Heat Pumps Shift to Eco-Friendly Refrigerants
Heat pumps are transitioning towards more eco-friendly refrigerants. Many current models still use synthetic ones with high global warming potential, like R401A and R32. However, natural refrigerants are gaining traction due to their lower impact on the environment.
Natural refrigerants such as propane, CO2, and ammonia are becoming popular. In new heat pumps, propane (R290), carbon dioxide (CO2 or R744), isobutane (R600A), ammonia (R717), and water are commonly used. Austria leads in installations, with companies like Ökofen and Panasonic offering products using these natural refrigerants.
When selecting a refrigerant, efficiency, environmental compatibility, and legal regulations are crucial. The choice significantly impacts the system's efficiency, environmental friendliness, and long-term reliability. However, natural refrigerants may require higher operating pressures, special materials, and safety measures, with some being flammable.
Consumers now consider the refrigerant type alongside price-performance ratio when buying heat pumps. The EU's F-Gas Regulation is driving this shift, aiming to gradually phase out high GWP refrigerants.
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