PHAM NEWS | MARCH 2026 16 HeatPumps


Propane refrigerants setting new standards


R290 is gaining traction in ASHPs for its low- temperature performance, ultra-low GWP and smaller charge volumes, off ering installers simpler installations and a strong route into growing low-carbon heating demand – so says Ian Trott from Baxi.


for engineers to expand their heat pump training. At Baxi we support installers


through formal training courses that combine system design, commissioning, and practical assessment. A three-day BPEC ASHP course is available covering design, installation, commissioning and servicing, followed by a formal assessment. There is also the Heat Pump


Ian Trott Head of training at Baxi


R


290 is a refrigerant that has a boiling point of −42.1°C, so it turns into gas at very low temperatures.


This allows it to absorb heat from cold outdoor air, making it ideal for air source heat pumps (ASHPs). This behaviour allows systems to perform reliably in colder outdoor conditions without large drops in pressure. After absorbing heat from the air, the refrigerant is compressed so that usable heat can be delivered indoors.


System basics R290 systems tend to use smaller amounts of refrigerant due to their high effi ciency, which makes them well suited to monobloc installations that are simpler to install and maintain. For engineers, this usually means the core on-site activities are electrical wiring and commissioning rather than refrigerant handling. Installers must still follow established refrigerant safety procedures, such as ensuring compliance to EN 378, and follow manufacturer guidelines.


Safety and training Working with R290 requires specifi c competence and, as demand for heat pumps is increasing, there is a clear case


Installer (BHPI) course looking at system design, installation requirements and fault-fi nding. BHPI-qualifi ed installers can directly commission Baxi ASHPs, register installations on Baxi Works and off er customers an enhanced warranty. Installers who complete the BHPI course also receive a free supervised visit for their fi rst ASHP installation. The number of engineers


citing lack of training as a barrier to ASHP work fell by 18% versus 2024, as shown by our annual skills survey. More than 1,000 installers attended heat pump courses at Baxi over the same period. This uptick in installers taking ASHP training courses, combined with the recently released Warm Homes Plan, strongly suggests that engineers who don’t make


training a priority may be unable to undertake heat pump installations for homeowners in the near future.


Design principles As with any ASHP system, it’s important during the design phase to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidance to ensure the system is properly sized. When designed correctly, these systems remain effi cient in cold weather and are less likely to need follow-up visits. That robustness can also translate into lower running costs for homeowners, which installers can emphasise when discussing options with their customers. Another selling point for


R290 is its ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) of just three, compared with 2,088 for R410. This means the lifetime use of an R290 ASHP has a signifi cantly lower impact on the environment than non-


renewable systems or those that use R410. It’s worth noting that R290


ASHPs can be used in both commercial and residential installations. Baxi manufactures the Auriga HP+ for commercial applications, and the recently launched HP60 is designed from the ground up with the residential market in mind. The HP60 is A+++ rated at


35°C across the range and at 55°C for those up to 8kW. This broadens the range of properties already suitable for ASHP installation, greatly increasing the number of potential projects installers can pursue.


Manufacturer support Product availability has to be matched with manufacturer support. Baxi has recently launched an MCS umbrella service covering nationwide on-site support from experienced ASHP engineers, a free initial enquiry, heat loss


surveys, system design and commissioning, and MCS- compliant documentation. Using this service provides access to government incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). For installers, R290 combines


environmental performance with clear practical advantages on site. Able to keep customers comfortable in cold climates, and a typically smaller amount of refrigerant needed on monobloc units, R290 is set to become the preferred option for engineers and homeowners. The technical benefi ts it


brings, such as low boiling point, small GWP, and less refrigerant needed are clear. With the right training, commissioning and manufacturer support, engineers can deliver effi cient heating solutions across a wider range of properties while keeping safety, sustainability and compliance front of mind. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/326/30


R290 IN A NUTSHELL


 Very low boiling point enables effi cient heat absorption from cold outdoor air


 Ultra-low GWP reduces environmental impact


 Smaller refrigerant charge reduces material and handling requirements


 On-site work is mainly related to electrical wiring and commissioning


 Correct system sizing during design phase is critical


 Baxi HP60 high temperature monobloc air source heat pump


 Suitable for both commercial and residential installations


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