R290 is propane and R32 is a fluorinated refrigerant. For distributors and installers, refrigerant selection is one part of specifying a complete air-to-water system. It does not by itself establish heating output, flow temperature, seasonal performance or eligibility for a subsidy.
Matched performance data
Compare the exact models at the same ambient and water temperatures. Ask for capacity and electrical input across the operating map, seasonal ratings for the same climate and temperature application, and the minimum modulation range. A model that reaches a high water temperature may still have lower output or efficiency at that condition.
Safety and operating limits
R290 is classified A3 and R32 A2L. Both need a manufacturer-defined installation and service plan appropriate to their flammability. For an outdoor monobloc, check prescribed clearances, openings, drains, ignition sources and refrigerant charge. Outdoor placement does not justify a zero-risk claim.
Rules and eligibility
Fluorinated-gas obligations and placing-on-the-market restrictions depend on the equipment category, refrigerant and relevant dates. Do not infer that R32 is PFAS simply because it contains fluorine, or promise automatic support because a unit uses R290. Check current official rules and the model-specific application.
Supplier evidence and responsibilities
A distributor brief should ask for the installation manual, declaration of conformity, label and product fiche, spare-parts process and local service responsibilities. Thermovo can coordinate equipment selection and purchasing; this article does not claim that every offered model shares one test result or certification.
What to compare in an R290 or R32 quotation
| Evidence to request | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Capacity and input at the same design temperatures | Refrigerant name alone does not establish heating output or running cost. |
| Installation manual and model-specific safety requirements | Check the actual siting restrictions, charge and service requirements. |
| Seasonal rating for the same climate and water-temperature application | Do not compare labels based on different operating conditions. |
| Commissioning, spare parts and local service responsibilities | Agree who supports the complete system after delivery. |
Keep the refrigerant comparison separate from the monobloc/split decision. Ask suppliers to complete the same evidence checklist for both models; a missing document is a question to resolve, not proof that either refrigerant is unsuitable.
Compare monobloc and split installation
Sources and further reading
Before requesting a project quotation
| Check | Information to prepare |
|---|---|
| Project scope | State the country, project type, operating conditions and required delivery date. Identify which decisions still need an installer or designer. |
| Topic-specific evidence | matched model performance and refrigerant safety instructions |
| Responsibility and acceptance | Record who supplies, installs, commissions and services the equipment. Ask which documents and checks are included, and confirm exclusions in writing. |
This checklist helps define a request; it is not a model performance claim, installation design or promise of availability.
Relevant equipment · Request a project quotation — Refrigerants and system architecture · About Thermovo
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