As the HVAC industry evolves to meet new environmental standards, one of the most important factors in system design is refrigerant selection. At Dalrada, our commercial heat pumps are designed around three of the most advanced refrigerants available today—R744 (CO₂), R454B, and R32. Each refrigerant offers unique advantages depending on the application, and all align with current and upcoming U.S. and international regulations.
But first—why does refrigerant choice matter so much? It all comes down to GWP.
What Is GWP and Why Is It Important?
GWP, or Global Warming Potential, is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a 100-year period.
- CO₂ has a GWP of 1 and serves as the baseline.
- The higher the GWP, the more significant the contribution to global warming.
- Many older refrigerants like R410A have GWPs over 2,000, which has led to their phase-down under environmental policies.
With refrigerant restrictions intensifying under the U.S. EPA AIM Act and the EU F-Gas Regulation, systems using high-GWP refrigerants will be restricted or banned beginning as early as January 1, 2025. That’s why Dalrada is leading with refrigerants that offer high performance and low environmental impact.
R744 (CO₂) – The Ultra-Low GWP Leader
- GWP: 1
- Applications: Commercial, industrial, and high-efficiency heating systems
- Used In: DCT ONE Series heat pump
Why It Matters:
R744 is natural carbon dioxide—a non-toxic, non-flammable refrigerant that provides excellent performance across a range of temperatures. With a GWP of just 1, it is one of the most environmentally friendly refrigerants available and is already compliant with long-term global regulations.
Key Benefits:
- Regulation-proof: Fully aligned with current and future refrigerant policies
- Exceptional low-temperature performance: Ideal for colder climates
- Safe: Non-flammable and non-toxic under normal operating conditions
- Sustainable: Naturally occurring with no synthetic manufacturing process
R454B – A Lower-GWP Replacement for R410A
- GWP: Approximately 466
- Applications: Commercial HVAC systems, retrofits, and packaged units
Why It Matters:
R454B is a next-generation refrigerant designed to replace R410A with nearly 80% lower GWP while maintaining similar operating pressures and efficiencies. It allows a smoother transition to more sustainable systems with minimal system redesign.
Key Benefits:
- Lower environmental impact: Significant GWP reduction from legacy refrigerants
- Mild flammability (A2L): Requires precautions but safe for most commercial uses
- Drop-in adaptability: Compatible with many existing system types
- Regulation compliant: Approved for use under new AIM Act rules starting 2025
R32 – Efficient, Compact, and Widely Used
- GWP: Approximately 675
- Applications: Split systems, residential and commercial heat pumps
Why It Matters:
R32 is a single-component refrigerant known for strong cooling performance and wide global adoption. It has a lower GWP than R410A and supports more compact, energy-efficient system designs.
Key Benefits:
- High efficiency: Excellent thermal performance and energy transfer
- Lower system charge: Requires less refrigerant volume per unit
- Field-proven: In use globally in millions of systems
- Service-friendly: Technicians are widely trained on R32 handling
Dalrada’s Refrigerant Strategy: Performance Meets Responsibility
Every commercial environment has unique energy, performance, and regulatory needs. Dalrada’s use of R744, R454B, and R32 allows us to tailor heat pump solutions to those needs while remaining compliant and future-ready.
Our refrigerant strategy gives our partners:
- Confidence in meeting upcoming U.S. and international regulations
- More options to balance cost, performance, and sustainability
- Systems designed for long-term value and low environmental impact
To learn more about our high-efficiency, low-GWP commercial solutions, explore the DCT ONE Series or contact our team.
