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mong the new generation of lower-GWP refrigerants, two in particular are now widely found in commercial heat pumps: R32 and


R290 (propane). Both off er strong environmental and performance credentials, but both introduce fl ammability considerations that must be addressed through careful design, siting and operational planning.


The refrigerant landscape


Traditional HFCs are being steadily removed from the market under the EU and UK F-gas phase-down, while several synthetic refrigerants are also under pressure due to links with PFAS. As a result, the industry is turning to alternatives with much lower climate impact.


R32 is classed as A2L, meaning low toxicity and


mild fl ammability. It has a GWP of around 675 and is already widely used in heat pumps and air- conditioning systems. By contrast, R290 is an A3 refrigerant: highly fl ammable, but with a near-zero GWP and no ozone depletion potential. It is exempt from F-gas phase-down, making it particularly attractive for long-term compliance. Both refrigerants can deliver high effi ciency and the fl ow temperatures needed for commercial heating systems. However, their diff erent fl ammability classes demand diff erent approaches to risk management.


R32: balancing performance and safety


R32 is often viewed as a stepping stone between traditional HFCs and natural refrigerants. Its mild fl ammability makes it more diffi cult to ignite than A3 refrigerants, but it still requires compliance with safety standards such as EN 378 and ISO 5149. From a design perspective, correct system sizing and minimum water volume are essential to prevent short cycling and premature wear. Location is equally important. Heat pumps must have suffi cient clearance for airfl ow, be mounted on a fi rm base and be positioned away from sensitive areas such as bedroom windows or neighbouring properties to


10 April 2026


refrigerants in commercial heat pumps


With the accelerating phase-down of high-GWP refrigerants under European F-gas regulations and growing scrutiny around PFAS ‘forever chemicals’, the HVAC sector is being pushed toward low-carbon alternatives at an unprecedented pace. For consultants, designers and facilities managers, refrigerant selection is no longer a purely technical decision; it is now a question of regulatory resilience, safety compliance and long-term asset value, as Steve McConnell, Director, Industrial and Commercial Heating Equipment Association (ICOM), explains


manage noise. Condensate management is often overlooked. In


colder months, runoff can freeze and create slip hazards if not properly drained. Heating engineers should ensure condensate is directed to a safe discharge point and that pipework is protected from frost.


R290: the natural refrigerant with strict rules


Propane off ers outstanding environmental performance and excellent thermodynamic effi ciency, with typical fl ow temperatures of up to 75°C. However, its A3 classifi cation means that safety considerations dominate every stage of design and installation. Unlike R32, R290 systems fall under ATEX and DSEAR regulations in the UK and EU, due to the risk of explosive atmospheres. Manufacturers defi ne a protective or exclusion zone around each unit, within which no ignition sources may be present.


Designing for confi dence


For both refrigerants, the message is clear: safety must be designed in from the outset. This means matching refrigerant choice to building type, occupancy and system capacity, and carrying out a full site risk assessment before installation. Standards such as EN 378, ISO 5149, BS 7671 and the ATEX directives provide a robust framework, but compliance alone is not enough. Consultants and specifi ers should also look ahead to future regulatory trends. With PFAS bans on the horizon, natural refrigerants like propane may become the default choice in many sectors. Flammable refrigerants are not a risk to be


avoided, they are a reality that must be managed. With the right design, training and regulatory awareness, commercial heat pumps using R32 and R290 can deliver safe, effi cient and future-proof heating solutions for a low-carbon world.


This includes electrical switches, outdoor sockets and even gas meters. Because propane is heavier than air, units must also be located away from drains, wells and low points where leaked gas could accumulate. A suffi cient distance from doors, windows and air bricks is essential to prevent gas entering the building. Only trained and certifi ed professionals should install or service R290 systems. In some applications, ATEX-rated fans, switches and enclosures are mandatory, and leak detection with automatic shut-off is strongly recommended.


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