With the phasing out of older refrigerants, including R410A, R32 has become a popular choice. However, refrigerants like R34 entering the landscape make it tougher to select the right one. This article compares R32 vs R34 to help you select the one best-suited to your needs.
What is R32 Refrigerant?
R32, also known as difluoromethane, is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant widely replacing R410A in light of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. It has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of zero and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 675, which is around 1/3rd of the GWP of R410A. Thus, R32 has a lesser impact on the environment.
R32 comprises only one component, which reduces the temperature glide, making it easier to handle and recycle. This refrigerant has a low molecular weight and high thermal conductivity, using around 20% less refrigerant than R410A for the same cooling. It also transfers heat more effectively to the liquid in the condenser, which does not only improve efficiency but also reduces energy consumption. It has higher compressor discharge temperatures, requiring adequate compressors for the purpose.
The R32 refrigerant has an A2L safety rating, exhibiting that it has low-flammability. It falls in the Class B toxicity category and is non-toxic for humans and the environment.
Properties of R32
Composition/ chemical name: Difluoromethane
Molecular formula: CH2F2
Global Warming Potential (GWP): 675
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): 0
Safety classification: A2L (low flammability)
Toxicity: Class B (non-toxic)
R32 is one of the two components of R410A. The other component (R125) was added to reduce the flammability of the blend but had a high GWP. So, even though R32 has a low GWP, R32 refrigerant is classified as an A2L compound with low flammability. While it requires high concentration and an open flame to ignite, caution must be taken during system installation. That combined with a higher charge may increase the initial cost.
Limitations of R32
- Belonging to A2L class shows that the compound is slightly flammable and the system must be designed accordingly.
- Shifting to the R32 refrigerant from an older refrigerant requires design changes to handle high working pressures.
- Despite the better GWP compared to older refrigerants, the GWP is still higher and R32 might get replaced by more efficient and ecofriendly refrigerants in the future.
What is R34 Refrigerant?
Unlike R32 that is being widely adopted in various industries, the R34 refrigerant is a relatively new refrigerant. It is officially classified or not commercially available yet. Instead, R34 is typically used for ultra-low GWP refrigerants. As R34 is different from existing refrigerants including R32, it will require design modifications to ensure proper implementation.
Sometimes, people use R34 refrigerant as an alternative name to R134a. R134a refrigerant has a GWP of 1430, which may not be compliant with recent amendments in different regions. It is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant with excellent thermodynamic properties, making it a popular choice instead of R22 refrigerants previously. However, R134a refrigerant is being widely replaced with newer refrigerants to minimize its effects on the environment.
R134a refrigerant properties, safety, and regulations
How To Choose R32 Vs R34 Refrigerant?
The choice of the right refrigerant between R32 and R34 depends on your requirements and needs. You must also consider local regulations, implementation requirements, and cost when thinking of selecting between R32 vs R34.
Selecting a refrigerant between R32, R34, or others like R410A, or R452B requires thorough consideration of the present needs and future trends. The refrigerant industry is expected to further focus on lower-GWP refrigerants with efficient thermodynamic properties, especially hydrofluoroolefins (HFO). For example, R-1234yf and R-1234ze could be alternatives with a GWP under 5. However, it also comes with disadvantages, such as flammability, and needs adequate equipment and handling.
Conclusion
R32 and R34, like many other refrigerants, are widely used in cooling systems. The R32 refrigerant is widely used, whereas R34 is not commercially available. R32 has a GWP of 675 with a zero ODP and class B toxicity, whereas R34 is not yet properly classified. It may be used as a term for the latest refrigerants with an ultra-low GWP. Sometimes, R34 may be used as an alternative name for R134a, which is another refrigerant with excellent efficiency.
When selecting a refrigerant for your cooling system, such as cold rooms, it is important to make sure that it meets your requirements. Our experts at Sunnyda can help you select the one best-suited to your needs.
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FAQs
Is R32 better than R134a?
R32 is considered a better choice than R32 for modern refrigeration and cooling systems because of better cooling performance, a low GWP, and a lower environmental impact. However, it is classified as mildly flammable, whereas R134a refrigerant is non-flammable.
Is R32 refrigerant being phased out?
R32 is not being phased out in 2026. Instead, it is being adopted by various manufacturers in place of older refrigerants like R401A. R32 has a global warming potential (GWP) of 675, which lies within the new GWP guidelines in some regions.
Is R34 refrigerant still available?
R34 is not a properly classified or commercially available refrigerant. However, R134a refrigerant is still used in some places and is available for purchase. It is mostly used in older air conditioners and refrigeration systems.
Can you mix R32 and R454B?
No you cannot mix R32 and R452b refrigerants because of their unique composition and discharge temperatures. It is not a good idea to mix two different refrigerants unless specified by the supplier.
What are the disadvantages of R32 gas?
While R32 is being widely used because of a low Global warming potential, it has an A2L safety classification. This means that the R32 refrigerant is mildly flammable and requires equipment suited to flammable materials. You must ensure fire safety when implementing cooling systems with R32.
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About The Author
Evan Wang
I am Evan Wang, the General Manager, Marketing Director, and SEO Expert at Sunnyda Cold Room. I have over 20 years of experience in the refrigeration industry, and my expertise is in commercial refrigeration solutions.
I’d be delighted to share practical ideas about refrigeration products, project selection, export trade, SEO, and marketing.
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