Why R290 Matters: Low GWP Refrigerant for a Cleaner Future
Traditional heating systems guzzle energy and pump carbon into the atmosphere. Enter R290 air source heat pumps. They run on a low GWP refrigerant—propane—with a GWP of just 3. That’s leaps and bounds below many conventional options.
The Climate Challenge
You’ve heard the stats. Rising energy costs. Tighter regulations. Net-zero targets looming. Businesses and homeowners alike need solutions that tick both boxes: cutting bills and slashing emissions. A low GWP refrigerant like R290 is central to that shift.
What Is R290?
R290 is simply propane. But don’t let its everyday name fool you. In an air source heat pump, R290 cycles between liquid and vapour, harvesting ambient heat and delivering it as warmth to your radiators or underfloor circuits. It’s zero ozone depletion, ultra-efficient, and meets the highest environmental standards.
- Global Warming Potential: 3
- Ozone Depletion Potential: 0
- High thermodynamic performance
- Minimal refrigerant volume
Megawave’s High-Efficiency R290 Air Source Heat Pumps
Clade Engineering and a few others have championed R290 heat pumps. They’ve done well. But at Megawave, we’ve built on that foundation.
- Integrated smart controls for optimised performance
- Zero-carbon refrigerants with enhanced safety features
- Extended warranties and bespoke service agreements
Elm Heat Pump: Direct Boiler Replacement
Need a 50 kW or 70 kW solution that slots straight into your boiler room? The Elm Heat Pump delivers up to 80 °C flow temperature with peak efficiency. No pipework overhaul. No drama.
Birch Heat Pump: Quiet & Compact
For noise-sensitive sites, the Birch Heat Pump shines. Delivers up to 60 °C. Whisper-quiet operation. Low-volume R290 charge. Ideal for offices, galleries and boutique hotels.
Rowan & Larch: Scalable, Robust
- Rowan Heat Pump: Up to 375 kW at –5 °C ambient. Perfect for factories or multi-unit dwellings.
- Larch Cascade System: Combines R290 air source with R600a water source. Boiler-like flow/return of 82 °C/71 °C.
The Benefits of Low GWP Refrigerant Technology
Why swap out an old boiler for an R290 air source heat pump?
- Eco-friendly – R290’s GWP is just 3.
- Cost-effective – High COPs (up to 4.5) mean lower running costs.
- Year-round performance – Efficient even at low outdoor temperatures.
- Safety-first – Modern units include leak detection, auto-shutdown and ventilation protocols.
- Low noise – Designed for commercial and residential comfort.
- Future-proof – Meets or beats upcoming F-gas regulations.
Installation & Flexible Finance Options
A shiny new heat pump means little if you can’t afford it or it’s slapped on without care. Megawave wraps every project in expert design, installation and finance.
Expert Design & Installation
Our in-house engineers handle:
- Site surveys and risk assessments (HAZID/HAZOP)
- Tailored system layouts
- Seamless integration with existing hydraulics
- Insulation and pipework advice
Government Grants & Finance Schemes
We guide you through:
- Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS)
- Clean Heat Grant
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
- Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund
Plus, our flexible finance packages help you avoid big upfront spend.
Maintenance & Ongoing Support
A heat pump is a long-term investment. Megawave’s maintenance plans deliver:
- Annual service checks
- Performance tuning
- Rapid fault response
- Spare parts stockholding
We’ve paired our zero-carbon refrigerants with personalised support. No off-the-shelf contracts. Just peace of mind.
How We Outperform Traditional Systems & Competitors
Clade and others have set the scene for R290 innovation. Yet customers often face:
- Fragmented finance applications
- Limited aftercare packages
- Generic warranties
At Megawave, we:
- Bundle government grant assistance into one seamless process
- Provide 5-year warranties on compressors and heat exchangers
- Offer 24/7 remote monitoring to pre-empt faults
Traditional boilers? They burn fossil fuel, need annual gas safety checks and emit CO₂. Compare that to a low GWP refrigerant system that reduces carbon by up to 90%. No contest.
Real-World Impact: Case Studies & Testimonials
“A recent hotel retrofit saved us 35% on energy bills in six months,” says Emma from Bath. “Megawave did the grant paperwork and installation—hassle-free.”
A manufacturing plant in Manchester replaced its old gas boilers with two Rowan units. Outcome: 450 tonnes CO₂ saved over the next decade. And running costs dropped by 40%.
These aren’t marketing fluff. They’re real figures, real savings.
Ready for a Greener, Cheaper Heating Solution?
R290 air source heat pumps paired with a low GWP refrigerant are the future. They cut emissions, reduce bills and align with net-zero targets. Megawave’s end-to-end service—from design and installation to finance and maintenance—makes the switch simple.
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