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2025-01-20
"EU Decarbonization Plan: Why R290 Is Leading the HVAC Shift"
In the coming decades, Europe’s HVAC and refrigeration landscape will change more than it has in the past 50 years—and we see R290 as one of the core drivers of that transformation.
The EU’s Green Deal roadmap sets ambitious—but necessary—targets:
- A 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
- Climate neutrality by 2050.
- A sharp phase-down of high-GWP refrigerants, including common ones like R410A and R32.
The future lies in natural refrigerants—and leading that future are options like R290 (propane) and R744 (CO₂). Much like we saw the shift from R410A to R32 a decade ago, the next wave is already happening, and it’s moving faster than before.
But what is R290 really?
R290 is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon refrigerant (propane) with a very low Global Warming Potential (GWP of just 3). It is non-toxic, but as a flammable gas (A3 classification), it requires thoughtful system design and responsible handling.
Here’s the key: according to independent studies such as ATMO, R290 doesn’t just tick the environmental boxes—it also outperforms R32 in terms of efficiency, especially under low-temperature SCOP 35°C test conditions. That means lower emissions and lower operating costs, all in one solution.
And R290 isn’t new to us. Most people are already familiar with it—it’s the same propane used in gas grills, camping stoves, and even commercial kitchens. Of course, the propane used in heat pumps must meet stricter purity and safety standards, and it operates under very different system conditions.
Across Scandinavia, Germany, and Austria, R290-based heat pump systems have already been in use for years—safely, reliably, and with very little environmental impact. It’s not a “future concept.” It’s a proven technology. What’s needed now is greater market-wide commitment, so the entire EU can hit its carbon goals collectively—not country by country.
At Warmhouse, we started investing in R290 development back in early 2022. After two full years of research, engineering, testing, and certification, we proudly launched our Hellas G Hydro-Split Range in 2024—built from the ground up with low-carbon principles in mind.
But we didn’t stop there.
From the Astapus Series, to the GM Range, and the latest Alba Series, we’ve continued to design and deliver R290 products that are not only green, but also quiet, installer-friendly, space-efficient, and stylishly designed for modern European homes.
Every feature we build reflects our commitment to the evolving needs of the European market—from local installation norms, to user expectations, to long-term policy compliance.
We’re not just adapting to regulatory changes. We’re engineering for them. And on the road to sustainable HVAC, we walk side by side with our customers.
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