R32 disposal and servicing: rules and price
There is no servicing ban for R32: its GWP of 675 is below every servicing threshold, so you may keep topping up existing air conditioners and heat pumps, including with virgin gas. However, many new units using R32 may no longer be placed on the market from 2027 onwards, depending on type and capacity. Gaia Cooling collects recovered R32 and makes sure it reaches a licensed reclamation plant.
- GWP
- 675
- Type
- HFC, single component
- Destination
- Reuse after reclamation
What applies to R32
- 2025
New single-split air conditioners and heat pumps with less than 3 kg of refrigerant may no longer contain refrigerant with a GWP of 750 or more. At 675, R32 is below that limit and is the usual choice in this segment.
- 2027
New monobloc air conditioners and heat pumps up to 50 kW and air-to-water split systems up to 12 kW may no longer contain an F-gas with a GWP of 150 or more, unless safety requirements at the site make it necessary. That affects R32. The maximum amount of new HFCs allowed on the EU market roughly halves.
- 2029
The same applies to new air-to-air split systems up to 12 kW.
- 2033
New split systems above 12 kW may no longer contain an F-gas with a GWP of 150 or more, unless safety requirements make it necessary.
- 2035
New split systems up to 12 kW may no longer contain any F-gases, unless safety requirements make it necessary.
R32 is found in many split air conditioners and heat pumps from the past ten years, and increasingly in VRF systems and small chillers. It is also a component of blends such as R410A, R407C, R448A, R449A and R454B.
Propane (R290) in monobloc heat pumps and in some new split air conditioners, CO₂ (R744) in heat pumps for domestic hot water. Where safety requirements rule out a natural refrigerant, a low-GWP F-gas remains possible.
Offering R32
We collect recovered R32 from installers, wholesalers and equipment owners. Collection goes through a licensed carrier, we handle the paperwork and we look at the price lot by lot. The gas goes to a licensed reclamation plant. Because R32 has a low GWP, there is less demand for it than for R410A or R404A, and that is reflected in the price.
Questions about R32
Is R32 banned?
No. There is no ban on using or topping up existing systems. However, from 2027 many new air conditioners and heat pumps using R32 may no longer be placed on the market, unless safety requirements at the site make it necessary.
Can I still top up an R32 heat pump after 2032?
Yes. The 2032 ban covers refrigerant with a GWP of 750 or more in stationary refrigeration equipment. R32 has a GWP of 675 and is not covered.
What should I watch for when recovering R32?
R32 is mildly flammable (safety class A2L). Use a recovery cylinder suitable for flammable refrigerants, and keep R32 separate from other gases. Recovery must be done by a technician with a valid F-gas certificate.
How do I offer R32?
Tell us how many kilos there are and where. We look at the lot and you know where you stand upfront. We only schedule collection once you agree, and we handle the paperwork.