R452B vs R32: Which is Better?

As countries phase down high-GWP refrigerants, R452B and R32 are two of the low-GWP refrigerants replacing R410A across various regions; both offer excellent efficiency with a lower global warming potential. But then, which is better: R452B or R32?

This article compares R452B and R32 to help you determine which refrigerant is better suited to your application.

R452B vs R32: At a Glance

What is R452B?

R452B is a medium-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerant with a GWP of 676 (according to IPCC). It has the closest pressure-temperature characteristics to R410A and has lower saturation pressure than R32 and R410A.

R452B is a combination of HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) and HFOs (hydrofluoroolefins), comprising 67% R32, 26% R1234yf, and 7% R125. It offers design compatibility and existing system designs require fewer changes. This refrigerant has become a popular replacement for R410A in Europe, Japan, and other regions because of a similar discharge temperature. This reduces redesign expense, especially for larger multi-refrigerant systems.

R452B has a low toxic class “A” rating and an A2L flame rating, showing that it is slightly flammable. Thus, the systems must be compatible with flammable refrigerants to avoid ignition.

However, in some applications, the GWP of R452B still may be too high to use R452B as a long-term replacement.

What is R32?

R32, also known as difluoromethane, is a single-component pure refrigerant widely used in Europe and Asia because of its low GWP. According to IPCC, it has a GWP of 675, which also falls under the threshold; it is significantly lower than the 2088 GWP of R410A. The high efficiency and thermodynamic performance of this hydroflourocarbon compound make it a preferred choice of low-GWP refrigerant. 

In comparable studies, R32 offers almost 10% more cooling capacity than R410A. It is readily available and has lower operating costs, making it a top choice. Its lower refrigerant charge reduces weight, installation cost, and environmental impact. Similar to R452B, this refrigerant also has low toxicity class A rating and is mildly flammable (A2L class).

However, it has a high operating pressure and discharge temperature which may require advanced systems.

R452B Vs R32 Vs R410A

This brief comparison of R452B, R32, and R410A highlights their key differences to help you understand how all three compare.

Composition

R452B: R452B is a HFC/HFO blend combining 67% R32, 7% R125, and 26% R1234yf.

R32: It is a single-component pure refrigerant. This simple composition makes refrigerant recovery and handling more straightforward.

R410A: R410A is an HFC blend, consisting of approximately 50% R32 and 50% R125.

GWP (lower GWP = better environmental impact)

R452B: A GWP of 676 (one-third of GWP of R410A) has a lower impact on the climate in case of leaks.

R32: A 675 GWP aligns better with regulations, ensuring lower global warming impact.

R410A: The GWP of around 2088 has a higher global warming impact on the environment, making it unsuitable.

Cooling Capacity

R452B: This refrigerant is designed to have a cooling capacity similar to R410A, making it an excellent refrigerant for various applications.

R32: Studies show that R32 offers around 10% higher cooling capacity than R410A in comparable conditions.

R410A: It has good overall cooling capacity, similar to R452B.

Temperature Glide 

R452B: R452B has a glide temperature of 1.2K because of multiple components which may affect heat transfer performance; it is the highest among all these three refrigerants.

R32: Refrigerant R32 is a pure refrigerant (single-component) with no glide temperature, making it easy to handle.

R410A: It has a very small glide temperature despite being a blend of two components.

Discharge Temperature

R452B: This refrigerant has a discharge temperature slightly higher than R410A, but lower than R32, under comparable conditions.

R32: R32 has a higher operating and discharge temperature,which may require system design measures to manage compressor temperatures.

R410A: R410A has a lower discharge temperature, similar to R452B.

Flammability

R452B: Refrigerant R452B has an A2L flame rating, and is mildly flammable.

R32: R32 is also categorized in the A2L class, showing mild flammability.

R410A: R410A has a flame rating of A1 with no flame propagation.

As R452B and R32 are mildly flammable, they should not be considered drop-in alternatives to R410A without necessary design changes.

Applications

R452B: It is a commonly used refrigerant in heat pumps, air-conditioners, and chillers, along with other applications.

R32: Refrigerant R32 is used in residential and commercial air conditioners, mulei-split systems, heat pumps, etc.

R410: This refrigerant has been applied for the same needs R452B and R32 are being implemented as replacement, including air-conditioners and heat pumps.

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of R32?

R32 operates at higher pressure and produces higher discharge temperatures than R452B and R410A, and requires more sturdy equipment. Furthermore, it has an A2L fire-rating, and is mildly flammable.

What is R454B?

R454B is a low-GWP refrigerant with a GWP of around 466, which combines R32 and R1234yf. It offers efficiency similar to R410A and R452B, with low toxicity and an A2L fire-rating. 

Do R-32 and R-454B use the same oil?

Both can be used with POE oil, but oil selection depends on the compressor and system manufacturer’s specifications. Do not mix the two unless specified by the manufacturer. It may compromise heat transfer and compressor reliability.

Is R-410A harmful to humans?

R410A has an “A” class toxicity rating, showing lower toxicity. However, it has a high GWP and detrimental effects on the environment in case of leaks.

Is R-410A going to be banned?

R410A is being phased out in many regions, including the USA, and is being replaced with refrigerants such as R452B, R454B, and R32. These refrigerants have a lower environmental impact compared to R410A.

R452B Vs R32: Which One Should You Choose?

Refrigerants like R452B and R32 are among the top choices of low-GWP refrigerants to replace R410A. Both refrigerants have a lower GWP than R410A, and it is important to remember that they are not drop-in replacements. The system will require minor or significant modifications, depending on the refrigerant being used.

R452B may be preferable when looking for efficiency similar to R410A, low discharge temperatures, and lesser design changes. On the other hand, R32 is a stronger choice when efficiency, cooling capacity, and zero temperature glide are priorities.

However, they have an A2L flame rating, requiring specific installation conditions, fire-safety features, and charge limits to ensure safe operation.

With both having pros and cons, the choice of a refrigerant between R452B and R32 in your refrigeration system depends on the desired performance, system design, regulatory requirements, and safety constraints.

Still Unsure About the Best Alternative to R410A?

If you’re still deciding on the right refrigerant in place of R410A for your needs, browse our vast range of cold room products at Sunnyda. Or get in touch with our experts to identify the most suitable cold room refrigeration unit for your application.

You may also find this blog post useful:

What is a refrigerant? The ultimate guide.

Types of Refrigerants: The Complete Guide

Which gas is used in air conditioners?

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.

Let’s connect!