Refrigerant R290 (propane)
– our expert explains
Blog article 14.05.2025Depending on the application, different refrigerants are used in air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps. While R32 is still the standard today, natural refrigerants are increasingly coming to the fore. The refrigerant R290 (propane) is a refrigerant from the hydrocarbon group. It meets both the requirements of the revised F-gas Regulation and today's demands for high energy efficiency.
But what does this mean in concrete terms for homeowners—and what do specialist companies need to bear in mind?
We asked refrigeration engineer Thomas Miles to give us an overview of the everyday benefits, the funding options available, and what needs to be considered during planning and installation.
- Future-proof (not affected by F-gas regulation)
- Environmentally friendly (GWP of 0.02 (IPCC AR6))
- Up to 70% eligible for funding (as of 05/25)
- Suitable for high flow temperatures (up to 75°C)
- suitable for renovation and new construction
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The best technology is the one that simply works in everyday life—for customers who think long term and for professionals who want to install it safely.
Thomas, heat pumps with the refrigerant R290 – propane – are all the rage right now. What are your customers particularly interested in at the moment?
Many people are currently faced with the decision: "How can I heat and cool my home in a climate-friendly, efficient, and safe manner in the future?" This is precisely where R290 is increasingly coming into focus as a natural refrigerant. The most frequently asked questions revolve around environmental compatibility, safety, and subsidies. There is a lot of uncertainty, but also a great deal of interest. And that is precisely why it is important to provide well-founded information – because R290 has a lot of potential.
Can you start by briefly explaining what R290 actually is – and why it is considered a natural refrigerant?
Certainly. The abbreviation R290 stands for propane, a naturally occurring hydrocarbon. Unlike many conventional refrigerants, it is not an HFC or CFC and is therefore not affected by the F-gas Regulation. This makes it a particularly future-proof solution, as it is not subject to any phase-out requirements. Its extremely low global warming potential (GWP) of 0.02 – i.e. almost zero – is particularly ideal.
However, R290 belongs to safety group A3, which means it is highly flammable. This means that certain minimum room sizes and distances must be observed during installation, depending on the refrigerant charge. I can tell you more about this when we get to the "challenges" for specialist companies.
As a homeowner, what are the specific benefits of an R290 heat pump?
R290 scores highly with a range of practical advantages for everyday use. For one thing, modern air/water heat pumps with propane enable flow temperatures of up to 75°C – ideal for homes with traditional radiators, including older buildings. This often means that there is no need for costly conversion of the heating system, such as installing underfloor heating.
In addition, drinking water can be heated to up to 70°C, which is hygienic and energy-efficient. This also eliminates the need for frequently used additional electric heating or at least significantly reduces it.
Heating your room with an air conditioner, i.e. an air-to-air heat pump, using R290 offers additional efficiency benefits. This is because, on the one hand, there is no heat loss during energy transfer from the air to the water. On the other hand, the rooms warm up more quickly thanks to the air flow generated by the air conditioner.
And what about government subsidies? Is the switch to R290 being supported?
Yes – and with a special bonus. Heat pumps and air conditioning systems with R290 are fully eligible for federal funding for efficient buildings (BEG). The basic subsidy is currently 30%, but there is more:
There is an additional efficiency bonus of 5% for the use of natural refrigerants such as propane. And those who replace an old gas or oil heating system or meet certain income thresholds can receive further subsidies. This means that subsidies of up to 70% of the investment costs are possible – it really pays off!
Would you like more information about heat pumps with R290? Take a look at our products or get advice from one of our specialist partners in your area right away!
Discover all the subsidies available for heat pumps!
Given the many advantages for private users, the question naturally arises: What is currently of particular interest to specialist companies?
Quite clearly, the technical framework conditions. Many specialist companies are currently working intensively on the safety aspects and restrictions in planning and implementation due to stricter installation requirements. The issue of qualification—who is allowed to install and what needs to be taken into account—is also becoming increasingly important. Personnel must be specially trained in handling flammable refrigerants, which means they must at least have the ChemKlimaschutzV certificate of competence plus training for A3 refrigerants.
What role do installation location and safety precautions play with R290 heat pumps?
A crucial one. R290 is classified as a safety group A3 refrigerant, which means it is highly flammable. That is why there are clear guidelines for safe installation. Manufacturers provide detailed information and instructions in their installation and service manuals.
Air-to-air heat pump MSZ-RZ
MSZ-RZ
Efficient heating and cooling with propane
The MSZ-RZ air-to-air heat pump offers an environmentally friendly and efficient solution for heating and cooling. With a heating capacity of up to 5 kW, it reliably provides heat in the depths of winter down to -25 °C and pleasant air conditioning in summer. It is ideal for anyone who wants to modernize their heating system in a sustainable way or gradually replace fossil fuel heating systems—while enjoying the benefits of air conditioning.
Your advantages at a glance:
- Heating output: 2.5, 3.5, and 5 kW for different needs
- Works reliably at outside temperatures down to -25 °C
- Efficient air conditioning in summer
- Environmentally friendly refrigerant R290 (propane)
- Ideal for sustainable heating solutions and modernization projects
