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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-08-09 Origin: Site
The European HVAC market is rapidly evolving, driven by new regulations and shifting priorities. Trends in air conditioning and heating refrigerants in Europe highlight a move toward more environmentally friendly options. Starting in 2025, the EU’s F-Gas ban on R410A will take effect, pushing companies to adopt lower-GWP refrigerants more quickly. Currently, R32 is widely used in most air conditioning and heat pump systems. Additionally, propane (R290) and CO2 are gaining popularity due to their reduced environmental impact, although safety and installation challenges remain. New Ecodesign standards and energy regulations are encouraging manufacturers to develop products that are safer, more efficient, and more affordable. These trends in air conditioning and heating refrigerants in Europe are shaping consumer choices, product costs, and compliance with regulations, reflecting the continent’s commitment to energy savings and greener cooling solutions.
Europe is switching from high-GWP refrigerants like R410A to greener choices like R32, R290, and natural refrigerants to help the environment.
The EU F-Gas Regulation has tough rules and bans on harmful refrigerants, so companies must use safer, low-GWP options by 2025 and later.
Natural refrigerants like propane (R290), CO2, and ammonia are used more now because they are better for the environment, but they need special safety steps and training.
New technology, like smart controls and solid-state cooling, makes heating and air conditioning systems safer and saves more energy.
Upgrading old HVAC systems with low-GWP refrigerants and safety changes helps them last longer and follow new environmental rules.
Technicians need training to safely work with flammable and high-pressure refrigerants and to keep up with new rules.
Government grants and rewards in Europe help people pay for energy-saving heat pumps and eco-friendly cooling systems.
The European HVAC market is growing because of stricter rules, more people wanting sustainable refrigerants, and better green technology.
The EU F-Gas Regulation is the main law for refrigerants in Europe. This rule tries to lower the harm from fluorinated gases. It does this by making strict rules and setting dates for changes. In 2025, there will be a ban on R410A. This is a big step because R410A has a high GWP. The rule says companies must cut HFC production and imports. By 2025, they must be at 60% of what they made from 2011 to 2013. By 2036, they must go down to 15%.
The European F-Gas Regulation also covers 23 more F-gases besides HFCs. This means it affects many different industries. There are rules for leak checks and for recovering and recycling gases. Technicians must get certified by 2027. The rule sets a GWP limit of 150 for small split heat pumps under 12 kW starting in 2027. Service bans will stop the use of new refrigerants with GWP above 2500 in small systems in 2025. This limit will get even lower, to 750, by 2032. The F-Gas Portal helps manage quotas and checks if companies follow the rules.
The EU F-Gas Regulation also stops the export of RACHP systems with refrigerants that have a GWP of 1000 or more if they cannot be sold in the EU. This keeps old technology from being sent to other places.
Key Provisions of the EU F-Gas Regulation:
Ban on high-GWP refrigerants like R410A in 2025.
HFC phase-down quotas for companies that make or bring in these gases.
More F-gases are now controlled.
GWP limits get stricter for different uses.
Service bans for high-GWP refrigerants in small systems.
Training, certification, and tracking are required.
Export bans for equipment that does not meet the rules.
The Ecodesign Directive sets rules for energy use and how products affect the environment. It tells companies to make products that last longer and can be fixed or recycled. The F-Gas Regulation works with Ecodesign rules. Together, they push companies to use natural refrigerants like CO2, ammonia, and hydrocarbons.
The directive makes sure leaks are controlled and technicians are trained.
Energy labels help companies make better systems.
The rules help create new designs that are airtight, have better insulation, and use materials that are better for the planet.
All these rules help people pick better refrigerants and systems. This leads to HVAC solutions that save energy and are better for the environment in the EU.
National policies in Europe build on the EU F-Gas Regulation but can be stricter or enforced in different ways. Some countries in Northern Europe have taxes on HFCs based on GWP and have extra bans. This makes companies switch to natural refrigerants and new system designs faster. The table below shows some main differences:
| Aspect | European Union (EU) | Northern European Countries | United States (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Policy Framework | F-gas regulation targeting ~80% HFC phase-down by 2030 | GWP-based taxes on HFCs | Less stringent limits; influenced by payback periods and CARB regulations |
| Key Restrictions | Bans on high-GWP refrigerants in supermarkets and other sectors | Similar bans and taxes encouraging natural refrigerants | No outright bans; focus on investment payback and incentives |
| Market Adoption Drivers | Regulatory pressure for low-GWP and natural refrigerants | Taxes and bans promote natural refrigerants | Economic factors drive adoption |
| Impact on Refrigerant Choices | Push towards natural refrigerants and innovation | Early adoption of natural refrigerants | Gradual adoption, cost-driven |
| Enforcement and Strictness | High, with clear phase-down schedules and bans | High, with additional fiscal measures | Moderate, more voluntary or incentive-based |
These different laws and how they are enforced help Europe use more low-GWP alternatives, especially in supermarkets and factories. The EU’s rules, along with national actions, make sure the hfc phase-down stays on track and that companies keep finding new solutions.
R32 is now a popular choice in Europe. It is used instead of high-GWP refrigerants in air conditioning. R32 cools better and uses less energy than R410A. In 2019, most small split air conditioners in Europe used R32. In France, about 60% of split systems had R32. Companies changed their equipment and factories for this switch. This happened because of strict rules and the need for low-GWP refrigerants. People also want more eco-friendly products.
R32 has a GWP of 675, which is lower than R410A. This helps air conditioning and heating systems hurt the environment less. But R32 can catch fire, so workers must use special safety steps. R32 systems can cost more at first. Installers need extra training to handle it. Even with these problems, R32 use is growing fast. Rules are making companies pick refrigerants that are better for the planet.
Note: European rules might stop R32 use by 2026. This makes people unsure about using it for a long time.
R290, called propane, is getting more popular in Europe. It is a natural refrigerant with almost no GWP. R290 saves energy and is good for the environment. It is used in small commercial and home air conditioners. But R290 can catch fire easily, so safety is very important. There are strict rules for sealed parts, safe fans, and leak alarms. Equipment must be made just for R290. You cannot just swap it with HFC refrigerants.
The International Electrotechnical Commission set a 500-gram limit for R290 in some display cases. This lets bigger systems use R290 but still stay safe. Companies like LG are making more compressors for R290. They want to meet new rules. Using R290 and other hydrocarbons shows a big trend in Europe. People want low-GWP refrigerants and to save energy.
Natural refrigerants like ammonia, CO2, and hydrocarbons are used more in Europe. These have zero or very low GWP. They help lower greenhouse gas emissions. Germany and the Netherlands use lots of CO2 and ammonia systems. These are common in supermarkets and big cooling places. Heat pumps with natural refrigerants are also growing. They help save energy by giving both heating and cooling.
Natural refrigerants are good for the planet and can lower energy bills. They also help companies follow strict rules. But there are risks. Ammonia can be toxic. Hydrocarbons can catch fire. CO2 needs high pressure to work. Safety rules are changing to help more people use these refrigerants. Some companies use both reclaimed F-gases and natural refrigerants during the change. The main trend in Europe is to use natural refrigerants for long-term, green cooling and heating.
| Refrigerant Type | GWP | Energy Efficiency | Flammability | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R32 | 675 | High | Mild | Split AC, heat pumps |
| R290 (Propane) | <20 | Very High | High | Small AC, commercial display |
| R410A | 2088 | Moderate | None | Phasing out in all segments |
R410A has been used in Europe for a long time. It was common in air conditioning and heat pump systems. But R410A has a high Global Warming Potential. This means it can harm the planet more than other choices. Because of this, there are now strict rules against using it. The European Union and the Kigali Amendment want less use of high-GWP refrigerants. Starting January 1, 2025, companies cannot make or bring in R410A-based HVAC systems in Europe. This is a big change for the industry.
There are several reasons why R410A use is going down:
R410A has a GWP of 2088. This is much higher than newer refrigerants.
The EU F-Gas Regulation and the Kigali Amendment want less use of high-GWP refrigerants.
New rules do not allow R410A in new equipment. This makes companies look for better options.
The market now likes refrigerants with lower GWP, better energy use, and more safety.
Manufacturers and installers are now using new refrigerants instead of R410A. Some of the most common choices are:
R32: This refrigerant has a GWP of 675. It is now used in many home air conditioners and heat pumps. R32 can catch fire, so workers need special training.
R290 (propane): R290 has a GWP of about 3. It is one of the best for the environment. But it is very flammable, so there are strict safety rules. It can only be used in some equipment.
R454B and R454C: These are blends with much lower GWP than R410A. They are mildly flammable and work well in new systems.
R466A: This blend does not catch fire. It can replace R410A without big changes to the system.
R1234yf and R1234ze: These have very low GWP. They need new system designs to be safe and work well.
CO2 (R744): This natural refrigerant has a GWP of 1. It does not catch fire. It is used more in commercial systems but needs high-pressure equipment.
Note: Moving away from R410A is not just about following rules. It also helps companies reach climate goals and lower their carbon footprint.
The table below shows how R410A compares to its main replacements:
| Refrigerant | GWP | Flammability | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| R410A | 2088 | None | Phasing out in all segments |
| R32 | 675 | Mild | Residential AC, heat pumps |
| R290 | ~3 | High | Small AC, commercial display |
| R454B | 466 | Mild | New AC systems |
| R466A | 733 | None | Drop-in replacement |
| CO2 (R744) | 1 | None | Commercial, heat pumps |
The drop in R410A use shows a bigger trend in Europe. The industry now wants refrigerants that are safer, better for the planet, and work well. Companies must change fast to keep up and follow the new rules.
European companies are making new air conditioning and heating systems. These systems use safer and greener refrigerants. Daikin has made VRV systems that use CO2 as a refrigerant. These systems help lower carbon emissions and follow EU rules. The Daikin Altherma 4 heat pump now uses propane. Propane has a very low global warming potential. This change helps with the F-Gas phase-out and matches Europe’s green goals.
A big step comes from research funded by the EU. The University of Ljubljana leads this work. They are making a cooling system that uses metal tubes instead of regular refrigerants. This solid-state cooling is safer and quieter. It also saves more energy. It does not have the same risks as hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants. Companies are now making more heat pumps and systems. These systems can cool, heat, and give hot water to bigger homes. These new ideas help both new and old buildings meet energy and environment rules.
Note: Using low-GWP refrigerants and solid-state cooling is a big change for HVAC technology in Europe.
Retrofitting is important for using low-GWP and natural refrigerants. Many old HVAC systems in Europe need upgrades to use these refrigerants. Companies must update machines and add leak detectors. They also need safety gear for natural refrigerants like CO2 and ammonia. Technicians get special training to work safely with these systems.
Retrofitting often makes systems use less energy. It also adds smart technology. Hybrid systems, like CO2 and ammonia cascade solutions, can save energy and money. Working together helps manufacturers, lawmakers, and customers use retrofit solutions faster. Even though it is hard, retrofitting lets old systems meet new rules and green goals.
Retrofitting helps with:
Lower running costs
Better energy use
Following EU rules
Smart controls and digital tools are now very important for HVAC systems. These systems use new refrigerants. Johnson Controls' OpenBlue is one example. It uses real-time data and cloud computing. It also uses digital twins to watch and control building systems. These tools help companies track energy use and save energy. They also help lower carbon emissions.
Smart controls make systems safer. Leak detectors and multi-stage controls stop accidents. They also help follow low-GWP refrigerant rules. Remote connections let people watch and control many sites at once. Digital actuators and sensors give real-time data. This makes it easier to balance energy use and plan repairs.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Leak detection | Better safety and following rules |
| Remote monitoring | Easier control and less downtime |
| Real-time data | Improved energy use |
| Smart actuators | Easier balancing and repairs |
These new ideas help Europe’s HVAC industry meet tough environment rules. They also give people comfort that is reliable and efficient.
The europe refrigerant market is getting bigger each year. More people want hvac and air conditioning systems. In 2023, the European HVAC market was worth USD 30.43 billion. By 2032, it could reach USD 51.63 billion. This means it grows at a rate of 6.29% each year. From 2024 to 2028, the market may grow by USD 10.8 billion. The growth rate for these years is 5.57%. Things like IoT, more people living in cities, and strict rules help this growth. Companies are making systems that save energy and help the environment.
| Year | Market Size (USD Billion) | CAGR (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 30.43 | 6.29 |
| 2032 | 51.63 | 6.29 |
Western Europe is ahead in the europe refrigerant market. It has better buildings and spends more on new ideas. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK use more low-GWP refrigerants. They also use new cooling technology. HFC refrigerants cost more in Western Europe because of supply and demand. Strong rules and safety laws make companies use hydrocarbon refrigerants like propane.
Eastern Europe is growing faster. New factories in Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic help this growth. More people are moving to cities and earning more money. This makes them want more hvac and cooling. But rules are not as strict, and it costs more to follow them. This slows down the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants. Problems like the Russia-Ukraine war also make things unstable. Still, governments are spending money on green energy and new technology. This helps the market grow in the future.
The heat pump market in Europe is growing very fast. Germany is leading this change. In 2024, the Europe heat pump market was worth USD 14.2 billion. By 2034, it could be USD 82.6 billion. The growth rate is 19.3% each year. Air source heat pumps are the most common. They make up 93% of the market. Germany has the biggest share, with 14% and USD 1.9 billion. Strict rules, government money, and higher electricity prices help this growth. Programs in Germany give up to 35% off for installing heat pumps. New technology, like smart controls and using renewable energy, also helps. The EU’s Heat Pump Accelerator Platform supports both homes and businesses. It helps them buy energy-saving and green cooling systems.
More people want sustainable refrigerants in the europe refrigerant market. This is because governments are banning high-GWP refrigerants. Natural refrigerants like ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons are becoming more popular. They have low GWP and do not hurt the ozone layer. Governments give money to help with the high cost of new equipment. The price of old refrigerants is going up fast. This makes natural refrigerants a better choice. Supermarkets and cold storage places are upgrading their systems. They want to save energy and follow the rules. New technology and caring for the planet make this change happen faster.
The fast growth of the hvac and heat pump market helps the europe refrigerant market use more sustainable cooling. More companies and people want systems that save energy. This makes the need for low-GWP and natural refrigerants go up. Using renewable energy and saving energy are now main goals. The German example shows how rules, new technology, and people’s choices help this change. These trends mean the europe refrigerant market will keep focusing on energy, cooling, and being green for a long time.
New refrigerants like R32 and R290 have safety concerns. R32 is called an A2 refrigerant. It does not harm people much, but it can catch fire. R32 can burn if there is a flame nearby. Its burning range in air is from 15% to 31%. This means it could even explode if not handled right. Installers must follow strict rules to stay safe. They use vacuum steps when welding to stop fires. R290 is also called propane and is in the A3 safety class. It is very easy to catch on fire and can explode. Because of this, only a small amount can be used in systems. These systems must be in places with good airflow. No one can use open flames when putting in or fixing these systems. Both R32 and R290 do not hurt people much, unlike ammonia. But the main danger is that they can burn. New heat pumps are made to stop leaks. Extra safety tools help find and fix problems fast. These steps keep people and buildings safe.
Note: R290 is good for the planet and does not cause global warming. But because it can catch fire, only trained workers should use it.
People who work with flammable or high-pressure refrigerants need special training. The Building Engineering Services Association says there are more risks now. This is because more systems use R290 and other natural refrigerants. R290 can even catch fire from static electricity. So, workers must learn how to stay safe. Training teaches both facts and hands-on skills. Installers practice things like brazing, checking for leaks, and charging systems. They also learn how to tell which refrigerant is in a system and how to find problems. Classes teach how to check for risks, make sure there is enough fresh air, and clean out systems before brazing. Learning about leak detectors is also important. In Europe, there are not enough training centers. It can cost between €700 and €3000 for each worker to get trained. Online classes help with learning facts, but real practice needs special places. Good training keeps people safe, helps the planet, and makes sure systems work well.
Key training topics for installers:
Safe ways to handle flammable and high-pressure refrigerants
How to check for risks and make sure there is fresh air
How to find leaks and clean out systems
Hands-on skills for putting in and fixing systems
Picking R32, R290, or old refrigerants changes costs and savings. R290 heat pumps cost more at first. This is because they need special parts and extra safety steps. R32 heat pumps usually cost less and can be used with many old systems. Old refrigerants like R410A cost a medium or high amount at first. But these are being used less because they are bad for the planet. Over time, R290 systems save more money. They use less power and are very efficient. R32 systems save some money, but not as much as R290. Old refrigerants save the least energy.
| Feature | R290 Heat Pump | R32 Heat Pump | Traditional Refrigerants (e.g., R410A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Higher because of special parts and safety steps | Lower, works with old systems | Usually medium to high, depends on system |
| Long-Term Savings | More savings from using less power | Some savings, less than R290 | Less savings because not as efficient |
| Energy Efficiency | Very high | Medium | Lower than R290 and R32 |
| Global Warming Potential (GWP) | Very low (3) | Low (675) | High (much more than R32) |
| Installation | Harder, needs special training and safety | Easier, less likely to catch fire | Normal way to install |
| Regulatory Support | Liked by EU F-Gas Regulation; some countries give money to help | Supported but not as much as R290 | Being used less because of high GWP |
Some EU countries give money to help pay for R290 systems. This helps with the higher starting price. The F-Gas Regulation supports using refrigerants with low GWP. This makes R290 and R32 good choices for saving energy and following new rules.
Manufacturers in Europe are facing big changes now. The f-gas regulation and low-GWP refrigerants are the main reasons. They must change their factories to use new refrigerants like R32, R290, and CO2. Companies such as Copeland and Daikin have spent money on new machines and research. Now, they make compressors and controls that work with natural refrigerants. These changes help them follow the f-gas rules and stay strong in the market.
Manufacturers also use AI and IoT to make systems safer and save energy. They teach contractors how to use new refrigerants. Buying new machines and doing research costs a lot. But acting early helps companies stay ahead. For example, Daikin Europe built new factories for R32 air conditioners. This helped them sell more after the f-gas regulation started.
Manufacturers who use sustainable refrigerants can find new customers. They can also meet the growing need for green products.
Installers need to learn new skills for flammable and high-pressure refrigerants. The f-gas regulation says they must get special training for R290 and CO2. Installers face safety risks, hard technical work, and changing rules. They need new tools and must follow strict safety steps.
Challenges for installers:
Learning to use A2L and A3 refrigerants safely
Updating old systems for new refrigerants
Keeping up with new f-gas rules
Opportunities for installers:
Training from companies like Bosch and Viessmann
Higher pay for skilled work
More jobs from retrofitting and smart upgrades
In Germany, more installers are learning about heat pumps and R290 systems. Viessmann works with schools to help close the skills gap. Installers who learn new skills can do more jobs and earn more money as people want energy-saving systems.
Consumers see both problems and good things from new refrigerants and the f-gas regulation. New systems often cost more at first. Some people worry about finding parts or repairs for new technology. But government grants and rebates help lower the first cost. In France, the MaPrimeRénov program gives up to €15,000 for ground source heat pumps. This makes energy-saving systems easier to buy.
| Country | Subsidy Details | Impact on Consumers |
|---|---|---|
| France | Up to €15,000 for ground source heat pumps | Over 620,000 heat pumps sold in 2022 |
| Germany | Up to €21,000 in grants | Nearly 350,000 funding applications in 2022 |
| Austria | Grants cover up to 35% of cost, max €5,000 | Reduces upfront cost barrier |
| Spain | €3,000 grant for air source heat pumps | Continued installations, scheme runs until 2026 |
Consumers save money on energy bills and can pick greener options. Many people now buy R32-based air conditioners or heat pumps. In France, people who switched to R32 systems used less energy and got rebates. As more people want green choices, the market has more future-proof products.
Europe is making new rules for air conditioning. The EU F-gas Regulation puts strong limits on hydrofluorocarbons, called HFCs. The goal is to cut HFCs by 79% from 2015 to 2030. By 2020, HFC use was already down by 63%. Now, the EU bans F-gases with a global warming potential of 150 or more in new split air conditioners. These bans make companies use refrigerants like R32 and R290. These have much lower global warming potential.
Manufacturers must follow new safety rules for flammability and toxicity. They also need to make compressors and systems for low-GWP refrigerants. The EU wants to stop using HFCs in air conditioning and heat pumps by 2050. These changes show Europe wants greener cooling.
| Regulatory Trend | Description | Timeline/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Revised EU F-gas Regulation | Cuts down HFCs with strict quotas and bans on high-GWP refrigerants | Starts March 11, 2024; phase-out by 2050 |
| GWP Limit for Stationary Split AC | Bans F-gases with GWP of 150 or more | From 2024 |
| Phased Ban on F-gases in AC and Heat Pumps | Ban depends on the type of product | 2027–2035 |
| Promotion of Low-GWP Refrigerants | Pushes use of R32, R290, and other natural refrigerants | Ongoing |
Technology in air conditioning is changing quickly in Europe. Companies now make systems for low-GWP refrigerants. For example, Emerson made Copeland ZX units that use A2L and A1 refrigerants like R454A and R455A. These units save energy and are quieter. They fit in small places and give more choices to installers.
Many old HVAC systems need upgrades to use natural refrigerants like CO₂, ammonia, and hydrocarbons. Upgrades cost more and need new safety features. Ammonia can be toxic, and hydrocarbons can catch fire. So, better leak detection and ventilation are needed. The EU’s Ecodesign Directive and Energy Labelling Regulation ask companies to make efficient, low-GWP air conditioners. Smart controls, IoT, and AI are now common in new cooling products. These tools help people save energy and check their systems from anywhere.
Key technology trends:
More smart and energy-saving air conditioners
Better safety for natural refrigerants
Government money for upgrades and new systems
More research and new ideas, especially in Germany
The air conditioning market in Europe will keep getting bigger. Hotter weather and more people in cities mean more cooling is needed. The market is moving away from high-GWP refrigerants like R410A and R134A. Companies now use more R32 and R290, which are better for the planet. Cars still use R134A, but new electric cars and stricter rules will make the switch to greener options faster.
The market has some problems, like not enough skilled workers for new refrigerants and higher costs to make new systems. But the future still looks good. The focus on being green, saving energy, and following rules will help the market grow. Germany is leading with strong support for eco-friendly cooling.
The market will see:
Steady growth in HVAC and cooling needs
More choices for sustainable refrigerants
More new smart and efficient air conditioning systems
Europe’s HVAC market is choosing more low-GWP and natural refrigerants. This is because of strict EU F-Gas rules and the Kigali Amendment. These changes bring some good things. They help the environment and save more energy. They also help companies follow new safety rules. But there are still some problems. New refrigerants can cost more at first. Some are flammable or need high pressure, so safety is harder. Workers need more training to use these new systems. Companies must also change how their systems work.
| Key Focus | Ongoing Needs |
|---|---|
| Innovation | New refrigerant technologies |
| Training | Technician upskilling |
| Awareness | Monitoring regulations |
Everyone needs to keep learning and stay ready for changes. This helps people and companies grow in a green and safe way.
A low-GWP refrigerant has a GWP between 150 and 750. These include R32, R290, and CO₂. They help lower harm to the climate. Europe wants people to use them in new heating and cooling systems.
R410A has a very high GWP of 2088. The EU F-Gas Regulation will ban it in new systems in 2025. This helps Europe’s climate goals and makes companies use safer, greener choices.
Natural refrigerants like R290 and CO₂ have low GWP. They need strict safety steps. Installers must get special training. Good design and leak alarms help keep things safe.
New refrigerants can cost more at first because of special parts and safety tools. But over time, people save money with lower energy bills and help from the government.
Installers must learn how to handle flammable or high-pressure refrigerants safely. Training teaches leak checks, fresh air, and what to do in emergencies. European law says they must get certified.
Some old systems can be changed to use new refrigerants. Technicians might need to swap parts, add safety gear, and update controls. Not every system works with all refrigerants, so experts should help.
Many countries in Europe give grants or rebates for heat pumps or low-GWP systems. These help pay for the higher starting price and make green choices easier.
Manufacturers now make more low-GWP and natural refrigerant products. Some old products may be hard to find. Shoppers will see more eco-friendly choices in stores and from installers.
