired together, they deliver maximum efficiency with minimal waste.
✅ Year-Round Comfort
Use R-32 cooling or heat pump heating when temps are mild, then switch to boiler backup when deep winter hits. Your system adapts to conditions, not the other way around.
✅ Rebates and Incentives
Homeowners combining high-efficiency boilers with R-32 cooling often qualify for:
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Federal tax credits (25C) under the Inflation Reduction Act
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State clean energy rebates for fuel switching or high-efficiency HVAC
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Utility company incentives for dual-fuel systems or demand response tech
Check DSIRE USA for rebates specific to your ZIP code.
✅ Flexibility for the Future
Natural gas infrastructure won’t disappear overnight. Boilers let you use existing fuel networks while preparing your home for electrification at your own pace. R-32 cooling gives you forward-compatible air conditioning without betting everything on one fuel type.
Real-World Example: The Hybrid Home Approach
Let me tell you about one homeowner I worked with in Michigan.
They had:
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A Weil-McLain GV90+ condensing boiler
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A 20-year-old R-22 AC system ready to die
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Rising gas prices but no appetite for all-electric heating
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A 2,400 sq ft home with three radiant zones and one ducted zone
We installed:
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A Daikin R-32 multi-zone heat pump system for bedrooms and main living space
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An Evergreen 110 boiler to handle radiant floor heat and basement
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A smart dual-fuel thermostat that calls for the heat pump first, then switches to the boiler when temps drop below 30°F
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A high-efficiency indirect water heater tied into the boiler loop
Result? They saw a 28% drop in energy bills, more consistent comfort, and a system that adapts to both weather and utility rates.
Final Thoughts from Mike
If you’re thinking long-term, here’s the big takeaway: Weil-McLain boilers and R-32 cooling systems are better together.
You don’t have to pick between tradition and innovation. With a high-efficiency boiler for deep-winter performance and a low-GWP R-32 cooling system for summer and shoulder seasons, you get the best of both worlds: comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.
And when it’s time to shop, make sure you’re buying from someone who knows HVAC inside and out. You’ll find a full lineup of Weil-McLain boilers, conversion kits, and parts at The Furnace Outlet’s Weil-McLain collection, where the team understands both the equipment and the real-world needs of homeowners.
The future of heating and cooling is hybrid, flexible, and smart. With Weil-McLain and R-32 on your side, you're already ahead of the curve.
