There are plenty of refrigerants around, but what’s this R32 gas that you’re always hearing about these days? Also known as the R32 refrigerant, this type of refrigerant is mankind’s newest creation to combat global warming. Compared to other kinds of refrigerant, it’s the most effective at conveying heat. As a result, this refrigerant reduces electricity consumption by up to 10% relative to other refrigerants. It’s preferred because of its lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 675: compare this to its predecessors, the R-22 and R-410A refrigerants that have 1,810 and 2,090 GWP respectively. What’s a Refrigerant? First, let’s recap the basics. A refrigerant is basically a medium for transporting heat. An air conditioner needs refrigerant to function, and without it, several problems can occur. This includes issues like releasing hot air instead of cool air, compressor troubles and more. When the refrigerant remains at low levels for some time, it can cause serious problems. Mitsubishi Finding a Mitsubishi R32 aircon? You may find it difficult here because the Mitsubishi air conditioners in Singapore usually use the R-410A refrigerant. That may explain why a Google search for Mitsubishi R32 refrigerant air conditioners in Singapore will not turn up relevant results. It’s sold in other countries overseas, like Malaysia instead. However, this doesn’t mean that the Mitsubishi air conditioners sold locally aren’t good - the energy-saving features and 5-tick energy-efficiency rating, together with the other capabilities, are sufficient to maintain an energy-efficient cooling system! Daikin When it comes to refrigerant innovation, Daikin is a step ahead of the competition. When the world found the R32 refrigerant difficult to handle, making its use impractical, Daikin stepped in and successfully applied this refrigerant to its air conditioners using its world-class expertise and knowledge. Other than producing and selling this refrigerant to other manufacturers, Daikin also offers technical assistance to emerging countries, partnering with governments and international organisations in the process. If you wish to purchase a Daikin R32 aircon, you can look for the Daikin iSmileEco model. This iSmile Eco series doesn’t just work like an eco mode air conditioner, but contains plenty of other attractive features as well. Toshiba The newest Toshiba R32 air conditioner is also a Toshiba R32 Inverter air conditioner - meaning that it has both properties. Going by the name of Toshiba YouMe, it’s the first 5-tick low GWP Inverter multi-split air conditioner in Singapore. Apart from being more energy-efficient, the R32 refrigerant it uses is friendly to the planet, creating 70% less carbon dioxide emissions. Its new DC Hybrid Inverter technology system enables the compressor to function at variable speeds, therefore cooling a room fast while using minimal energy consumption. LG LG has also hopped onto the eco-friendly trend. If you intend to buy an LG R32 aircon, or if you’re looking at the available LG R32 refrigerant air conditioners, you can choose the 18,000 BTU ThinQ Dualcool single-split Inverter model. This model delivers powerful cooling at up to 40% faster than non-Inverter models as verified by TUV Rheinland.