R32 refrigerant is also known as difluoromethane and belongs to the HFC family of air conditioner refrigerants. This gas is poised to replace the other gaseous such as R-410A and R-407C as the preferred gas due to its lower Global Warming Potential. Its chemical formula is CH2F2.

    As a result of the Montreal Protocol 1987 to phase out ozone depletion gaseous, the R-410A and R-407C are refrigerant blends that are used to replace ozone depletion refrigerants such as R22 as both of these gaseous have zero ODP(Ozone Depletion Potential).

    Difluoromethane constitutes a significant portion in both of these gaseous hence its availability in the market is not an issue.


    Global Warming Potential & Ozone Depletion Potential

    The discovery of the greenhouse effects of refrigerants that are used to replace ozone depletion gaseous have prompted the players in the HVAC industry to look for better refrigerants. The global warming is a serious problem that is plaguing the world and the overall temperature of the earth has been rising.

    This prompted many manufacturers to begin to plan phasing out refrigerants such as R-407C, R-410A, R-134A and replace them with lower GWP such as R32. It has a boiling point of -51°C.

    R32 uses 78% lesser refrigerant to operate compared to R-410A and most newer products in Japan have been phasing in this refrigerant since 2013.

    This gas is categorized under flammability level A2( ISO 817:2014) hence care has to be taken when using this gas. It is very close to R-410A in terms of operating conditions and performance. Other refrigerants that are being considered for use in the future are R1234yf and R1234ze.

    See the table below that compares the GWP and ODP of various refrigerants based on IPCC(International Panel On Climate Change) 2007 Fourth Assessment Report on Climate Change over a 100-years of time horizon.

    Take note that carbon dioxide has a GWP of 1 and ODP of 0.

    R11 refrigerant has a GWP of 4750 and ODP of 1.

    The production of R22 had been phased out in 2015.

    It is reported that if the plan to phased out ODP products are adhered to, the ozone layer will go back to its condition as in the 1980s. This is good news and all effort should be taken to phase out non-zero ODP causing products.

    RefrigerantGlobal Warming PotentialOzone Depletion Potential
    R1147501
    R2218100.055
    R410A20880
    R407C17700
    R134A14300
    R326750
    C0210
    R1234yf40

    R32 and R410A Saturation Steam Pressure Comparison

    Temperature/°CR32R410A
    -200.30 MPa0.30 MPa
    00.71 MPa0.70 MPa
    201.37 MPa1.35 MPa
    402.38 MPa2.32 MPa
    603.84 MPa3.73 MPa
    654.29 MPa4.17 MPa
    • The comparison above shows that both refrigerant has similar operating temperature.
    • The same piping as R410a can be used.
    • Both refrigerants are using synthetic oil (ether).
    • Most of the tools used for R410a can also be used such as the gauge manifold, charge hose, charge valve, electric leak detector, vacuum pump adapter, vacuum pump, refrigerant recovery equipment and electronic weight scales. However, the refrigerant recovery cylinder cannot be shared.

    Pro and Cons of R32 Compared to R-410A

    Zero ODP
    One third of R-410A GWP
    Required less charge as it has a 20% higher volumetric capacity
    Similar saturated pressure hence development is easier
    Higher critical temperature hence higher COP
    Lower density hence the amount of charge required is smaller
    Single component of gas, therefore it is easier to be produced and managed
    Higher discharge temperature will cause compressor oil degradation in the compressor which may damage some of the components in it
    Toxicity level slightly higher and more precaution is needed to use it
    Design consideration is required to ensure the discharge temperature is limited to an acceptable level
    Editorial Contributors
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    Alora Bopray

    Staff Writer

    Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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    Roxanne Downer

    Editor

    Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

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