The New Refrigerants: Why R32 and R290 Are Replacing R22 and R410A

Why refrigerants are changing

Older refrigerants such as R22 and R410A have a high global-warming potential (GWP). International agreements — and increasingly strict local regulations — are phasing them out in favour of low-GWP alternatives, with R32 and R290 leading the way in residential and light commercial air conditioning.

This matters for South African consumers because new units sold today use the new refrigerants, and older R22 systems are becoming progressively more expensive to service as the gas is phased out.

R32: the new mainstream

R32 is now the standard in most new split-system air conditioners. It has about one-third of the climate impact of R410A, cools slightly more efficiently, and uses around 30% less refrigerant per unit. Units running on R32 are compatible with modern inverter technology and are already widely available in South Africa at similar prices to older models.

R290: the natural choice for smaller systems

R290 (propane) is a natural refrigerant used increasingly in smaller and portable units. It has an extremely low environmental impact and excellent efficiency, but because it is mildly flammable it demands careful design, installation and servicing standards. When fitted and maintained by certified technicians, R290 systems are perfectly safe — but this is a strong reason to always use qualified installers rather than informal fix-it shops.

What it means for you

If you are buying a new air conditioner, check which refrigerant it uses — R32 or R290 are the future-proof choices. If you own an older R22 unit, plan a replacement or a conversion before the gas becomes scarce and expensive. And when any unit is serviced, make sure the technician uses the correct refrigerant and equipment: mixing refrigerants is dangerous and can destroy the system.