air conditioners use R-32 refrigerant

Why some air conditioners use R-32 refrigerant for eco-friendly cooling

As airborne pollutants become more potent, cooling systems have started making use of a wide variety of materials. These materials contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, oxygen reduction, and increased greenhouse gases. The need for sustainable air conditioning solutions has never been more urgent, especially as air conditioners and ozone impact become central to climate change discussions.

Haier India aims to improve overall lifestyles while simultaneously lowering the carbon footprint. In efforts to sustain the environment, the eco-responsible refrigerant R-32 is being widely adopted across air conditioners.

About R-32

R-32 refrigerant is a type of refrigerant that is becoming more popular with each passing day. The popularity comes with its availability and significantly lower impact on the environment. While using the advertised air conditioning systems, deodorants used would help eliminate the feel absorbed within. As the name suggests, AC refrigerants deplete, inflating global carbide reserves. Henceforth, the government clause issued firms like Haier, leading them to ditch their old R-22 models.

Features and Advantages of Using R-32 Refrigerant

Advantages of Using R-32 Refrigerant
Credits: Haier India

Easier to Process and Manage Single Composition Gas

R-32 refrigerant, also referred to as CH₂F₂, is a single-component refrigerant. Unlike blended refrigerants, R-32’s composition stays the same over time, meaning a unit’s performance remains consistent. This also means that on-site top-ups and servicing become easier because there is no worry of component separation, called fractionation—a common concern with blended refrigerants.

Lower Global Warming Potential

GWP or Global Warming Potential is how much heat a gas retains in the atmosphere. R-32 has a GWP of 675, which is lower than R-410A (2090) and R-22 (1810). This shows that R-32 is more environmentally friendly.

Also, in the case of leakage, R-32 is better for the environment because of its lower impact on global warming as well as its alignment with international environmental goals like The Kigali Amendment.

No Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)

R-32 is a Hydrofluorocarbon
Credits: Haier India

R-32 is a Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) with zero ozone depletion potential. This means that while it doesn’t deplete the ozone layer, it has no contribution to ozone layer depletion. It is more appropriate to say “no impact” rather than “zero.”

This is a significant step forward compared to older refrigerants like R-22, which harmed the ozone layer and is now being phased out across the globe.

Low Toxicity Classification

Following ASHRAE regulations, R-32 is classified as a Class A refrigerant, which encompasses low toxicity under standard operating conditions. Not entirely without risk, it is deemed safe for residential buildings when properly managed by skilled technicians during installation and servicing.

Mild Flammability (A2L Classification)

R-32 is classified under A2L, which means low flammability in certain circumstances. Particular conditions for this refrigerant can be managed through system design and professional execution of installation. Provided the proper safety measures are followed, R-32-based systems in residential areas have very low risk.

Even with mild flammability, air conditioners using R-32 as refrigerant operate effectively due to incorporated safety features. Haier’s AI Smart Gravity Series goes further, featuring extensive safety designs that mitigate flammability risks for certified professionals servicing the unit under optimal safety conditions.

The Evolution of Refrigerants

The refrigeration industry had CFCs like R-12 (which emitted CFCs and did severe damage to the ozone layer), to HCFCs like R-22 (less damaging but still an ozone depleter), and then HFCs like R-410A (no ozone depletion, but extremely high GWP). Now, R-32 is the next step forward—providing efficient cooling, no harm to the ozone layer, and a much lower GWP than its counterparts.

R-32’s Advantages

Using R-32 in Air conditioner
Credits: Haier India

Higher Cooling Capacity

R-32 features a higher latent heat of absorption and superb heat transfer characteristics, aiding its efficiency in cooling. This is an advantage as spaces can be cooled faster.

Haier’s AI Smart Gravity Series boasts rapid cooling capabilities due to these properties, with some models bringing temperatures down to a bare minimum—ideal for mid-summer.

Lower Energy Consumption

R-32 is less dense than R-410A, meaning less R-32 is needed to achieve the same effect. This leads to greater system efficiency and reduced energy use.

Also, being a single-component refrigerant adds ease when it comes to maintenance and recharging, leading to reduced lifetime operating costs.

Reduced Environmental Impact

R-32 is a better option for the environment as modern air conditioners will produce less greenhouse gases if R-32 is used instead of R-410A due to its low GWP and zero ODP.

Design Flexibility of Systems

Because of R-32’s thermodynamic properties, system designs are more compact and efficient. This leads to lower refrigerant volumes and higher efficiencies in heat exchangers.

This is enabled by the AI Smart Gravity Series from Haier, which implements Hexa Inverter Technology. This technology includes dual DC compressors, DC motors within the indoor and outdoor units, electronic expansion valves, and advanced PCB control. Compared to conventional fixed-speed ACs, these units offer savings of up to 65% on energy consumption.

The Technology Behind Haier’s R-32 Air Conditioners

Hexa Inverter Technology

Hexa Inverter Technology in air conditioner
Credits: Haier India

By working harmoniously with R-32 refrigerant, Haier’s Hexa Inverter systems provide enhanced temperature control and energy savings. Its continuous operation feature eliminates the wasteful, energy-consuming start-stop cycles that disrupt other designs, enabling superior and finely tuned performance.

Some models rated 5 stars offer an ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) as high as 5.05, positioning them as some of the best air conditioners in the Indian market.

AI Climate Control & Smart Features

AI Climate Control is integrated with R-32 systems to adapt to user preferences for cooling and learn to optimize energy use. The AI ECO mode and Power Tracking features allow consumers to proactively manage their energy consumption for added savings.

Specialized Heat Exchangers

The air conditioners developed by Haier utilize 100% copper grooved heat exchangers which are specifically designed for R-32 refrigerant due to its incredible heat transfer characteristics. This helps cool the unit faster and improves energy efficiency over time.

Haier’s Focus on Sustainable Cooling Technology

Sustainable Cooling Technology
Credits: Haier India

In India, we provide advanced products like the AI Smart Gravity Series that deliver strong cooling power while being environmentally friendly. The units have a 5-star energy label and high ISEER rating, meaning great value and lesser ecological impact during operation.

Professional Care & Warranty

Haier has a comprehensive warranty policy spanning 5 years on the whole product and 12 years on the compressor. Warranty claims are handled through an extensive network of authorized service dealers. All systems come with installation by qualified personnel who are trained to work with R-32 refrigerant, guaranteeing safe and efficient operation of the unit.

A Sustainable Investment That’s Ahead of Its Time

Opting for an air conditioning unit that uses R-32 will not only help save on energy used but also serve as a sensible decision for the future. R-32 is one of the approved refrigerants that will be permissible for most air conditioning units in the future due to how regulations change. Towards the end of its lifecycle, more refrigerants will be removed, making R-32 a compliant choice for the years to come.

As for the users of Haier’s air conditioners with R-32 refrigerant, the choice made enhances comfortable living while looking out for the environment.