In This Guide
The heat pump industry is undergoing its biggest refrigerant transition since the phase-out of R22. With the EU F-Gas Regulation progressively restricting high-GWP refrigerants, importers and installers must make informed choices about which heat pump technology to invest in for the long term.
This guide compares the two dominant refrigerant types for the EU heat pump market — R290 (propane, natural refrigerant) and R32 (mildly flammable HFC) — across every dimension that matters to B2B buyers.
Key Takeaways
- R290 is the future-proof choice — GWP of 3, no F-Gas quota restrictions, superior cold-climate performance
- R32 remains a cost-effective mid-term option — GWP 675, widely available, lower upfront cost
- From 2026, the F-Gas quota system makes R410A increasingly expensive and harder to service
- Kuding offers both R290 and R32 heat pump lines with full EU certification
Refrigerant Overview: R290 vs R32 vs R410A
To understand the landscape, here is a side-by-side comparison of the three main refrigerants in the EU heat pump market:
| Property | R290 (Propane) | R32 | R410A |
|---|---|---|---|
| GWP (Global Warming Potential) | 3 | 675 | 2,088 |
| ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Safety Classification | A3 (higher flammability) | A2L (mildly flammable) | A1 (non-flammable) |
| F-Gas Quota Impact | Not restricted | Quota-limited (declining) | Heavy quota restrictions |
| Relative Cost of Refrigerant | Very low | Moderate | High (rising) |
| Relative Heat Pump Cost | 5-15% premium | Baseline | Baseline (discontinued in new products) |
| Cold Climate Performance | Excellent (-25C) | Good (-20C) | Good (-20C) |
Real Customer Story: "We started with R32 heat pumps in 2024 for our residential installations in Germany. By early 2026, we switched entirely to R290 after realizing the F-Gas quota system would make R32 servicing progressively more expensive. The propane units perform noticeably better during Berlin winters."
— Markus, HVAC distributor, Bavaria
The EU F-Gas Regulation and What It Means for Heat Pumps
The EU F-Gas Regulation (EU 517/2014) established a quota system that progressively reduces the total amount of HFC refrigerants placed on the EU market. Here is the timeline relevant to heat pump importers:
| Year | HFC Quota (Baseline %) | Impact on Refrigerants |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 100% | Phase-down begins |
| 2024-2026 | ~40% | R410A supply tightens, prices rising |
| 2027-2029 | ~21% | R32 faces significant quota pressure |
| 2030-2033 | ~10% | Only low-GWP refrigerants viable at scale |
| 2034+ | ~2.4% | Near-total phase-out of HFCs |
Practical implication: If you are importing heat pumps for resale or installation in the EU, any unit containing R410A or R32 will be subject to increasing refrigerant costs over its service lifetime. R290 units are not affected.
Bottom Line: An R290 heat pump purchased today will still have affordable refrigerant servicing in 2034. An R32 unit may face significant servicing cost increases by 2030.
R290 (Propane) Heat Pumps — Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Environmentally future-proof: GWP of 3 makes it one of the lowest-impact refrigerants available. No F-Gas quota restrictions.
- Superior efficiency in cold climates: R290 has better thermodynamic properties at low ambient temperatures. Well-designed R290 units maintain COP above 2.5 at -20C.
- Lower refrigerant cost: Propane is significantly cheaper than R32 or R410A. With larger heat pumps (20kW+), the savings offset the higher unit cost.
- Growing market acceptance: Major European brands (Vaillant, Daikin, Viessmann) are pivoting to R290. Installer familiarity is increasing rapidly.
- No PFAS concerns: Unlike some synthetic refrigerants, R290 is not subject to the emerging PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) regulatory scrutiny in the EU.
Disadvantages
- Flammability (A3): R290 is a flammable hydrocarbon. Requires additional safety measures — leak detection, ventilation requirements, and ATEX-certified electrical components.
- Higher unit cost: 5-15% premium over equivalent R32 models due to reinforced construction and safety components.
- Charge limit restrictions: Current standards limit R290 charge to ~2.5 kg per circuit for indoor residential installations (EN 378), though larger charges are permitted for outdoor units and industrial applications.
- Installer training: Some EU countries require specific certification for handling A3 refrigerants. Not all installers are currently trained.
R32 Heat Pumps — Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Lower upfront cost: R32 heat pumps are generally 5-15% cheaper than equivalent R290 models. Lower barrier to entry.
- Established technology: R32 has been used in heat pumps since the mid-2010s. Wide installer familiarity, available spare parts, and proven reliability.
- Mild flammability (A2L): Lower safety classification than R290. Fewer restrictions on charge limits and installation zones.
- Improved efficiency over R410A: R32 heat pumps typically achieve 5-10% higher COP than R410A equivalents at standard conditions.
Disadvantages
- F-Gas quota exposure: R32 is subject to the HFC phase-down. As quotas decline, refrigerant prices will rise and availability may tighten.
- GWP of 675: While much better than R410A’s 2,088, a GWP of 675 is still considered moderate. Future regulation may tighten further.
- Limited cold-climate edge: R32 performance at very low temperatures (-20C and below) is good but typically not as strong as R290.
- Transition risk: If you invest in R32 units today, the supply chain for that refrigerant will be under increasing pressure through the 2030s.
Real Customer Story: “We serve the French residential market with a mix of R32 and R290 units. For apartments with indoor installations where charge limits apply, R32 remains our standard. For houses, villas, and commercial installs, R290 is our recommended choice. Both work well, but customers who choose R290 are happier with long-term energy bills.”
— Sophie, purchasing manager, Lyon-based heat pump distributor
Cold Climate Performance Comparison
For installers in Northern Europe — Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia, Poland, Baltics — cold climate performance is a critical differentiator. Here is a representative comparison based on third-party testing data:
| Ambient Temp | R290 (Propane) | R32 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| +7C | COP 4.8 | COP 4.6 | R290 (slight) |
| -7C | COP 3.2 | COP 3.0 | R290 (moderate) |
| -15C | COP 2.7 | COP 2.4 | R290 (significant) |
| -20C | COP 2.3 | COP 1.9 | R290 (significant) |
| -25C | COP 1.8 | Not rated | R290 (operational) |
The performance gap widens as temperatures drop because R290’s favorable thermodynamic properties (higher latent heat of vaporization, better heat transfer coefficient) become more pronounced at low ambient conditions.
Safety Considerations for R290 (Propane) Heat Pumps
Safety is the most frequently raised concern about R290 heat pumps. Here is a balanced assessment:
How R290 safety is engineered
- Leak detection sensors: Modern R290 heat pumps include refrigerant leak sensors that trigger automatic shutoff.
- Reinforced enclosures: The electrical compartment is sealed and ATEX-rated to prevent ignition sources.
- Natural ventilation design: Units are designed so leaked propane disperses naturally rather than accumulating.
- Charge optimization: Manufacturers optimize charge to the minimum required for performance, staying within regulatory limits.
Regulatory framework
- EN 378: Refrigerating systems safety and environmental requirements — specifies charge limits, ventilation, and installation requirements for flammable refrigerants.
- EN 60335-2-40: Safety requirements for electrical heat pumps — includes specific provisions for flammable refrigerant handling.
- ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU): Equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres — applies to R290 heat pump electrical components.
R290 heat pumps have been deployed in millions of units across Europe and Asia with an excellent safety record. The technology is mature; you are not a pioneer.
Cost Analysis: Total Cost of Ownership
When evaluating R290 vs R32, consider the total cost of ownership over a 10-year lifecycle, not just the purchase price:
| Cost Factor | R290 Heat Pump | R32 Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase premium (vs R32 baseline) | +5-15% | Baseline (€0) |
| Annual energy cost (10kW unit, mid-climate) | ~€850-1,050 | ~€900-1,150 |
| Refrigerant cost per service (est. 2030) | ~€30-50 (low, stable) | ~€150-300 (rising with quota) |
| 10-year total energy savings vs R32 baseline | ~€500-1,500 (lower consumption) | Baseline (€0) |
| Service & maintenance (10yr) | ~€800-1,400 | ~€600-1,200 |
| Residual value (est. 2036) | Higher (compliant with 2034+ regs) | Lower (obsolete refrigerant) |
TCO conclusion: Over 10 years, the R290 heat pump is typically €500-2,500 cheaper overall despite the higher purchase price, thanks to lower energy costs and future-proof refrigerant. The gap widens significantly after 2030 as R32 refrigerant costs rise.
Sourcing R290 Heat Pumps from China
For EU importers looking to source R290 heat pumps, Chinese manufacturers offer significant advantages in cost, flexibility, and production capacity.
Why source R290 from China?
- Production maturity: Chinese manufacturers have been producing R290 heat pumps since 2018. The technology is proven at scale.
- OEM/ODM flexibility: Kuding offers custom branding, packaging, and specification tuning for EU market requirements.
- Cost advantage: Factory-direct pricing from Chinese manufacturers is typically 20-35% lower than equivalent European-branded units.
- Low MOQ: Kuding accepts orders from 1 unit for sample testing and small-batch market entry — see our complete heat pump manufacturer guide for details.
- DDP delivery: Kuding handles all logistics including dangerous goods shipping for R290, customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery across the EU. Learn more in our DDP import guide.
Real Customer Story: “We initially ordered 5 R290 units from Kuding for testing in early 2025. The samples arrived via DDP in 25 days. After lab testing and real-world installation trials throughout summer and winter, we placed a container order of 200 units. Kuding’s OEM service included our brand name, specific valve configurations, and EU-compliant labeling.”
— Tomas, heat pump distributor, Warsaw, Poland
What to verify with your supplier
- CE certification documents: Ensure EN 378 and EN 60335-2-40 compliance, complete with test reports.
- ErP labeling: Verify energy label compliance with EU Lot 1 and Lot 21 requirements.
- R290 charge documentation: Confirm charge size, safety certifications, and compliance with EN 378 limits.
- Dangerous goods shipping: Verify the supplier has experience with UN 1075 propane shipping, including proper labeling and documentation.
- Warranty and after-sales: Confirm warranty terms, spare parts availability, and technical support in your language.
Decision Framework: Which Refrigerant Should You Choose?
Use this decision matrix based on your specific situation:
| Scenario | Recommended Refrigerant | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Residential, outdoor unit, Northern/Central Europe | R290 | Superior cold-climate performance; future-proof for the 2030s |
| Residential, indoor unit, any climate | R32 | R290 charge limits for indoor installations may be restrictive |
| Commercial / industrial (10-50kW) | R290 | Larger outdoor units with higher capacity; bigger refrigerant savings |
| Budget-constrained first order / pilot project | R32 | Lower upfront cost reduces entry barrier for market testing |
| Long-term investment (10yr+ horizon) | R290 | No F-Gas quota risk; lowest lifetime cost |
| Short-term project (2-5yr deployment) | R32 | Sufficient lifecycle before major F-Gas impact |
| Installer network not yet R290-trained | R32 | No additional training required; wider installer acceptance |
| Brand positioning as “green” / eco-friendly | R290 | Natural refrigerant with GWP of 3; strong sustainability story |
Not Sure Which Heat Pump Is Right for Your Market?
Our technical team provides free consultation to help you select the right refrigerant and configuration for your specific EU market requirements.
Get Expert Advice →Frequently Asked Questions
Is R290 refrigerant the same as propane?
Yes. R290 is the refrigerant designation for propane (C3H8). It is a natural, hydrocarbon refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential and a global warming potential of just 3.
Can existing R32 heat pumps be converted to R290?
No. The two refrigerants require different compressor specifications, expansion valves, safety systems, and lubricants. R290 conversions are not recommended and may void certifications.
What is the typical lead time for importing R290 heat pumps from China?
Sample orders (1-5 units) typically ship within 15-25 days via DDP. Container orders (50-500+ units) require 30-50 days depending on volume and customization requirements.
Do I need special insurance for R290 heat pump installations?
Standard professional liability insurance for HVAC installers typically covers R290 installations in EU countries, provided the installer holds appropriate refrigerant handling certification (e.g., F-Gas Category I).
How does the efficiency of R290 compare to R32 in cooling mode?
In cooling mode, the two refrigerants are comparable. R290 holds a slight efficiency advantage (3-5% higher EER) but the gap is much smaller than in heating mode.
Are there any EU countries restricting R290 heat pumps?
As of 2026, no EU country prohibits R290 heat pumps. Some countries (e.g., Netherlands, Sweden) actively incentivize natural refrigerant heat pumps through subsidy programs. Always check local building codes for indoor installation restrictions.
Ready to Source R290 or R32 Heat Pumps?
Kuding offers both R290 and R32 heat pump lines with full EU certification, OEM/ODM service, and DDP door-to-door delivery. MOQ just 1 unit for samples.
Request a Quote →