R32 vs R410A vs R290: Understanding Refrigerants in Your Daikin AC
A clear breakdown of the refrigerants used in Indian HVAC systems, R32, R410A, and R290, covering efficiency, environmental impact, safety, and what Daikin recommends.
Topics covered in this article
R32 refrigerant AC India • R410A vs R32 • AC refrigerant guide India • Daikin R32 refrigerant
R32: The Refrigerant in Most Current Daikin Models
R32 is the refrigerant in the majority of Daikin split ACs sold in India today. It has a global warming potential (GWP) of 675, roughly a third that of R410A, and provides slightly better energy efficiency due to its thermodynamic properties. R32 requires less refrigerant charge per unit than R410A, reducing both cost and environmental impact in case of leakage.
R32 is mildly flammable (A2L classification), but this is managed through design, Daikin and other manufacturers have engineered R32 systems to the relevant safety standards. Field incidents with R32 ACs are extremely rare.
- GWP: 675, significantly lower than R410A
- Energy efficiency: marginally better heat transfer than R410A
- Charge quantity: typically 20% less refrigerant needed per unit than R410A
- Mildly flammable, install and service by qualified technicians only
R410A: Still in Service, Being Phased Down
R410A has been the dominant refrigerant in commercial HVAC systems for over a decade. It has a GWP of 2,088, which makes it a significant contributor to global warming if released. Under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, India is committed to reducing HFC use including R410A over the coming decade.
Existing R410A systems will continue to operate, the phase-down affects new equipment production, not installed base. Service refrigerant for R410A systems will remain available for many years, but at increasing cost as production is curtailed.
- GWP: 2,088, about three times that of R32
- Still used in many commercial systems including some VRF applications
- Phase-down timeline: new equipment phase-out in India expected by early 2030s
- Existing R410A systems can continue to be serviced through the transition period
R290 (Propane): The Natural Refrigerant Option
R290 (propane) has a GWP of just 3, making it nearly climate-neutral. It has excellent thermodynamic properties and is used in some residential mini-splits and commercial refrigeration. The main challenge is flammability, R290 is highly flammable, requiring careful system design, installation, and servicing protocols.
In India, R290 is gaining adoption in small-capacity domestic ACs. Its use in larger commercial systems is limited by safety regulation complexity, but this is expected to expand over the next decade.
- GWP: 3, near-zero climate impact
- Highly flammable: A3 classification, strict installation and servicing protocols required
- Currently used in some 1–1.5 ton domestic ACs in India
- Future direction: likely to see expanded use as HFC phase-down accelerates
Daikin's Refrigerant Strategy for India
Daikin has been at the forefront of the transition to lower-GWP refrigerants globally. Most current Daikin split AC models sold in India use R32. Daikin's VRV commercial systems have largely transitioned to R32 as well. Daikin is also actively developing R290 and HFO-based refrigerant solutions for future product generations.
- Current residential range: R32 standard on most Daikin split models
- VRV commercial systems: R32 in current generation Daikin VRV 5 systems
- Long-term commitment: Daikin pledged to carbon neutrality including refrigerant GWP reduction
- Service: Daikin authorised dealers use correct refrigerant for each system, never mix refrigerants
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Which refrigerant is used in Daikin ACs available at Aermac in Goa?
Current Daikin split AC models at Aermac use R32 refrigerant. Specific models may vary, the refrigerant type is always listed on the outdoor unit nameplate and in the product specification. Contact Aermac for details on the specific model you are considering.
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