Global Warming Potential (GWP) describes the relative potential that arises from greenhouse gases in the form of molecules that remain active for some time in the atmosphere. GWP calculates how long the gas remains by taking carbon dioxide gas as a reference. We currently use GWP calculation for 100 years, which is also the standard time horizon used by the IPCC and international climate assessments. The concept of calculating GWP will always touch on the effects of climate change.
Local governments and communities in any country should be concerned about the existence of greenhouse gases which are warming the earth so much. The gases will always absorb energy and then release the energy into space slowly.
While the earth is getting hotter due to the work process of the greenhouse gas effect, there will be a comparison of the global warming impacts due to the exchange of various gases once the calculation of Global Warming Potential (GWP) is completed. Everyone who knows the results of this measurement will be able to find out if the emission of 1 ton of gas can absorb a lot of energy over a certain period. When GWP shows its highest level, this indicates that the warming impact of a particular gas is very strong compared to carbon dioxide.
The gas will continue to warm the earth as long as no one does anything to prevent it from being a warm blanket for the earth. Meanwhile, a handful of people who care about the sustainability of life have found ways to reduce this warming effect through better technology and material selection.
The use of eco-friendly R32 heat pumps today occurs based on environmental awareness. This refrigerant has a lower GWP value compared to conventional refrigerants such as R410A, which affects the environment, and we can reduce our carbon footprint starting from our own homes.
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GWP Comparison of Common Refrigerants
Greenhouse gas emissions cause a lot of harm to our earth. Most of these greenhouse gases escape air conditioning systems and heat pumps. Every day this system works nonstop so that it not only produces useful energy for humans but also harmful emissions. The effect is not visible after one or two days of use. All this waste gas will accumulate and worsen the condition of the earth from month to month and from year to year.
Climate change in a country also occurs due to the accumulation of carbon dioxide levels over a long time. Emissions of carbon dioxide gas cause an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere, and a portion of this gas can remain in the atmosphere for a very long time, contributing to long-term warming.
There is also methane gas with an estimated global warming potential (GWP) level of 27 to 30 for 100 years, based on international climate assessments. Methane gas itself settles more quickly and only lasts for about a dozen years.
Then there is nitrous oxide with a global warming potential (GWP) value of around 270 to 300 times greater than carbon dioxide over 100 years, according to IPCC data. Several gases such as hydrofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, chlorofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons also have high GWP values due to their ability to trap more heat than carbon dioxide.
Simple GWP Comparison Table (100-Year Basis)
| Gas / Refrigerant | Approximate GWP | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) | 1 | Reference gas |
| CH₄ (Methane) | 27–30 | Short lifetime, strong warming effect |
| N₂O (Nitrous Oxide) | 270–300 | Long-term climate impact |
| R410A | ~2,088 | Common HVAC refrigerant |
| R32 | ~675 | Lower-GWP alternative |
(Values based on IPCC reports and international refrigerant standards)
Why R32 Is a Lower-GWP Alternative
Therefore, as human beings who have a high contribution to environmental damage, even from our own homes, we need to pay attention to equipment with working fluids with a lower global warming potential (GWP) but a higher level of performance. They use eco-friendly refrigerant R32 (difluoromethane) in the heat pump to replace R410A.
R32 Heat Pump to Beat the High Global Warming Potential (GWP)
R32 Heat Pump
Residential air conditioning systems usually use R410A and R22 refrigerants. Both have gone through the process of being identified as greenhouse gases that have great potential to cause climate change. If a leak occurs from the vapor compression system, the high global warming potential (GWP) of both can increase environmental damage.
We know that many air conditioning units are a mainstay throughout the world. The vapor compression system, which is part of the HVAC system, has contributed significantly to carbon emissions, and this contribution continues to increase from year to year according to international energy and climate reports.
We can achieve an effective reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by replacing R22 and R410A with a refrigerant that has a lower global warming potential (GWP) such as R32.
R32 in the heat pump will not reduce the energy efficiency of the vapor compression system. Legom Smart is a provider of heat pumps in high-tech HVAC systems using R32 for environmental improvement. We research and apply this refrigerant to every product we deliver to consumers in various countries.
We believe that we can start sustainability from our own houses by selecting systems that will protect our homes every day. Clean energy solutions can help reduce long-term warming effects when applied consistently. We must reduce the carbon footprint carefully so that the future environment can be better than today.
You can contact us directly to start upgrading the HVAC system in your residence so that you can create a more eco-friendly atmosphere with reduced emissions and improved comfort as soon as possible.
Reviewed by HVAC technical specialists for accuracy and compliance.
Last updated: 23 February 2026