What is GWP in Refrigerants and Why Is It Important?
Entrance
As sustainability and environmental awareness become increasingly important, the environmental impacts of refrigerants are also being examined more closely. A concept we frequently encounter in this regard: GWP (Global Warming Potential) . So, what does this value mean? And why has it become so important to both users and manufacturers?
In this article, we explain the concept of GWP in plain language and compare the GWP of the most common refrigerants.
1. What is GWP (Global Warming Potential)?
GWP is a value that indicates the global warming impact of a gas relative to carbon dioxide .
✅ 1 unit of CO₂ = GWP 1
✅ R-134a → GWP 1430
✅ R-410A → GWP 2088
✅ R-32 → GWP 675
✅ CO₂ → GWP 1
✅ R-290 → GWP 3
👉 The higher the GWP, the greater the potential of that gas to create a greenhouse effect in the atmosphere.
2. Why is GWP so important?
🔹 Environmental Impact: Gases with high GWP can accelerate climate change.
🔹 Legal Regulations: Regulations such as the EU's F-Gas Directive and the Kigali Agreement restrict the use of high GWP gases.
🔹 Brand Responsibility: Businesses that choose environmentally friendly gases create a sustainable brand image.
🔹 Consumer Preferences: Conscious consumers tend to prefer low GWP systems.
3. Refrigerant Comparison Based on GWP Values
| Refrigerant Gas | GWP Value | Ozone Damage Potential (ODP) | Flammability Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-134a | 1430 | 0 | A1 (Fireproof) |
| R-410A | 2088 | 0 | A1 |
| R-32 | 675 | 0 | A2L (Low flammable) |
| R-1234yf | <1 | 0 | A2L |
| CO₂ (R-744) | 1 | 0 | A1 |
| R-290 | 3 | 0 | A3 (Flammable) |
4. Why is the transition to low-GWP gases being delayed?
⏳ Some reasons:
🔸 Incompatibility of old systems with new gases
🔸 Some low GWP gases are flammable and require extra safety
🔸 Alternative gases are high cost
However, despite all these challenges, both environmental and legal pressures are pushing companies into this transition.
5. GWP Awareness with Max Gas
As Max Gas:
✅ We openly share the GWP values of all our products.
✅ We offer technical support to companies switching to environmentally friendly gases.
✅ We are constantly expanding our portfolio of low GWP products.
Conclusion
GWP is no longer just a technical term; it has become a key criterion for both environmental and business sustainability. By choosing environmentally friendly gases with low GWP, you can both protect nature and invest in the future.
Max Gaz is here for you with safe and efficient gas options with low GWP values!