Preparing for Changes to Heat Pump Refrigerants
New EU F-Gas regulations come into effect from 1 January 2027. Heat Merchants is here to help you plan ahead and transition smoothly to future-ready heat pump solutions.
What Is Changing?
New EU F-Gas Regulations from January 2027
As part of the EU's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, new F-Gas regulations will restrict the manufacture and import of heat pumps under 12kW that use R32 refrigerant.
From 1 January 2027, new R32 units in this category can no longer be placed on the EU market because R32 exceeds the new Global Warming Potential (GWP) limit of 150.
Manufacturers are now transitioning to refrigerants with significantly lower environmental impact. Several alternatives meet the new F-Gas requirements, including R290 and R454C. R290 has emerged as the most widely adopted replacement due to its very low GWP and excellent performance characteristics, although it may not be suitable for every application or installation. R454C is another compliant alternative that falls below the 150 GWP threshold and may be a more suitable option in certain applications.
What Does This Mean for You?
Existing R35 Heat Pumps
✅ Existing R32 units can continue to be installed and operated.
✅ Products already within the EU before 1 January 2027 can still be sold.
✅ Spare parts will remain available.
✅ R32 refrigerant will continue to be available for servicing and maintenance.
Good news: Current R32 systems will not become obsolete overnight.
New Projects & Future Installations
Projects planned for 2027 and beyond should consider refrigerant changes now.
As existing R32 stock is depleted:
- Availability of R32 products will become increasingly limited.
- Future installations will transition to R290-based solutions.
- Product specifications should be reviewed early in the project lifecycle.
- Installation timelines should be considered when selecting equipment.
Why R290?
A Future-Ready Refrigerant
R290 offers:
- Very low Global Warming Potential (GWP)
- Compliance with future EU regulations
- High energy efficiency
- Excellent heating performance
- Long-term product availability
How Heat Merchants Can Help
Starting 1 August 2026, Heat Merchants will support customers through the transition by:
- Providing dual quotations for both R32 and R290 solutions
- Advising on product selection and availability
- Helping with project planning
- Supporting compliance with upcoming regulations
- Offering a full range of R290 heat pump solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my existing R32 heat pump need to be replaced?
No. Existing R32 systems can continue to operate and be serviced.
Can I still purchase an R32 heat pump in 2027?
Yes, where stock already exists within the EU. Availability will become more limited over time.
Will spare parts still be available?
Yes. Spare parts and R32 refrigerant will continue to be available for servicing and maintenance.
Will spare parts still be available?
Most manufacturers are transitioning to R290, a low-GWP refrigerant that complies with future regulations.
If you have an upcoming project and would like guidance on selecting the most appropriate heat pump solution, our team is ready to help. Contact your local Heat Merchants branch to discuss product availability, project timelines, and future-proof solutions.
