{"id":57074,"date":"2026-09-29T16:06:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T15:06:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecoforest.com\/?p=57074"},"modified":"2026-09-29T16:06:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T15:06:11","slug":"r290-in-air-source-heat-pumps-regulations-safety-and-efficiency-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecoforest.com\/en\/news\/r290-in-air-source-heat-pumps-regulations-safety-and-efficiency-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"R290 in air-source heat pumps: regulations, safety and efficiency in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The transition to more sustainable refrigerants is a reality in the HVAC sector. In 2025, <strong class=\"\">R290 (propane)<\/strong> has become the leading refrigerant for high-efficiency air-source heat pumps. Its adoption is driven by European regulations on fluorinated gases (F-Gas), the pursuit of greater energy efficiency and the need to reduce CO\u2082 emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Ecoforest, we have embraced this technology in our <a href=\"https:\/\/ecoforest.com\/en\/category\/heat-pumps\/air-source-heat-pumps\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"ecoforest_product\" data-id=\"41956\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong class=\"\">ecoAIR+ PRO<\/strong><\/a> range. Using natural R290 refrigerant, it can reach flow temperatures of up to 75\u202f\u00b0C while delivering exceptional seasonal performance. In this guide, we cover <strong class=\"\">what R290 is, the safety regulations in force in 2025, its advantages over other refrigerants such as R32, and key installation recommendations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. What is R290, and why is it important for air-source heat pumps?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">R290<\/strong> is propane, a <strong class=\"\">natural, non-fluorinated refrigerant with a GWP (Global Warming Potential) of \u2248 3<\/strong>, compared with GWPs in the hundreds or thousands for traditional HFCs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Advantages for air-source heat pumps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong class=\"\">High energy efficiency (higher COP\/SCOP)<\/strong> thanks to its thermodynamic properties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"\">Higher flow temperatures (up to 70\u201375\u202f\u00b0C)<\/strong>, ideal for existing radiators and domestic hot water (DHW) production without an electric heating element.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"\">Long-term regulatory compliance:<\/strong> avoids the need for future replacement under F-Gas regulations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"\">Low refrigerant charge<\/strong>: heat pumps designed for R290 need less refrigerant to deliver the same output.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"697\" src=\"https:\/\/ecoforest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-3-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50764\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecoforest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-3-1024x697.png 1024w, https:\/\/ecoforest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-3-300x204.png 300w, https:\/\/ecoforest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-3-768x523.png 768w, https:\/\/ecoforest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-3.png 1498w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. R290 regulations in 2025: charge limits, clearances and ventilation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">R290 is an A3 refrigerant (high flammability). Specific regulations therefore govern its installation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong class=\"\">Refrigerant charge limits:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Under EN 378, the permitted amount depends on the type of installation and the volume of the room.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For residential applications and compact heat pumps, limits in enclosed spaces are generally around <strong class=\"\">1.2\u20132.5 kg<\/strong> of refrigerant, depending on floor area and ventilation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ecoforest units have been designed to meet these limits without compromising output or efficiency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"\">Minimum safety clearances:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The outdoor unit must be installed in a ventilated location, away from ignition sources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A safety zone around the unit is generally required (e.g. 60 cm on critical sides; always check the manufacturer\u2019s manual).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"\">Mandatory ventilation for indoor installations:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Indoor installations are permitted only if natural or mechanical ventilation requirements are met.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In practice, most R290 heat pumps in 2025 are designed <strong class=\"\">for outdoor installation<\/strong>, avoiding additional risks and administrative requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Safety: indoor vs outdoor installation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong class=\"\">Outdoor installation:<\/strong><br>The recommended and most common option. The unit is placed against an external wall, in a courtyard or on a roof, with adequate ventilation and no additional risks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"\">Indoor installation (special cases):<\/strong><br>Requires compliance with specific regulations: leak detectors, mechanical ventilation systems and, in some cases, ATEX safety certification. Because it increases cost and complexity, it is rarely used in single-family homes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"\">Ecoforest\u2019s 2025 recommendation:<\/strong><br>Install the R290 heat pump outdoors whenever possible; it is the safest option, the easiest to obtain approval for and the least costly in terms of building work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. The impact of R290 on seasonal efficiency (SCOP) and DHW<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Switching to R290 is not just about environmental or regulatory considerations: it also improves the real-world performance of air-source heat pumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong class=\"\">Higher SCOP:<\/strong> thanks to its thermodynamic properties, R290 allows operation at lower compression temperatures, reducing electricity consumption and extending compressor life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"\">DHW production without an electric heating element:<\/strong> while many R32 systems need electric backup to reach 60\u202f\u00b0C in the storage tank, R290 can produce water at 70\u201375\u202f\u00b0C using only the heat pump.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong class=\"\">Compatibility with older radiators:<\/strong> it makes it possible to modernise apartments and homes with existing radiators, without replacing them with low-temperature emitters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. R290 vs R32: 2025 comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Feature<\/th><th>R290 (Propane)<\/th><th>R32 (Difluoromethane)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Refrigerant type<\/td><td>Natural<\/td><td>Fluorinated (HFC)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>GWP (climate impact)<\/td><td>\u2248 3<\/td><td>675<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Safety<\/td><td>A3 (flammable, with charge limits)<\/td><td>A2L (low flammability)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Max. flow temperature<\/td><td>70\u201375\u202f\u00b0C<\/td><td>Typically 55\u201360\u202f\u00b0C<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>SCOP<\/td><td>3.5\u20135.0<\/td><td>3.0\u20134.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>High-temperature DHW<\/td><td>Yes, without backup<\/td><td>Often requires an electric heating element<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Long-term regulatory outlook<\/td><td>Long term (complies with F-Gas requirements for 2030 and beyond)<\/td><td>Transitional (restrictions phased in from 2025 to 2030)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">Conclusion:<\/strong> R32 has served as a transitional alternative, but R290 is the definitive choice in 2025 in terms of efficiency, operating temperature and long-term regulatory compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Installers\u2019 FAQs about R290 air-source heat pumps in 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">1. Is specific training needed to install R290 heat pumps?<\/strong><br>Yes. Although an F-gas certificate is not required (R290 is not an HFC), installers must be qualified to work with A3 refrigerants and familiar with charge limits and safety requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">2. Is there a power output limit for R290 systems?<\/strong><br>No. Thanks to modular design and optimised refrigerant charge, R290 is used in both domestic and commercial-capacity equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">3. What happens if there is a leak?<\/strong><br>The unit must be located in a ventilated space. Because the gas is heavier than air, the risk is managed through unit placement and by observing the minimum safety clearances specified by the manufacturer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong class=\"\">4. Is R290 equipment more expensive than R32 equipment?<\/strong><br>The initial cost may be slightly higher because components have been redesigned, but lower consumption and the absence of regulatory restrictions offset the investment within a few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2025, switching to <strong class=\"\">R290 air-source heat pumps<\/strong> is about much more than complying with regulations: it means choosing a more sustainable, efficient and future-ready system. Its advantages in <strong class=\"\">SCOP, DHW production without an electric heating element and compatibility with older radiators<\/strong> make it the best option for both new builds and the renovation of homes and buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/ecoforest.com\/en\/category\/heat-pumps\/air-source-heat-pumps\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"ecoforest_product\" data-id=\"13536\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong class=\"\">Ecoforest ecoAIR+ PRO<\/strong><\/a> range combines this natural refrigerant with a safe, quiet design adapted to regulatory requirements, delivering highly efficient heating and cooling solutions with a low environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udc49 Want to know whether your home or project could benefit from an R290 installation now? Contact Ecoforest, and our certified installers will advise you with a personalised assessment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The transition to more sustainable refrigerants is a reality in the HVAC sector. In 2025, R290 (propane) has become the leading refrigerant for high-efficiency air-source heat pumps. Its adoption is driven by European regulations on fluorinated gases (F-Gas), the pursuit of greater energy efficiency and the need to reduce CO\u2082 emissions. At Ecoforest, we have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":36675,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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