The European Union is giving up on fluorinated gases. This is a blow to heat pumps.

F-gas is a refrigerant used in heating systems based on heat pumps. The European Parliament has adopted a position that prohibits the use of fluorinated gases (f-gases) in heat pumps. This is a significant problem for the industry, as heat pump manufacturers widely use them in their devices.

Over the past few years, heat pumps have become devices that are part of Europe’s efforts to improve air quality. These devices are a crucial element of the EU’s REPowerEU plan, which aims to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2030. By 2026, 10 million heat pumps are to be installed in EU countries, and by 2031, 30 million. However, this may be difficult, as last week the European Parliament announced that the Community wants to give up the sale of f-gases. The reason is their emissions from 1990 to 2014.

What does this have to do with heat pumps?

Fluorinated gases are commonly used in heat pumps as a refrigerant. They are also used in refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners. Until the 1990s, widely used freon served this purpose, but it was discovered to contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, so it was replaced by f-gases. The problem is that they contribute to global warming. The European Parliament and the European Commission state on their websites that f-gases have about 25,000 times higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide. Hence the decision to give up their sale.

The European Parliament has proposed that the ban take effect after 2026. If the proposal is voted through, it will mean significant problems for the entire heat pump industry. Manufacturers are concerned that they will not be able to adapt their production to the new requirements in such a short time. If their fears are confirmed, then after 2026, the installation of new pumps will be impossible, as there will be no devices available.

What instead of f-gases?

Heat pump manufacturers unanimously claim that the previously used fluorinated gases can be replaced by propane. However, this causes some complications, as adapting the technology, conducting tests, and obtaining the necessary certifications may take at least 5 years. In the case of using propane, this process may take longer due to safety issues.

The European Union today speaks of giving up f-gases, which are to be replaced by, among others, propane. It is also a greenhouse gas, so it may soon turn out that it also contributes to global warming. Then further changes in regulations will be needed, which will cause another stagnation in the industry.

Heat pump manufacturers have appealed to the European Parliament to extend the deadline for implementing the ban on the sale of f-gases. They argue that it undermines the goals outlined in the REPowerEU strategy. Already now, the confusion surrounding the ban may cause turbulence in the heat pump market. The European Heat Pump Association even claims that the ban could lead to a return to coal heating.

"It’s very simple: if you can’t get a heat pump, you will have to use a fossil fuel boiler. Any delay in the production of heat pumps will negatively impact the EU’s climate and energy security plans, as well as affect the health and bills of citizens. We urge lawmakers to reconsider this issue so that the industry has time to adapt," said Alessia Del Vasto, EU advisor at the Association.

Who doesn’t have to fear the bans?

Although the words of the representative of the European Heat Pump Association may sound like a warning, they are misleading. She points out that the alternative to heat pumps will be coal boilers. Fortunately, there are more environmentally friendly alternatives on the market. This refers to electric heating, which has been increasingly chosen by investors in recent years.

Electric heating using films, mats, and infrared heaters, as well as heating cables, is a solution that provides peace of mind. It is a completely emission-free source of heat that requires no inspections and is not subject to changes in environmental protection regulations. The use of infrared as a heat source is also significant for heating costs. It is, in fact, the only heating system on the market that practically has no operating costs. The absence of mechanical parts and, as in the case of heat pumps, refrigerants means that infrared heating does not require inspections or repairs. As a result, operating costs are limited to electricity bills.

We realize that the term electric heating can make many homeowners cringe. However, it should be remembered that modern electric heating is surface-based. Installing, for example, infrared heating films will make the entire floor a large radiator. This way, electricity consumption is lower. Electric underfloor heating is a solution flexible enough to be used in both renovated and new homes, as well as in apartments or offices.

Summary

The decision to ban the sale of f-gases shows how delicate and sensitive the heat pump market is. The introduction of the ban may affect device prices and will certainly limit their availability for at least the next few years. One alternative to these devices is electric heating, which provides stability of operation and durability of the entire system for a long time.