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Refrigerant gases in air conditioning: types, regulations, and which to choose

Have you ever heard of the much-talked-about air conditioning gas? Well, it is an essential element for the operation of any air conditioning system. Its role is to absorb or release heat so that the units can efficiently cool or heat spaces. However, not all refrigerant gases are the same.

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In recent years, European regulations have driven major changes in their use, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of these systems. Knowing the main types of air conditioning gas, their characteristics, and current regulations helps you understand the differences between today's units and make more informed decisions about their installation, maintenance, or replacement.

 

What is a refrigerant gas?

Refrigerant gases are chemical compounds that circulate inside the cooling circuit of any air conditioning system. They are fluids whose function is to act as a transport medium for heat: they change from a liquid to a gaseous state and vice versa depending on the pressure they are subjected to.

This cycle, known as the refrigeration cycle, allows the unit to absorb heat from a room and then release it outside.

Without these fluids, the heat exchange that allows a room to be cooled would be physically impossible.

 

Types of refrigerant gases for air conditioning

The industry has evolved and is now looking towards more sustainable alternatives due to the environmental impact of previous generations. It is vital to know the types of refrigerant gases to find out if your unit is up to date or uses an obsolete substance.

R22 gas: banned since 2015

R22 (chlorodifluoromethane) was the standard for decades in both domestic and industrial settings due to its excellent thermal performance. However, its high chlorine content posed a direct threat to the ozone layer. For this reason, its use and commercialisation were completely banned in the European Union on 1 January 2015.

If your unit uses this gas, any breakdown involving a fluid leak will, in practice, force you to replace the entire unit.

R410A gas: being phased out from 2025

R410A gas was created as the eco-friendly substitute for R22, and for years it has been one of the most widely used refrigerants in air conditioning units thanks to its good performance, low toxicity, and energy efficiency.

However, it has a major drawback: its high Global Warming Potential (GWP), an indicator that measures a gas's impact on climate change if released into the atmosphere. In the case of R410A, its GWP is 2,088, a figure much higher than that of the new refrigerants available on the market.

For this reason, the European Union has decided to progressively phase out its use. R410A is gradually disappearing from the market, especially in split-type domestic air conditioning systems containing less than 3 kg of refrigerant.

R32 gas: the current standard

R32 air conditioning gas represents the modern industry standard. It is a pure gas (HFC-32) that stands out for being much more energy-efficient than its predecessors, allowing units to operate with up to 30% less charge.

The most relevant aspect for the consumer is its eco-friendly profile: its GWP is 675, placing it below the legal limit of 750 set for newly installed units. Furthermore, being a 100% pure gas, it is much easier to recycle and reuse than blends like R410A.

Alternative gases: R290 and R454B

The search for an eco-friendly refrigerant gas has led the market to introduce new options:

  • R290 (high-purity propane): a natural refrigerant with almost zero environmental impact (a GWP of just 3) and extraordinary energy efficiency. Its main challenge is its high flammability.
  • R454B: a low-GWP blend intended to replace R410A in larger systems, such as chillers or industrial heat pumps.

 

Refrigerant gas comparison

To better understand the current landscape, this table summarises the key metrics of the main relevant gases:

Gas
 		GWP
 		Impact on the ozone layer
 		Efficiency
 		Legal status in Spain
R22
 		1.810
 		High
 		Medium
 		Banned
R410A
 		2.088
 		None
 		High
 		Being phased out
R32
 		675
 		None
 		Very high
 		Permitted (current standard)
R290
 		3
 		None
 		Excellent
 		Permitted (eco-friendly)

European F-gas regulation (EU 2024/573)

The new F-gas regulation has marked a turning point. Regulation (EU) 2024/573, in force since February 2024, establishes much more ambitious decarbonisation targets.

This new legal framework introduces a timetable to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which include refrigerant gases, by 95% by 2030, with the goal of completely eliminating them by 2050.

For air conditioning users, this means that taxes on high-GWP gases will continue to rise and restrictions on installing units with gases like R410A will become increasingly strict.

The regulation also reinforces leak control obligations and the requirement that only certified professionals handle these systems.

 

How to find out which gas your air conditioning uses

If you are wondering what gas your air conditioning uses, the most reliable way to find out is by checking the unit's technical specifications plate. It is usually located on the side of the outdoor unit or on the bottom of the indoor unit.

This label will show the industrial designation (R32, R410A, etc.), the charge amount in kilograms and, by law, the equivalent tonnes of CO2 that this charge represents.

Knowing this information is essential before calling a technician to carry out any maintenance or repairs.

 

Gas maintenance and recharging

A common misconception is to think that the gas runs out over time. The refrigeration circuit is a sealed system; if the unit stops cooling, it is because there is a leak. Air conditioning gas must never be recharged without first locating and repairing the source of the leak.

For preventive maintenance, it is recommended to check connections and nuts every summer. If you suspect a leak, a certified technician will use pressure gauges to check the pressure levels.

Remember that the law prohibits the intentional release of these gases into the atmosphere and requires any handling to be carried out by qualified personnel.

 

FAQs about air conditioning gases

What is the difference between R32 and R410A?

The main difference lies in their efficiency and environmental impact. R32 has a GWP of 675 compared to 2,088 for R410A, making it much more eco-friendly. Furthermore, R32 is more efficient, requires less gas for the same performance, and is a pure gas, which makes it easier to recycle.

Is R410A banned in Spain?

It is not banned to own a unit that uses it, nor to repair it. What does exist is a progressive ban on the commercialisation of new units that use this gas in certain categories, especially in small domestic air conditioners, due to its high climate impact.

Which refrigerant gas is the most eco-friendly?

Of the common synthetic gases, R32 is the most balanced. However, if you are looking for maximum environmental respect, natural refrigerants such as R290 (propane) or R744 (CO2) are the most eco-friendly, as their global warming potential is almost zero.

When does air conditioning gas need to be recharged?

Only when there is a fault in the form of a leak. If the unit cools less than normal, smells bad, or drips, these are signs that it needs a technical inspection, but not necessarily a recharge if the circuit remains sealed.

Can I replace R410A gas with R32?

It is technically possible in some cases, but changing an air conditioning unit's gas from one type to another requires a certified installer to verify the compatibility of the pressure gauges, vacuum pump, and compressor oil.

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