R32 Refrigerant Gas
R32 (HFC-32) is a single-component A2L refrigerant widely used in purpose-designed residential and commercial air-conditioning and heat-pump equipment.
With zero ODP and a 100-year GWP of 675 on the EPA reference basis, R32 is a major lower-GWP HVAC transition refrigerant, but it is not a universal retrofit gas.
Reference supply includes 9.5 kg cylinders. Confirm current cylinder configuration, valve, specification and destination requirements before ordering.
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Description
R32 Refrigerant Gas
R32, or difluoromethane, is a single-component HFC refrigerant used extensively in modern air-conditioning and heat-pump equipment designed for its pressure characteristics and A2L safety requirements.
R32 has zero ozone depletion potential and a 100-year GWP of 675 on the U.S. EPA Technology Transitions reference basis, substantially below R410A while retaining strong HVAC performance characteristics.
Because R32 is classified A2L, equipment design, charge limits, installation practice, ventilation, ignition-source control and service tools are part of the refrigerant selection decision. R32 should be used only in equipment approved for it.
See the R32 refrigerant technical profile for deeper properties and the Air Conditioning Refrigerants guide for system-level context.
Key R32 Refrigerant Properties
Key reference points customers typically compare when sourcing R32 for modern HVAC and heat-pump platforms.
R32 Technical Specifications
R32 is a single-component refrigerant, so it does not have the fractionation or temperature-glide behavior associated with zeotropic blends.
| Refrigerant Designation | R32 / HFC-32 |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Difluoromethane |
| Molecular Formula | CH₂F₂ |
| Refrigerant Type | Single-component HFC |
| Molecular Weight | ≈ 52.0 g/mol |
| Normal Boiling Point | ≈ -51.7°C |
| Critical Temperature | ≈ 78.3°C |
| Critical Pressure | ≈ 57.8 bar |
| Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) | 0 |
| 100-Year Global Warming Potential | 675 — EPA Technology Transitions reference |
| ASHRAE Safety Class | A2L |
| Transport Hazard Class | Class 2.1 |
Reference values are provided for product identification and research. For system design, charging, service and compliance, use the current supplier P-T data, SDS, certificate of analysis where applicable, OEM documentation and the regulations governing the project.
Typical R32 Applications
R32 is primarily a purpose-designed new-equipment refrigerant in HVAC and heat-pump systems. Application approval remains equipment- and jurisdiction-specific.
Residential Air Conditioning
R32 is widely used in purpose-designed split and unitary residential air-conditioning platforms in many global markets.
Light Commercial Air Conditioning
Commercial DX equipment designed and listed for R32 is increasingly common as HVAC refrigerant policy moves to lower GWP.
Heat Pumps
R32 is a major refrigerant route for residential and commercial heat pumps where the product architecture is designed for A2L refrigerant use.
VRF / Multi-Split Systems
Selected modern VRF and multi-split platforms use R32 under manufacturer-specific design, charge and installation requirements.
Packaged Equipment
R32 is used in selected packaged cooling and heating equipment designed around its pressure and flammability classification.
OEM New-Equipment Platforms
Its main market role is in certified new equipment, not as a field substitute for legacy refrigerants.
Compare system pathways in the Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Refrigerants guides.
R32 Safety and Handling Considerations
R32 is A2L: it has lower toxicity but is mildly flammable. Safe use requires equipment and service practices designed around the finished refrigerant classification.
A2L Flammability
Control ignition sources and follow applicable A2L charge, ventilation, installation and mitigation requirements.
Rated Service Tools
Use recovery, vacuum, leak-detection and charging equipment approved for R32/A2L service and its operating pressure.
Ventilation & Leak Control
Work areas should follow applicable ventilation and leak-management requirements, especially for larger charge sizes or enclosed locations.
Although R410A contains R32 as one component, an existing R410A system should not be converted to R32 without explicit equipment manufacturer approval. Safety class, charge, components, controls and system certification differ.
R32 Product Specification & Documentation
The product identity and transport classification should be matched with the current cylinder labeling, SDS and order documentation.
| Refrigerant Identity | R32 / HFC-32 |
|---|---|
| Composition | Single-component difluoromethane |
| Supplied Form | Liquefied compressed refrigerant gas |
| Transport Classification | Class 2.1 |
| Batch Documentation | Confirm current product specification and SDS with the order |
R32 Refrigerant Packaging Options
The supplied product information lists a 9.5 kg R32 cylinder as the primary packaging configuration.
| Packaging Type | Reference Size | Supply Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder | 9.5 kg | Reference supply size from the provided product list |
Packaging, filling weight, valve configuration, cylinder type, minimum order quantity and bulk availability may vary by destination and order requirement. Confirm the final supply configuration before ordering.
R32 Is a Major HVAC Transition Refrigerant, Not a Universal Retrofit
R32 has become a major new-equipment route because its GWP of 675 is below the 700 threshold used for important U.S. residential and light-commercial AC and heat-pump categories.
Regional policy is not uniform. European F-gas rules tighten further by product type and future date, so R32 can be a current transition option without being the final long-term refrigerant for every system category.
For R410A transition research, use the R410A Replacement Guide and the Refrigerant Comparison Tool.
- New equipment: use certified R32 platforms designed for A2L refrigerant.
- Existing R410A equipment: continue to follow the original OEM refrigerant and service instructions unless an approved conversion exists.
- Future planning: check application-specific regulations rather than relying on GWP alone.
R32 should not be charged into equipment designed for R410A, R22 or another refrigerant merely because the application is similar or the GWP is lower.
R32 Refrigerant Frequently Asked Questions
What is R32 refrigerant?
R32 is difluoromethane, a single-component HFC refrigerant used primarily in purpose-designed air-conditioning and heat-pump equipment.
What is the GWP of R32?
The U.S. EPA Technology Transitions reference table lists HFC-32 at a 100-year GWP of 675.
Is R32 flammable?
R32 is classified A2L, meaning lower flammability rather than A1 nonflammability or A3 higher flammability.
Where is R32 used?
R32 is widely used in residential and light-commercial air conditioners, heat pumps and selected multi-split or VRF equipment designed for it.
Can R32 replace R410A directly?
No universal retrofit should be assumed. R32 and R410A differ in safety class, composition, charge requirements, equipment listing and system design.
Is R32 a blend?
No. R32 is a single-component refrigerant, so it does not fractionate like a zeotropic blend.
What R32 packaging is listed for supply?
The provided product information lists a 9.5 kg cylinder. Final cylinder and valve details should be confirmed for each order.
Does GWP 675 make R32 legal for every new air conditioner?
No. GWP is only one requirement. SNAP or equivalent end-use approval, equipment standards, charge limits, local codes and product-specific rules also apply.
Product information on Refrigerants.net is provided for product identification, comparison and B2B purchasing research. Final refrigerant specification, packaging, availability, transport requirements, permitted use and equipment compatibility should be confirmed against current product documentation, SDS, OEM requirements and applicable regulations before purchase or use.
Additional information
| Application | Heat Pumps, Light Commercial Air Conditioning, Residential Air Conditioning |
|---|---|
| Composition Type | Single Component |
| ASHRAE Safety Class | A2L |
| Package Size | 9.5 kg |
| Packaging Type | Disposable Cylinder |
| Refrigerant Number | R32 |
| Transport Hazard Class | Class 2.1 |
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