Propane is a natural gas, labelled R290, which boasts a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3, a much lower value than another, already environmentally friendly refrigerant commonly used in air conditioning products such as Difluoromethane R32 (GWP: 675). This is a huge amount when considering the values of other refrigerants of the past, such as R410A (GWP: 2090), which will no longer be allowed on the market from 2025 because it is banned by European regulations.
R290 is currently the most environmentally friendly alternative to R32, but it must comply with regulations so that it is preferable to use in units that have been installed outdoors and in buildings.
The best way today to take advantage of all the benefits of the R290 refrigerant, which in addition to being more eco-friendly has a higher efficiency than R32, is to choose a model based on Hydro-Split technology.
No refrigerant in the home
Hydro-Split heat pumps consist of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, connected only by hydronic piping, through which water flows. As a result, no refrigerant piping runs inside the house, hence eliminating the risk of refrigerant leaks.
What are the main differences between this system and traditional products with Refrigerant-Split technology?
Firstly, the location of the exchanger where the heat transfer between the refrigerant fluid and the water in the system takes place. In Refrigerant-Split systems it is located in the indoor unit, whereas in Hydro-Split systems it is left outside, so that pre-heated or pre-cooled water (depending on the season) enters the home.
Hydro-Split technology also eliminates any restrictions on the refrigerant charge to be used in the home, thereby avoiding the need for the user to refer to EN 378.
And that’s not all: products of this type are much easier to maintain and do not require an F-gas licence.
