From 2027, new European Union regulations will come into force, limiting the use of fluorinated gases (F-gases), which are widely used as refrigerants in heat pumps.
Starting in January next year, new EU legislation will restrict the sale of certain heat pumps using synthetic refrigerants with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), specifically above a value of 150. This figure indicates how much a refrigerant contributes to the greenhouse effect, expressed as a multiple relative to carbon dioxide (CO₂ has GWP = 1). Commonly used synthetic refrigerants (F-gases) typically reach values in the hundreds or even thousands.
Propane is the future
The new regulation clearly defines the direction of future development – natural refrigerants, especially R290 (propane), with a GWP of just 3. Master Therm is among the leaders in developing this technology and stands out globally with a comprehensive range of propane heat pumps, including the BoxAir IP and AquaMaster IP series.
We introduced these units to the market more than two years ago and have already completed numerous installations across Europe.
Master Therm is fully prepared for the transition to natural refrigerant R290. At the same time, we consider it important to highlight the significant limitations that will affect our current heat pumps using R410A and R407C refrigerants from next year onwards.
What will be phased out?
From 1 January 2027, European legislation will prohibit placing on the market heat pumps using R410A and R407C refrigerants up to 50 kW in the case of monobloc units and up to 12 kW for so-called split systems (where components are divided between indoor and outdoor units).
For split systems, there is currently no propane-based alternative, as it is not technically possible to meet the required safety standards for this refrigerant. Therefore, for replacing split units up to 12 kW using traditional refrigerants (R410A, R407C), this year is effectively the last opportunity. Larger split systems will follow with restrictions from 2029.
In the case of monobloc units, Master Therm offers a suitable R290 alternative for every existing model using R410A or R407C. This also applies to ground-source and water-to-water systems, where many manufacturers still do not offer such solutions.
Higher efficiency with R290
A common question is whether it makes sense to rush into purchasing traditional heat pumps, or whether the new eco-friendly refrigerant might perform worse. The answer is clear: propane heat pumps are technically more advanced, the refrigerant itself has superior thermodynamic properties, and overall efficiency is higher.
The only limitation is the need to comply with new safety requirements reflecting the higher flammability of propane compared to synthetic refrigerants. New buildings and projects should already take this into account. In existing buildings, however, this may result in additional costs, making it reasonable to also consider current solutions.
Master Therm offers a comprehensive range of heat pumps using R290, which will be further expanded this year with new models – the compact AquaMaster 9 IP and 9 ICP (ground-source) and the high-capacity BoxAir 120 IP (air-to-water).
Current models available until the end of the year
Existing product lines using R410A and R407C refrigerants will remain in production until the end of this year to meet customer demand.
