Differences between R32 and R290 Air Source Heat Pumps
2026-04-17
With the phasing out of high GWP refrigerants such as R410A by F-gas regulations. R32 and R290 have become the two most promising candidates for air source heat pumps. They differ significantly in performance, flammability, long-term compliance, and market readiness.
1. Energy efficiency (COP/SCOP performance)
Both R32 and R290 air source heat pumps have high seasonal energy efficiency. R32 air source heat pump systems can achieve SCOP values of 4.47–4.58 (A+++) at 35°C and 3.22–3.32 (A++) at 55°C. R290 air source heat pumps typically have SCOP values of more than 4.8, making them ideal for energy-saving projects in cold climates.
2. Water outlet temperature
R32 AHP systems can reach up to 60–65°C. R290 refrigerant systems can reach up to 75–80°C, making them more suitable for retrofitting buildings with older radiators or higher domestic hot water demand.
3. Global warming potential (GWP)
The difference between R290 AHP and R32 AHP is most evident in the environmental aspect. R32 AHP has a GWP of 675, while R290 has a GWP of only 3, which is fully in line with long-term decarbonization policies.
If you are looking for the closest synthetic replacement to R290 refrigerant, R32 is currently the most viable option in terms of thermodynamic behavior and system design, but still lags behind in terms of global policy support.
4. Safety class
R32 refrigerant is A2L class (mildly flammable), while R290 refrigerant is A3 class (highly flammable). This difference affects the design of the air source heat pump, the required ventilation and safety control systems.
5. Operating pressure
R32 refrigerant has an operating pressure of 12-26 bar; R290 refrigerant has an operating pressure of 6-12 bar. Lower operating pressure can reduce mechanical wear and simplify the design of certain air source heat pump system components.
6. Energy consumption
Due to better thermodynamic properties and higher latent heat value, R290 air source heat pumps tend to consume less electricity seasonally, especially when operating under low outdoor temperature conditions.
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Why is the Air Source Heat Pump called an Air Source Heat Pump?
2026-04-10
Air source heat pump, this name contains two core concepts of "air source" and "heat pump", which aims to reveal its working mechanism and energy conversion process. Before understanding why the air source heat pump is named, we first need to understand the meaning of these two key concepts. "Air source" refers to energy extracted from the air, which is a clean and renewable form of energy. Similar to other renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind energy, "air source" is a ubiquitous natural resource that is inexhaustible and inexhaustible.
The heat energy in the air can be converted into useful energy, whether it is warm summer or cold winter. Air source heat pumps use this principle to extract heat energy from outdoor air and then convert it into energy required to provide indoor heating or hot water through internal systems. A "heat pump" is a device that can transfer heat energy extracted from a low-temperature heat source to a high-temperature heat source. In an air source heat pump, the heat pump heats or cools the indoor environment by consuming a small amount of electrical energy and circulating refrigerant for heat exchange.
Combining the concepts of "air source" and "heat pump", we can understand why air source heat pump is called air source heat pump. First of all, it is a heat pump that uses air as energy, which means that its energy comes from the ubiquitous air, not traditional fossil fuels. Secondly, it uses the working principle of the heat pump to achieve comfortable control of the indoor environment by converting the heat energy in the air.
Compared with traditional heating methods, air source heat pumps have many advantages. First of all, it is a renewable energy source, which has much less impact on the environment than heating methods that burn fossil fuels, and helps to mitigate global climate change. Secondly, the operating cost of air source heat pumps is low because it only consumes a small amount of electricity to drive the operation of the heat pump without directly burning fuel. In addition, air source heat pumps can also achieve multi-purpose use of one machine, which can be used for both heating and cooling, improving energy utilization efficiency.
Of course, the naming of air source heat pumps also reflects its technical characteristics and market positioning. As a new type of heating method, air source heat pumps have gradually been widely recognized and applied in the market. It is not only widely used in residential, office buildings and other construction fields, but also in agriculture, industry and other fields. Air source heat pumps are of great significance in terms of energy conservation, emission reduction, and environmental protection, and are one of the important directions for future sustainable development.
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Which is better for You, an Air Source Heat Pump or an Air Conditioner?
2026-04-03
Which is better, an air source heat pump or an air conditioner? It depends on your climate and year-round needs. If you only need cooling, a standard air conditioner will suffice. But if you need both heating and cooling, an air source heat pump is often a smarter choice.
1. Costs and incentives
1) Air source heat pumps have a higher upfront cost, but eliminate the need for a second heating unit
2) They are 3-4 times more efficient than electric resistance heaters
3) They qualify for rebates, tax credits, and subsidies in many countries
4) The cost of an air source heat pump system is balanced by lower long-term bills
Why do contractors dislike air source heat pumps?
Some contractors are more accustomed to traditional systems, but modern installation techniques and demands are changing that quickly.
Can an air source heat pump cool a house in 100 degrees Fahrenheit?
Yes. If sized properly, modern air source heat pumps can effectively cool even in temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Climate suitability
1) Hot/dry regions → Traditional air conditioning may be cheaper
2) Mild or mixed climates → Air source heat pumps offer unmatched efficiency
3) Home air source heat pumps are ideal for mild regions year-round
3. Comfort experience
1) Air source heat pumps maintain stable indoor temperature
2) Variable speed fans provide quiet, precise control
3) Cleaner air: no combustion, fewer emissions
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How to Deal with Common Faults of Air Source Heat Pumps?
2026-03-27
With the arrival of winter, air source heat pumps have been favored by more and more families as an efficient and environmentally friendly heating method. However, during use, some faults are inevitable. This article will provide some simple and practical troubleshooting methods for common faults that air source heat pump users may encounter during winter heating, helping everyone to easily cope with the challenges of winter heating.
1. Poor heating effect
Fault manifestation
The air source heat pump has poor heating effect, and the indoor temperature rises slowly or cannot reach the set temperature.
Solution
1) Check the outdoor temperature
The heating efficiency of the air source heat pump will decrease at extremely low temperatures. If the outdoor temperature is too low, consider using auxiliary heating equipment.
2) Check the filter
Clean or replace the air filter regularly to prevent dust clogging and affecting the heating effect.
3) Check the refrigerant
Insufficient refrigerant will also affect the heating effect. Professionals need to check and add refrigerant.
4) Check the outdoor heat exchanger
Make sure the outdoor heat exchanger is free of frost or ice. If so, defrost it.
2. Excessive noise
Fault manifestation
The air source heat pump makes abnormal noise during operation, affecting the quality of life.
Solution
1) Check the fixing screws
Check whether the fixing screws of the air source heat pump and the pipe connection are loose. If they are loose, tighten them.
2) Check the fan blades
Fan blade deformation or dust accumulation may also cause increased noise. Clean the dust or replace the fan blades.
3) Check the compressor
Compressor abnormality may also cause noise. Ask a professional to check the operating status of the compressor.
3. Water leakage
Fault manifestation
Water leakage occurs at the heat pump or pipe connection.
Solution
1) Check the pipe connection
Check whether the connection between the heat pump and the pipe is loose or not sealed tightly. Re-tighten or replace the seal.
2) Check the drainage system
Ensure that the drainage system is unobstructed and clean the drainage pipes regularly.
3) Check the condenser
A cracked or damaged condenser may also cause water leakage. Ask a professional to check and replace the condenser.
4. Display screen failure
Failure manifestation
The air source heat pump display screen cannot display normally or displays abnormally.
Solution
1) Check the power supply
Make sure the heat pump power supply is normal, without voltage fluctuation or power outage.
2) Check the display screen connection cable
Check whether the connection cable between the display screen and the mainboard is loose or damaged, and reconnect or replace the connection cable.
3) Reset the air source heat pump
Try to reset the heat pump to see if it can restore normal display.
5. Automatic shutdown
Failure manifestation:
The heat pump suddenly shuts down automatically during operation and cannot continue to heat.
Solution
1) Check the temperature sensor
Temperature sensor failure may cause the air source heat pump to misjudge the temperature and automatically shut down. Professionals are required to check and replace the temperature sensor.
2) Check the power protection
Check whether the heat pump automatically shuts down due to power overvoltage, undervoltage or leakage protection. The power failure needs to be eliminated.
3) Check the high voltage protection
If the heat pump high voltage is too high, it may also trigger the high voltage protection and automatically shut down. The high voltage failure needs to be checked and eliminated.
Final summary
Although air source heat pumps may encounter some faults during winter heating, as long as we master the correct troubleshooting methods, we can easily cope with these challenges. Of course, in order to ensure the long-term stable operation of air source heat pumps, we also need to perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters, checking refrigerants, checking pipe connections, etc. At the same time, when encountering complex faults, you should contact professionals for repairs in time, and do not disassemble or repair the heat pump without authorization to avoid greater losses. I hope that through the introduction of this article, it can help everyone better use and maintain air source heat pumps and enjoy a warm and comfortable winter life.
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How to Reduce the Noise of Air Source Heat Pumps?
2026-03-20
For heat pump installers, controlling air source heat pump noise starts with smart choices in product and setup:
1. Avoid tight corners and windows
Choose open, non-enclosed spaces to prevent noise reflection from air source heat pumps.
2. Install anti-vibration mounts
These reduce the mechanical transmission of noise.
3. Secure all pipes
Use a clamp every 0.5 meters to prevent movement and shaking.
4. Add noise barriers where necessary
Particularly near property lines, these can reduce output by 2-5 dB.
5. Use inverter + CO2 air source heat pumps
These typically have optimized fan curves and quieter startup profiles.
Our range of CO2 inverter heat pumps are carefully designed to keep air source heat pump noise below 40 dB in most practical situations.
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