R290 - The Super Refrigerant Changing the HVAC Game
If you’ve been keeping an eye on new heat pump and chiller launches recently, you’ve probably noticed these familiar characters popping up again and again: R290. Once mainly used in small appliances, this refrigerant is now moving into the mainstream of commercial and domestic HVAC - and for good reason as you will soon see.
As the UK market transitions away from R410A (and even R32 in some cases), R290 is being positioned by many manufacturers as the next big leap forward. But what actually makes it so special? And is it really the “super refrigerant” some are calling it?
Let’s take a closer look and leave no stone unturned, ensuring you have the information you need for your next heating & cooling purchase.
What Is R290?
R290 is the refrigerant-grade version of propane - yes, the same hydrocarbon found in bottled gas, but refined and purified for safe use in HVAC and refrigeration systems. R290 is classified as an A3 refrigerant under ASHRAE/ISO 817, meaning low toxicity and high flammability, but don't worry - we’ll come back to that.
From an environmental perspective, R290 ticks all the right boxes:
- ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential): 0
- GWP (Global Warming Potential): ~3
- Low toxicity
- Excellent thermodynamic performance
In other words, it’s one of the cleanest refrigerants currently in use, and it’s completely natural, unlike the synthetic HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) it’s replacing.
Performance: R290 vs R32 vs R410A
Let’s address the obvious question: how does R290 stack up against the current market leaders?
| Property | R410A | R32 | R290 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GWP | 2,088 | 675 | 3 |
| ODP | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Flammability | Low (A1) | Mild (A2L) | High (A3) |
| Efficiency | Good | Better | Excellent |
| Charge Amount | High | Moderate | Low |
| Theoretical Critical Temperature | 72°C | 78°C | 97°C |
| Typical Max Operating Temp | ~60°C | ~65°C | ~70°C |
That critical temperature figure is worth highlighting. A higher critical temperature means R290 systems can operate efficiently at higher condensing temperatures, translating to stronger performance in hot climates and improved heat pump operation in colder ones.
In practical terms, that means:
- Higher COPs (Coefficient of Performance)
- Lower discharge temperatures
- Reduced energy consumption
Simply put: R290 delivers more heat output for less input power, especially in challenging conditions.
Addressing the Flammability Question
Whenever R290 comes up, flammability tends to dominate the conversation. Yes - propane is a flammable refrigerant. But in practice, modern system design has made this risk almost negligible.
Manufacturers have spent years refining:
- Sealed circuits to prevent leaks
- Low refrigerant charge designs
- Integrated leak detection and safety shutoffs
- Outdoor installation options (especially for residential heat pumps)
In fact, most R290-based heat pumps use such small refrigerant charges that the actual fire risk is far lower than many people assume, often well below the thresholds defined in EN378 and IEC 60335 safety standards.
So while flammability must always be respected, it’s well managed by design in today’s systems.
Why Manufacturers Are Making the Switch
If you've been browsing The MEP Shop recently (which you should!), you would have noticed big brands like Hitachi and Hoval beign represented with R290 offerings in their ranges. So why are we seeing these big players, and others, jumping aboard the R290 train?
A few key reasons:
- Future-proofing - EU and UK regulations are tightening GWP limits under F-Gas revisions. R410A and even R32 have limited long-term viability.
- Supply chain simplicity - Being a natural hydrocarbon, R290 isn’t subject to phase-down quotas like HFCs.
- Marketing advantage - Consumers are becoming more climate-conscious, and “natural refrigerant” has genuine appeal.
- Performance benefits - Better energy efficiency directly supports manufacturers’ drive for higher SCOP and SEER ratings.
Essentially, R290 gives brands a way to stay ahead of regulation, boost system performance, and align with sustainability goals - all at once!
The Road Ahead for R290 in the UK
Adoption has been slower here than in parts of mainland Europe, but that’s changing fast. With big players launching new R290 product lines across heat pumps, chillers, and monobloc systems, availability and awareness are set to rise dramatically through the late 2020s.
Expect to see:
- More R290 models in both domestic and light commercial segments
- Training programs emerging for installers
- Updated safety standards to reflect new technology
- And eventually, R290 becoming the default choice for many low-GWP applications
In short: R290 isn’t just "coming soon" - it’s already here right on our doorstep. The rollout may look gradual now, but it’s gathering momentum, and fast.
Our Final Thoughts
R290 represents a rare win-win in HVAC. Sustainable, efficient, and future-ready. While questions around flammability will take time to fade, system design has already answered most of them.
For contractors, engineers, and specifiers, the key takeaway is simple:
If you’re not yet familiar with R290 systems, now’s the time to get ahead of the curve.
Because the “super refrigerant” isn’t just a headline to grab your attention on this very blog, it is also shaping up to be the next chapter in HVAC innovation. Here at The MEP Shop, we can help specify the best R290 system for your project, simply contact us today to find out how we can help you.