Natural Refrigerant

R290 Propane Refrigerant

The sustainable choice for commercial refrigeration. Ultra-low GWP, zero ozone depletion, superior energy efficiency.

3
GWP Value
0
ODP
10%
More Efficient
Understanding R290

What is R290?

Propane (R290) is a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant that offers exceptional environmental performance and energy efficiency.

Ultra-Low GWP

R290 has a Global Warming Potential of just 3, compared to 1430 for R134a and 3922 for R404a.

Zero ODP

R290 has zero Ozone Depletion Potential, making it safe for the ozone layer unlike older refrigerants.

Energy Efficient

R290 systems are 5-10% more energy efficient than traditional HFC systems, reducing operating costs.

Future Ready

R290 is exempt from the HFC phase-down, ensuring long-term compliance with environmental regulations.

Refrigerant Type GWP ODP Status
R290 (Propane) Natural 3 0 ✓ Future-proof
R744 (CO₂) Natural 1 0 ✓ Future-proof
R32 HFO Blend 675 0 ⚠ Phase-down
R410a HFC 2,088 0 ✗ Phase-out
R134a HFC 1,430 0 ✗ Phase-out
R404a HFC 3,922 0 ✗ Phase-out
Environmental Impact

GWP Comparison Chart

See how R290 compares to other common refrigerants in terms of Global Warming Potential.

Global Warming Potential (Lower is Better) - Scale: Logarithmic
R744/CO₂
1
R290
3
R32
675
R410a
2,088
R134a
1,430
R404a
3,922
Safe Operation

Safety Standards

R290 is classified as A3 (low toxicity, high flammability) but is safe when used within established guidelines.

Flammability Class

R290 is A3 classified (highly flammable). Requires proper installation by certified technicians following NZ standards.

Charge Limits

Small units: ≤150g
Commercial: ≤500g
Max practical: 1.5kg with safety measures

Ventilation

Minimum 4 air changes per hour required. Systems must be installed in well-ventilated areas per AS/NZS standards.

Leak Detection

Electronic leak detectors required. Visual inspections mandatory. Annual certification required for commercial units.

NZ Standards

Compliant with AS/NZS 5149 refrigeration standards and WorkSafe NZ guidelines for flammable refrigerants.

Certified Installers

Only licensed refrigeration technicians may install, service, or repair R290 systems in New Zealand.

Product Range

Festivé R290 Models

Commercial refrigeration units designed for New Zealand businesses, featuring R290 natural refrigerant.

R290

Tower TC9

Capacity 900 litres
Refrigerant R290 (Propane)
Charge Amount 0.12 kg
Energy Rating ★★★★★
Application Commercial display
R290

Regent RG-400

Capacity 400 litres
Refrigerant R290 (Propane)
Charge Amount 0.10 kg
Energy Rating ★★★★★
Application Under-counter/Back bar
Regulatory Changes

HFC Phase-Down Timeline

New Zealand is implementing the Kigali Amendment to phase down HFC refrigerants. R290 is exempt.

2024
-35%
Current Phase
35% reduction in HFC imports compared to baseline. Higher GWP refrigerants becoming restricted.
2027
-65%
Major Reduction
65% cut in HFC availability. R134a and R404a supplies significantly constrained.
2030
-85%
Deep Cut Phase
85% reduction. Most HFC refrigerants will be extremely scarce and expensive.
2035
-95%
Final Phase
95% phase-down complete. Natural refrigerants like R290 will be standard.
Total Cost of Ownership

10-Year Cost Comparison

While R290 equipment may have a higher upfront cost, the long-term savings are significant.

R290 System

Upfront Equipment $3,500
Annual Energy Cost $280
Maintenance (10 yrs) $800
Refrigerant Cost $50
10-Year Total $7,150

R134a System

Upfront Equipment $3,000
Annual Energy Cost $320
Maintenance (10 yrs) $900
Refrigerant Cost $400
10-Year Total $8,100
$950
Total Savings over 10 Years with R290
Impact Calculator

CO₂e Savings Calculator

Calculate your annual CO₂ equivalent savings by switching to R290 propane refrigerant.

Total refrigerant charge in kilograms
Industry average is 3-8%
0 kg
Annual CO₂e Savings
Current refrigerant GWP: 1,430
R290 GWP: 3
Annual leakage: 0.025 kg
Equivalent cars off road: 0.0
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about R290 propane refrigerant.

Yes, R290 is safe when used within established guidelines. While it is flammable (A3 classification), the small charge amounts used in modern systems (typically 150-500g) are well below dangerous thresholds. Proper installation by certified technicians, adequate ventilation, and leak detection systems ensure safe operation. R290 has been used safely in Europe for over a decade.
Retrofitting is generally not recommended. R290 requires different compressor oils, materials compatibility considerations, and safety systems designed for flammable refrigerants. It's usually more cost-effective and safer to replace aging R134a systems with purpose-built R290 equipment. This also ensures full warranty coverage and compliance with NZ safety standards.
R290 systems must be serviced by licensed refrigeration technicians trained in flammable refrigerant handling. Annual leak testing is mandatory for commercial units. Service requires spark-free tools, proper ventilation, and leak detection equipment. Service records must be maintained for compliance. Despite these requirements, R290 systems typically have lower maintenance costs due to fewer mechanical issues.
No. R290 is a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant, not an HFC, and is completely exempt from the HFC phase-down regulations under the Kigali Amendment. This makes it a future-proof choice as synthetic refrigerants like R134a, R404a, and R410a become increasingly scarce and expensive through 2035.
R290 systems are typically 5-10% more energy efficient than equivalent HFC systems. This is due to propane's favorable thermodynamic properties, including lower compressor discharge temperatures and better heat transfer characteristics. Over a 10-year period, this efficiency advantage can result in significant electricity cost savings, especially for 24/7 commercial refrigeration.
NZ follows AS/NZS 5149 standards with these charge limits: Small units (domestic/commercial under-counter): ≤150g. Commercial display cases: up to 500g. Larger commercial systems: up to 1.5kg with enhanced safety measures including ventilation and leak detection. Festivé R290 models are designed well within these safe limits.