R32 vs R410A refrigerant

R32 vs R410A: the key differences

R32 and R410A are both HFC refrigerants used in split aircons. For a homeowner, the differences come down to two things: the rules for new units, and the training expected of people who service R32 systems.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) says HFCs are commonly used as refrigerants in aircons and refrigerators, and that they are potent greenhouse gases. Since 2022, split-type household aircons supplied in Singapore, both inverter and non-inverter models up to 17.6kW, must use a refrigerant with a GWP of no more than 750. NEA sets this cap, and goods supplied before then are not affected (NEA on refrigerants in aircons). An R410A aircon supplied before 2022 is therefore not affected by the cap.

Servicing is the second difference. NEA says that to comply with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) requirements on handling R32 systems, manufacturers must ensure service personnel have completed training by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) (NEA on refrigerants in aircons). If you own an R32 aircon, ask the company whether the technician it sends has done this training.

Whichever gas your unit uses, the practical steps are the same: read the label first, then book a trained technician and tell the company which gas the unit uses.

Which gas does my aircon use?

You can check this yourself. The refrigerant is printed on the unit's rating label, which is usually on the outdoor unit. Look for the gas name, such as R32 or R410A.

While you are there, look for the Energy Label as well. NEA says that for split aircons, the Energy Label is fixed to the outdoor unit (NEA's Energy Label page). Note the tick rating together with the gas, the brand and the model number, so you have them ready when you book servicing or compare a replacement.

Older units may use a different gas. If your label shows R22, read the guide to R22 aircon in older units before you book a repair.

If the label is faded or missing, ask the company how it will confirm the gas before any work starts. A clear photo of the label on your phone makes it easy to share the details when you book.

Servicing and gas top-ups

Refrigerant work is a job for a trained technician. NEA says ITE offers the Certificate of Competency in Residential Air-Conditioning System (Refrigerant) course for household aircon technicians. NEA also says that, to comply with SCDF's requirements on handling R32 systems, manufacturers must ensure service personnel have completed ITE training (NEA on refrigerants in aircons).

When you book servicing or a repair, ask whether the technician has completed this course. For an R32 unit, this is the training described above.

Before a gas top-up, ask the technician which gas they are using and check that it matches your rating label. Ask for the gas and the work done to be written on your invoice or service report, so the next technician can see what was done.

For the symptoms to look out for, see aircon gas leak signs. The price of a top-up depends on the job, so read aircon gas top-up cost before you agree to the work.

What this means when buying

NEA's Energy Label rates aircons from 1 tick (Low) to 5 ticks (Excellent), and NEA says consumers must only buy NEA-registered appliances (NEA's Energy Label page). Compare the ticks on the models you are considering, and check that each one is NEA-registered.

If your current aircon uses R22, the gas matters in a different way. R22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). NEA's circular on the HCFC phase-out schedule says Singapore is required to completely phase out its consumption of HCFCs by 2030 under the Montreal Protocol (NEA circular on the HCFC phase-out). Ask your aircon company how this affects servicing for your unit.

To compare efficiency, read about choosing inverter or non-inverter and a 5-tick or 3-tick aircon. For the fitting itself, see aircon installation, and ask the installer to confirm the refrigerant of the new unit so you can keep it with your servicing records.

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