What Are the Benefits of R290 Heat Pumps?

Air source heat pumps are continually advancing as research and development drive innovations and new products. One notable development is the adoption of R290 refrigerant, which enhances the sustainability of this low-carbon heating option. This article explores what R290 refrigerant is, why it is gaining popularity in heat pumps, the benefits of R290 heat pumps, and how they compare to alternatives like R32 heat pumps.  

What is R290?  

Commercially known as propane, R290 is a natural refrigerant widely used in air conditioning and refrigeration. Its use in air source heat pumps is growing, replacing other refrigerants. In heat pumps, R290 operates similarly to traditional refrigerants, undergoing cycles of liquid and vapor states to transfer latent heat from outdoor air into usable energy for central heating systems.

Why Choose an R290 Heat Pump?  

Air source heat pumps provide low-carbon heating, meeting the space heating and domestic hot water needs of homes without significant pollution. Since all heat pumps rely on refrigerants, adopting more environmentally friendly options enhances their green credentials. Previously, the transition from R410a to R32 marked a step forward, and now, the use of R290 refrigerant represents another leap toward sustainability.  

Let’s explore the environmental benefits of R290 and the additional advantages it brings to heat pumps.  

Environmentally Friendly

R290 has an exceptionally low Global Warming Potential (GWP), a measure of how long a gas remains in the atmosphere and its potential to contribute to global warming. With a GWP of just 3, compared to R32’s GWP of 675, R290 has a significantly smaller environmental impact. Additionally, R290 has zero ozone depletion potential, making it a much more eco-friendly refrigerant compared to other options used in heat pumps.

R290 has excellent thermodynamic properties which means it is very efficient and effective at absorbing heat energy and transferring it into a heating system. Furthermore, the Bobiller 290 heat pump uses less refrigerant compared to the volume of refrigerant used in a typical R32 heat pump. By using less refrigerant in the first place, this also supports the sustainability of the product as well. With air source heat pumps being an integral part of helping the country to achieve net zero carbon emissions targets, any measures which can further improve the sustainability of heat pumps are positive steps forward.

High-Efficiency Heat Pumps  

R290 refrigerant enables air source heat pumps to achieve high efficiency levels. Heat pump efficiency is measured by two key metrics: the Coefficient of Performance (COP) and the Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP). The COP represents the ratio of useful heat energy produced to the electrical energy consumed, while the SCOP accounts for specific seasonal conditions (e.g., average or cold temperatures) and evaluates the heat pump’s performance under those scenarios.  

Like any heat pump, the efficiency of an R290 heat pump decreases as outdoor temperatures drop significantly. This occurs because the heat pump must work harder to maintain desired indoor temperatures despite low external conditions.  

When choosing the right heat pump for your home, it is essential to compare COP and SCOP values. Higher values indicate greater efficiency, and a highly efficient heat pump can reduce running costs compared to models with lower efficiency ratings.

Noise Levels  

Selecting the right location for a heat pump is a crucial step in the installation process. The unit must be placed on a suitable base with adequate clearances while also considering the proximity to neighbors and your living spaces. Heat pumps produce some noise during operation due to their rotating fans, but modern models typically have low noise levels. Specifically, Quiet Mark-certified heat pumps are recognized for their exceptionally quiet performance, making this accreditation an important consideration when researching heat pump options.

R290 Heat Pump Installation  

R290 heat pumps are versatile and can be installed in various property types, including new builds, older homes, conversions, and retrofits. However, like any heat pump, they require properties to have adequate insulation. For more details on suitable homes for heat pumps, refer to one of our other blogs.  

When investing in a heat pump, whether an R290 or R32 model, it is essential to collaborate with your installer to discuss key factors such as your temperature preferences, hot water demands, your home's build and heat loss characteristics, and the optimal location for the unit. For further guidance, explore our resources on planning a heat pump installation.

Disadvantages of R290 Heat Pumps  

R290 is more flammable than other refrigerants, requiring strict adherence to specific safety measures during installation. Therefore, it is essential that R290 heat pumps are installed by qualified and experienced professionals trained to handle this refrigerant safely.  

Additionally, R290 heat pumps are typically larger than units using alternative refrigerants with the same heating output. This can pose a challenge for properties with limited outdoor space, as they require more room for installation.

R290 vs. R32 Heat Pumps  

Heat pumps using R32 refrigerant, such as the Bobiller R32 range, are widely available and offer compact footprints, making them ideal for properties with limited outdoor space. R32 heat pumps are highly efficient, particularly compared to older models using R410a refrigerant. For example, Bobiller R32 heat pumps deliver high SCOP values even in colder conditions, providing an efficient and reliable heating solution.  

In contrast, R290 heat pumps are larger due to the safety features built into their design and the additional clearance required for safe installation and operation. While this may pose a challenge for properties with limited space, R290 heat pumps have an exceptionally low GWP, making them a more sustainable choice. As newer technology, R290 heat pumps are less common in the market, though their availability is increasing. In terms of performance, both R32 and R290 heat pumps are highly efficient, but the superior thermodynamic properties of R290 refrigerant can make it more efficient than some R32 models.