Jake Here!
Hey, here’s a question: Do you want cheaper power bills, fewer service calls, and fewer headaches with refrigerant regs—and with less impact on the planet? 🌍 Then it’s time to talk about R-32. I’ve got properties stocked with R-410A units that look great in the specs sheet, but feel ancient the moment a service call pops up.
Let’s walk through why upgrading to R-32 PTACs isn’t just a good idea—it’s the one upgrade that pays you back in spades. Strap in—Jake’s got work to do. 🧰
1. Better Efficiency = Lower Energy Bills 💡
R-32 transfers heat more effectively than R‑410A, which means your PTAC works faster and uses less power. According to Daikin, switching to R‑32 can cut energy use by up to 10%. That might not sound massive until you multiply it across 20 rooms or a year’s worth of usage.
If your property pays for utilities, this is one of the simplest ways to cut costs without cutting comfort.
2. Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) 🌍
R‑32 has a GWP of just 675, compared to R‑410A’s 2,088. That’s a major win for the environment—and increasingly, for regulatory compliance too. As the EPA’s SNAP program continues phasing out high-GWP refrigerants, you don’t want to be stuck with units that are expensive (or illegal) to service.
Future-proof now and avoid the rush.
3. Uses Less Refrigerant Per Charge 🧪
Because it’s more efficient thermodynamically, R‑32 requires less refrigerant to do the same job. That means:
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Fewer pounds of refrigerant on each install
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Shorter charging and recovery times
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Lower cost if you ever need a recharge
It's a win-win: less volume, more performance.
4. Easier for Trained Techs to Work With 🧰
Unlike R‑22, which is borderline extinct, R‑32 is readily available and easy to service—assuming your techs are A2L certified and using proper detection and recovery tools. For pros who’ve worked with R‑410A, the learning curve is short.
Plus, because it’s a single-component refrigerant, it’s easier to recycle and recover. That cuts down on waste and speeds up service calls.
5. More Reliable in Heat and Humidity ☀️
One of the first things I noticed when testing R-32 units in a beachfront property? They handle hot, sticky days without breaking a sweat. In high ambient temps, they outperform their older R‑410A cousins—both in cooling speed and runtime.
That means your guests or tenants stay comfortable without your system running constantly.
6. Retrofit-Ready for Many Existing Sleeves 🧱
Not all upgrades require a total overhaul. Many R‑32 PTAC units are designed to fit in the same wall sleeve used for older models. If your sleeve is in decent shape and the electrical checks out, you’re good to go.
Just verify dimensions and specs on both ends—and always tilt the sleeve outward slightly to allow proper condensate drainage (yes, I’ve seen floods from bad tilt jobs).
7. Eligible for Rebates and Incentives 💵
Some local utility companies and state energy programs are offering rebates for installing low-GWP HVAC equipment. Sites like Energy.gov are a great place to check for current rebate options in your area.
Depending on your location and how many units you’re upgrading, this can make a serious dent in your upfront costs.
8. Complies with Upcoming Regulations ✅
Regulations are changing fast, especially under the AIM Act. R-410A will be harder (and more expensive) to source by 2025. Upgrading to R-32 now saves you from the chaos of last-minute compliance.
The EPA’s official refrigerant list already names R-32 as an approved substitute, and manufacturers are fully backing it.
9. Cleaner Reputation = Better PR 📣
Sustainability isn’t just about checklists—it’s a selling point. Whether you're operating a hotel, senior facility, or student housing complex, highlighting your shift to environmentally friendly refrigerants like R‑32 can actually help with your marketing and image.
It’s one more reason to take action now.
10. Long-Term Reliability That Reduces Service Calls 🔧
I've seen it firsthand: New R‑32 units require fewer repairs. The components stay cleaner, the compressors last longer, and the systems don’t get stressed nearly as often under heavy use.
If you’ve got dozens of PTACs across a property, those maintenance savings stack up fast.
Jake’s Install Checklist 🛠️
Here’s my personal 8-point checklist for a clean R-32 install:
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Confirm voltage and amperage matches
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Inspect and prep wall sleeve for tilt and drainage
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Check that your leak detector is rated for A2L
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Secure wiring and tighten cap connectors
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Use A2L-approved refrigerant recovery units
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Run a full test cycle and document your pressures
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Seal sleeve edges to prevent air leaks
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Schedule a 90-day follow-up inspection
Nail these steps and you’ll be set up for years of clean, efficient operation.
Jake’s Outro
Here’s the deal: If your PTACs are creeping toward 10 years old—or running on banned refrigerants—you’re not just behind the curve, you’re losing money with every day you wait.
Upgrading to R‑32 gives you a reliable, affordable, and regulation-friendly solution that you can actually install without tearing your property apart. It's quieter, more efficient, and built for the next decade.
Want to grab the right R-32 models for the job? The Furnace Outlet has the best lineup I’ve used so far.
Having trouble with your R-32 unit? Check out The PTAC Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet Every Maintenance Tech Needs.
Install smart. Upgrade once. Jake out.
- Jake, Your HVAC Pro
