What Is the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of Your Heating System?
Understanding the Environmental Impact of Different Heating Technologies and Refrigerants
When homeowners think about sustainability, they often focus on energy efficiency and the cost of running their heating system. While these are essential factors, there’s another crucial measure of environmental performance that deserves attention: the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of your heating system.
Global Warming Potential tells us how much heat a gas traps in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide (CO₂). Heating and cooling systems like heat pumps and air-conditioners use refrigerants to move heat, so the GWP of your heating system indicates how much its refrigerants contribute to climate change. Understanding this figure helps you make genuinely sustainable choices and reduce your home’s long-term environmental impact.
At Adlår Castra UK, we specialise in Dual Air Source Heat Pump systems designed for high efficiency and minimised environmental impact. This guide from our in-house experts will help you understand exactly what GWP means, why it matters, and how choosing the right system can help you reduce your carbon footprint through home heating.
What Does Global Warming Potential (GWP) Mean?
According to Eurostat, Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a scientific measure that describes the relative potency, molecule for molecule, of a greenhouse gas, taking account of how long it remains active in the atmosphere. Essentially, it measures how much a greenhouse gas contributes to global warming over a set period, which is currently 100 years.
Carbon dioxide serves as the baseline, since it has the lowest warming potential, is the most abundant greenhouse gas, and lasts for thousands of years. It has a GWP of 1, and other gases are measured in relation to it.
For example, if a refrigerant has a GWP of 600, it traps six hundred times more heat than the same amount of CO₂. The higher the number, the greater the negative impact on the planet.
In heating and cooling systems like heat pumps, this figure applies to the global warming potential of refrigerants it uses. Refrigerant gases are the working fluids that absorb and release heat as the system operates. Systems that use lower GWP refrigerants offer sustainable heating solutions that reduce your environmental impact.
Why GWP Matters in Home Heating
Heat pumps themselves do not burn fuel or produce carbon dioxide directly. However, the refrigerants in heat pumps, which are used to absorb and transfer heat from the outside environment, can have a significant detrimental impact.
If these gases leak during installation, servicing, or disposal, they can contribute to global warming. Older refrigerants have particularly high GWPs, meaning that even a small release can have a major effect on the climate. Modern refrigerants, on the other hand, have much lower GWPs and are far better for the environment.
This example illustrates the stark difference:
Refrigerant | Typical Use | GWP (100‑year scale) |
R410A | Common in older heat pumps & AC units | |
R407C | Older systems | |
R32 | Used in most new heat pumps | |
R290 (Propane) | Next‑generation low‑GWP refrigerant |
With the 2025 F-Gas Ban, the government is currently phasing down high-GWP refrigerants, and encouraging the use of low-GWP refrigerants instead. This is unsurprising, as switching from a system using an older refrigerant such as R410A to an R32 refrigerant heat pump can reduce your potential emissions by up to 99 per cent.
Understanding R32: The New Standard in Low‑GWP Refrigerants
Adlår’s Dual ASHP system is an R32 refrigerant heat pump, which provides maximum comfort with minimal climate impact, meeting EU F‑Gas regulations and future‑proofing your investment.
Among today’s refrigerants, R32 has become the new standard for efficiency and sustainability. It offers several advantages over older alternatives and is now widely used in heat pumps across the UK and Europe.
R32 refrigerant heat pumps are known for having a relatively low GWP of 675, around two-thirds lower than R410A. They require less refrigerant to achieve the same output, so operate with higher efficiency, and are easier to recycle at the end of their lifespan.
At Adlår, we use R32 in our Dual Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) systems to achieve maximum comfort and performance with minimal Global Warming Potential. These systems meet strict UK and EU F-Gas regulations, ensuring compliance, safety and long-term reliability.
The Next Step for Refrigerants in Heat Pumps: R290 (Propane)
The industry is already looking ahead to ultra‑low GWP refrigerants like R290, which has a GWP of just 3. This makes it over 99% less harmful than traditional gases.
R290 systems are becoming increasingly popular in Europe and are expected to become more common in the UK by 2026–2027.
Adlår is committed to advancing low‑GWP technology — ensuring every system meets the highest environmental and efficiency standards.
How to Check the GWP of Your Current System
If you’re unsure which refrigerant your system uses:
- Check the outdoor unit’s label — the refrigerant type (e.g. R410A or R32) will be printed there.
- Refer to your installation documents or EPC — your engineer should list the refrigerant used.
- Ask your installer — they can confirm whether your system uses a high‑ or low‑GWP refrigerant.
If your system uses R410A or an older gas, consider upgrading to a low‑GWP model to future‑proof your home and reduce emissions.
Comparing the Environmental Impact of Heating Systems
When assessing your heating system’s sustainability, both energy source and refrigerant GWP matter.
Gas and Oil Boilers
- Burn fossil fuels directly.
- Emit CO₂ during operation (not just leaks).
- Typical emissions: 2.2–3.0 tonnes of CO₂/year per home.
- No refrigerant, but extremely high carbon output.
Older Heat Pumps
- More efficient than boilers, but may use high‑GWP refrigerants like R410A.
- Environmental impact depends on both energy source and refrigerant used.
Modern Low‑GWP Heat Pumps (Like Adlår’s Dual ASHP)
- Use low‑GWP refrigerants such as R32 or R290.
- Produce up to 400% efficiency (COP up to 4.0).
- Combined with renewable electricity, their total carbon footprint is minimal.
In short, the latest air source heat pumps provide both high efficiency and low environmental impact — making them one of the greenest home heating options in the UK.
How Adlår Reduces Global Warming Potential
At Adlår, we combine high‑efficiency design with low‑GWP refrigerants to deliver the most sustainable heating solutions available in the UK.
Our Dual Air Source Heat Pump system:
- Uses R32 refrigerant for low environmental impact
- Delivers simultaneous heating and hot water efficiently
- Is fully compatible with smart heating controls for energy optimisation
- Qualifies for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant
The result? A system that’s up to 400% efficient, built to last over 20 years, and engineered to protect both your wallet and the planet.
FAQs about Global Warming Potential & Heating Systems
Q: What is the Global Warming Potential of a heat pump?
A: Most modern heat pumps using R32 refrigerant have a GWP of around 675, while older systems using R410A can exceed 2,000. Adlår’s next‑generation models are designed to use ultra‑low GWP refrigerants for maximum sustainability.
Q: Why does refrigerant choice matter for the environment?
A: Refrigerants can leak over time. High‑GWP gases trap far more heat in the atmosphere than CO₂. Using a low‑GWP refrigerant drastically reduces this environmental impact.
Q: Is R32 refrigerant environmentally friendly?
A: Yes. R32 is one of the most environmentally responsible refrigerants currently in use. It’s efficient, safe, and has a GWP nearly 70% lower than older alternatives.
Q: What is the lowest‑GWP refrigerant available?
A: R290 (propane) has a GWP of just 3, making it the lowest currently available. It’s gaining traction across Europe and represents the next stage of sustainable heating innovation.
Q: Do air source heat pumps produce greenhouse gases directly?
A: No, as they don’t burn fuel. However, their refrigerants can affect the climate if released. Choosing a low‑GWP model and ensuring proper servicing keeps your emissions near zero.
Q: How can I reduce the environmental impact of my home heating?
A: There are several practical steps. You can upgrade to a low-GWP refrigerant heat pump, improve your home’s insulation, switch to renewable electricity, schedule regular maintenance to prevent refrigerant leaks, and use smart heating controls to optimise energy use. Together, these actions make a substantial difference to the environmental impact of heating systems.
Choose a Low-GWP Refrigerant Heat Pump for a Low‑Carbon Future
Your heating system’s environmental impact isn’t just about efficiency; it’s also about what’s inside it.
By understanding and reducing your system’s Global Warming Potential, you can make a real difference to your home’s carbon footprint.
Choosing a low‑GWP air source heat pump, like Adlår’s Dual ASHP, means investing in a system that’s future‑ready, highly efficient, and aligned with the UK’s net‑zero goals.
Ready to reduce your carbon footprint and future‑proof your home? Book your free consultation to learn more about Adlår’s low‑GWP heat pumps and discover how sustainable heating can work for you.
