R-410a, its properties and possible alternatives

The text below offers you, an operator of refrigeration or air-conditioning equipment, a brief overview of R-410a and possible alternatives to this refrigerant. You will also learn what actions you need to take under the EU F-Gas Regulation when using R-410a and where to go for further information and assistance.

Information about R-410a

R-410a is a refrigerant that consists of equal parts R-32 (difluoromethane) and R-125 (pentafluoroethane). The blend was developed as a substitute for R-22, a HCFC refrigerant that has been banned for several years, and behaves in practically the same manner as R-22.

R-410a is a synthetic refrigerant used in refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment. It and R-134a, another popular refrigerant, have been used in roughly 90 percent of all air-conditioning and chiller systems for years. R-410a is not ozone-depleting but has a GWP (global warming potential) value of 2,088, which makes it a greenhouse gas.

Current situation

The GWP value of under 2,500 means that R-410a is not affected by many upcoming prohibitions under the EU F-Gas Regulation. However, the regulation’s phase-down scenario and resulting gradual volume restriction of high-GWP refrigerants will create shortages of these refrigerants. This will likely increase the price of R-410a significantly.

In addition, mono-split air conditioners with a refrigerant charge size of less than 3 kg may not be filled with refrigerants with GWP values over 750 starting in 2025. That effectively bans R-410a from being used in those units.

Possible alternatives to R-410a

There is currently a trend towards replacing R-410a with an alternative refrigerant with equally favorable properties but a significantly lower GWP value. The refrigerant R-32 (GWP of 675; even less taking into account the refrigerant charge) is being widely discussed as a potential alternative solution for R-410a and is already in use in places such as Asia. R 32, which makes up one half of R-410a, is mildly flammable but has a low burning velocity and ignites only under certain, avoidable circumstances (A2L safety classification). It is favored by well-known appliance manufacturers for heat pumps and air conditioning split systems. It is therefore classified as low-hazard. However, this may result in changed installation conditions for the system, which must be taken into account during planning. Other than the much lower GWP value, R 32 benefits include a smaller refrigerant charge and excellent cooling and heating efficiency.

Furthermore, Honeywell has developed “Solstice L-41”, a refrigerant with a slightly lower GWP value than R-32 (583). It is based on the manufacturer’s HFO-1234yf technology but also contains some R-32 and R-125, which are both HFCs. Like R-32, it also falls under the A2L safety classification (mildly flammable). The new refrigerant is already available and intended to replace R-410a in residential and small commercial air-conditioning systems and heat pump equipment. According to the manufacturer, it satisfies all the technical requirements currently met by R-410a.

Other alternatives to R-410a and R 32 in air conditioning systems and heat pumps are the mixtures R 452b (GWP = 698) and R 454b (GWP = 466). These low-GWP refrigerants are also assigned to safety classification A2L.

Among the "natural" refrigerants, R 290 (propane, GWP = 3) would be a good choice, which has higher requirements due to its classification in safety classification A3. Monobloc heat pumps for outdoor installation, for example, are already available with R 290 as standard.

Conclusion

R-410a can be freely used as a refrigerant at least until 2025 but will become less available and likely much more expensive in upcoming years as volumes are increasingly restricted. Operators using this refrigerant in their equipment should at least consider switching to an alternative refrigerant in the foreseeable future.

More information: The GWP value of refrigerants and its importance for operators

If are currently using R-410a, you should have the GWP value calculated. We will use this value to recommend concrete things you can do.

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