VIEWPOINT
MERCHANTS, ARE YOU R290 READY?
Ian Trott, head of training at Baxi
AS INSTALLERS INCREASINGLY turn to merchants for support on projects, it’s important that they understand all the most recent market developments. As the latest air source heat pumps (ASHPs) use propane refrigerant R290, it’s important that merchants understand what they might be asked about.
R290 is a refrigerant extensively used in ASHPs. It boils at -42.1°C at atmospheric pressure and, because of its low boiling point, R290 can absorb more heat from the air than many other refrigerants. This makes it perfectly suited to heating solutions that convert this energy from the atmosphere into heating for our homes.
With a low Global Warming Potential (GWP), high efficiency and wide operating envelope, Baxi’s R290 ASHPs increase the range of suitable applications compared to previous models. GWP is a metric that compares different greenhouse gases and gives them a score based on how long they stay in the atmosphere and how much heat they absorb. The higher the GWP score, the greater the environmental impact. One of the major benefits merchants can discuss with engineers is that R290 has an ultra-low GWP of just three. To put this in context, R410A – another commonly used ASHP refrigerant – has a GWP of 2,088, showing the environmental benefit of using R290.
The recently launched R290 ASHP from Baxi, the HP60, is also highly efficient and rated A+++ at 35°C across the range and at 55°C for those up to 8kW.. Due to its high efficiency, R290 systems tend to use smaller amounts of refrigerant, making it a great choice for a monobloc installation that is easier to install and maintain.
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Because it delivers both high temperatures and high efficiency, R290 can be used in more settings than other refrigerants currently on the market. For the residential market, there’s the new HP60, and for commercial applications, Baxi manufactures the Auriga HP+, which also uses R290.
“Hands-on training can be completed at Baxi’s dedicated
training centre, or one of
many satellite facilities around the UK.”
Do R290 ASHPs provide reliable heat and hot water? The short answer here is yes. In fact, Baxi’s HP60 offers even better performance than previous models, so merchants can offer that reassurance to installers. It’s firmly established that heat pumps can provide comfortable and dependable heating and hot water, even during the coldest months. With R290, ASHPs can also provide lower bills and lower climate impact.
The government has also shown its confidence in the latest ASHPs, such as those using R290, by emphasising their role in the recently published Warm
Homes Plan. This certainly underlines the fact that heat pumps are here to stay and should be considered a vital product category for merchants to invest in.
Because R290 can offer better performance at low temperatures, merchants can give installers peace of mind that their customers are less likely to experience problems than they would with a heat pump that uses a different refrigerant. When merchants discuss ASHP options with engineers, it can be worth noting that fewer customer issues means a reduced need for return visits.
What do heating engineers need to do to work with R290? Specialist training is needed to work with R290 and data shows that installers are increasingly open to taking up training opportunities. Baxi’s own annual installer skills survey revealed that the number of engineers citing lack of training as a barrier to ASHP work in 2025 had fallen by 18% compared with 2024. Over the same period, more than 1,000 installers attended Baxi heat pump courses.
Training is generally available through manufacturers, including Baxi, and installers who take it will benefit from a broader portfolio of services to offer homeowners.
Merchants who have up-to- date knowledge and solutions available will reap the benefits of the expanding heat pump market by solidifying themselves
as valuable allies to engineers. Because of this, Baxi has made training available to merchants as well.
Hands-on training can be completed at Baxi’s dedicated training centre, or one of many satellite facilities around the UK, and covers commercial and residential applications. Sessions for merchants are designed to equip them with Baxi’s insights into key aspects of heating and hot water provision.
Merchants can learn how to match solutions to the challenges a customer is facing, and how those solutions interact as part of an entire heating and energy system. Online resources are available as part of the training and Baxi will help those who attend in-person training relay the lessons learned back to their colleagues.
The leap to low- carbon heating The transition towards low- carbon heating is gathering speed and merchants have a major role to play in helping their customers succeed in a rapidly changing market.
Being able to discuss R290 and solutions such as Baxi’s HP60 helps merchants provide the latest expertise that will benefit their customers’ businesses. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net April 2026
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