R290 vs CO2 Refrigerants: Which Zero-Carbon Heat Pump Suits Your UK Home?

Why an eco refrigerant comparison matters

Choosing the right refrigerant is more than a technicality. It’s about:
– Cutting energy bills.
– Lowering carbon footprints.
– Meeting UK building regulations.
– Securing government grants for renewable heating.

We call it an eco refrigerant comparison. You get clarity. You get savings.

The basics: R290 and CO2 in a nutshell

Let’s keep it simple.

• R290 (Propane):
  • A natural hydrocarbon.
  • GWP of around 3.
  • Flammable.
  • Excellent heat transfer.

• CO2 (R744):
  • A natural gas.
  • GWP of 1.
  • Non-flammable.
  • Operates at very high pressure.

You’ve seen guides from big names like Rinnai. They nail the data but stop at theory. We do more. We install. We support. We help you claim grants.

R290: Pros and cons in plain English

R290 wins on efficiency. It moves heat like a pro. Your meter shows smaller numbers. That’s lower bills.

Pros:
– High Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP).
– Low GWP, low ozone risk.
– Lower upfront system cost than CO2.

Cons:
– It’s flammable.
– Requires certified installers.
– Limited charge per circuit in some UK codes.

CO2: The strong and the tricky bits

CO2 is the eco champion. GWP of 1. That’s unbeatable. Zero ozone impact. But…

Pros:
– Ultra-low GWP and zero ODP.
– Performs well in sub-zero weather.
– Mature tech in commercial settings.

Cons:
– Very high operating pressures.
– More expensive components.
– Fewer service engineers on the ground.

Midpoint check: How do you pick? Blunt answer: It depends on your home, budget, and long-term goals.

In-depth eco refrigerant comparison

Weigh these key factors:

1. Energy efficiency
2. Environmental footprint
3. Safety and regulations
4. Installation and servicing
5. Total cost of ownership

1. Energy efficiency

• R290:
  • SCOP of up to 5.0 in mild UK winters.
  • Great for underfloor heating and radiators.

• CO2:
  • SCOP around 4.0–4.5 in sub-zero temps.
  • Ideal in well-insulated homes with radiators or fan coils.

Winner? R290 edges ahead in average conditions. But if you live in the Scottish Highlands, CO2 stays efficient when it’s frosty.

2. Environmental footprint

Both refrigerants beat legacy options like R410A. Still:

• R290: GWP 3.
• CO2: GWP 1.

They’re top of the class. That’s why we focus on zero-carbon refrigerants in every Megawave system. Our eco refrigerant comparison always favours natural options.

3. Safety and regulations

R290
• UK regulations cap the charge size.
• Installers need F-Gas and flammable refrigerant certification.
• Good ventilation is vital.

CO2
• High-pressure design codes.
• More robust piping and hydraulics.
• Technicians need pressure-systems training.

Both have strict rules. Our team at The Heat Pumps UK handles every detail. From risk assessments to safety valves.

4. Installation and servicing

A slick installation matters as much as the refrigerant. Here’s where we shine:

• Free site survey to find worst-case charge.
• Expert design for flammable or high-pressure setups.
• Seamless integration with existing radiators or underfloor.
• Flexible finance options to spread the cost.
• Maintenance plans to keep efficiency high.

Rinnai and others give you choices. But often you source engineers yourself. We bundle it all: product, install, finance, maintenance.

5. Total cost of ownership

R290 systems cost less up front. CO2 kits can be 20–30% pricier. But remember rebates:

• UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants cut your bill by up to £7,500.
• Local authority top-ups up to £2,000 in some areas.
• Flexible financing makes both options affordable.

Add our expert maintenance, and you’ve got peace of mind. A true eco refrigerant comparison wouldn’t ignore the pennies you save over 15–20 years.

Explore our flexible financing

How The Heat Pumps UK closes the gaps

We’ve looked at Rinnai’s strong breakdown of R290 vs CO2. We agree on the science. But we go further:

• We arrange your Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants.
• We handle all certifications for R290 flammability.
• We design high-pressure CO2 loops that last decades.
• We offer a 24/7 support line for any service call.
• We pair you with “Maggie’s AutoBlog” if you’re an SME needing SEO content. (Yes, it’s our AI tool.)

We deliver a complete package, not just a refrigerant choice.

Which refrigerant suits your UK home?

Break it down:

• You have a well-insulated semi in Bristol? R290 is nimble and cost-effective.
• You’re up north with stone walls and draughts? CO2 won’t lose its cool (or heat!).
• You want maximum grant aid? Both qualify, but check your local council.
• You dread maintenance calls? Our full-care plan has you covered.

Still stuck? Our free survey will nail it. We’ll give you a clear recommendation: R290 or CO2. No fluff.

Final thoughts

Your home needs comfort. Your wallet needs savings. And the planet needs lower emissions. An eco refrigerant comparison is your first step. Then comes the right partner. We’ve built Megawave to lead the pack:

• Zero-carbon refrigerants only.
• Expert design and install.
• Government grants and flexible finance.
• Maintenance and support you can trust.

Ready to make the switch? Let’s chat. We’ll help you choose R290 or CO2—and back it with full-service peace of mind.

Get your free heat pump survey