R32 vs R410A - Which Refrigerant is Right for Your System?
When choosing an air conditioning unit or a heat pump in 2025, one of the first questions you’ll encounter is refrigerant type. The two most common names that crop up are R410A and R32 - both are widely used, but with some key differences that will affect efficiency, cost, and long-term compliance.
So, which refrigerant should you be specifying or installing today? In this article we’ll take a closer look at both and hopefully answer any lingering questions you might have about these refrigerants.
What is R410A?
R410A has been the industry standard refrigerant for air conditioning and heat pumps since the early 2000s. It replaced the now-banned R22, offering a non-ozone-depleting alternative with solid efficiency and reliability.
For over two decades R410A has been the workhorse of HVAC, present in everything from small split systems to large VRF installations. However, it comes with one major drawback: its Global Warming Potential (GWP) is around 2,088. That high number has placed R410A firmly in the crosshairs of EU and UK environmental regulations.
In short, while still legal for servicing and maintaining existing systems, R410A is being gradually phased out in favour of lower GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants.
What is R32?
R32 is a newer refrigerant that has rapidly become the go-to option for manufacturers. With a GWP of just 675, it offers a dramatic reduction in environmental impact compared to R410A.
It’s also much more efficient. Units designed for R32 typically require a smaller refrigerant charge, and because of its thermodynamic properties, they can achieve better seasonal efficiency ratings (SEER/SCOP).
The trade-off? R32 is classed as an A2L refrigerant, meaning it is mildly flammable. This has led to some installer caution, though in practice the risk is minimal when handled correctly under F-Gas regulations.
R32 vs R410A - The Key Differences
For all you “at a glance” readers, here’s a quick and handy side-by-side comparison:
Regulations & Future-Proofing
The EU F-Gas regulations, mirrored in the UK, are pushing for progressively lower GWP refrigerants (a mission we at The MEP Shop are also passionate about!). While R410A remains available for servicing, it may become increasingly costly and limited in availability as the years wear on.
The good news is that manufacturers have already pivoted: many new residential and light commercial systems now ship with R32 as standard. Looking ahead, refrigerants with even lower GWPs (such as R454B & R290) are entering the market, but R32 certainly remains the safe bet for the next decade.
In some cases however, it may be necessary to provide leak detection for R32 in small spaces (for example, a bedroom inside a hotel). This guidance is also the same for R410A but the BE EN 378 is more stringent for R32 installations. This document can provide further information on this topic.
Current Costs & Availability
For the end user, R32-based systems tend to be more affordable to run thanks to higher efficiency. Upfront costs between R32 and R410A units are now broadly comparable, but the long-term savings (in both running costs and compliance risk) sit firmly with R32.
Meanwhile, R410A units are (slowly) slipping into the legacy category. Spare parts and service gas will remain available for years to come so there’s absolutely no need for installers to panic, but the direction of travel is clear: R32 is the standard moving forward.
So Which Should You Choose?
If you’re maintaining an existing system: you should stick with R410A-compatible components, the performance will still be there but you may need to be aware of any potential future service costs.
If you’re installing new: R32 is the smart, future-proof choice. All of the leading HVAC equipment manufacturers have R32 units ready for you to get stuck in with today.
If you’re forward-looking: keep an eye on R454B and other next-gen refrigerants such as R290, but right now R32 strikes the best balance of efficiency, cost, and compliance.
Our Final Thoughts
The transition from R410A to R32 isn’t just an industry trend, it’s a regulatory and environmental necessity. For installers and specifiers, the decision is simple. R32 should be your default choice for new projects, while R410A is best reserved for legacy system maintenance.
At The MEP Shop, we stock a full range of R32-compatible heat pumps and air conditioning systems, alongside R410A units for ongoing support.
👉 Explore our range of R32 units here
As always, if you have any questions for us regarding refrigerant choices or system help, we’re here to help you with every step of your installation. Get in touch today to see what we can do for you.