What is GWP? Global Warming Potential, commonly referred to as GWP, is a measurement used to compare how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the Earth’s atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Carbon dioxide is used as the baseline and has a GWP value of 1. All other gases are measured against it. For example, a refrigerant with a GWP of 2,000 traps 2,000 times more heat than the same amount of CO₂ over a specific period of time (typically 100 years).
Why GWP Matters in HVAC
Refrigerants play a critical role in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, but some refrigerants have a much greater impact on climate change if they leak into the atmosphere. While many older refrigerants do not damage the ozone layer, their high GWP makes them powerful contributors to global warming.
GWP Examples Commonly Used in HVAC
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): GWP of 1
- R410A: GWP of 2,088
- R404A: GWP of 3,922
- R32: GWP of approximately 675
These numbers help explain why regulations are pushing the HVAC industry toward lower-GWP refrigerants like R32.
How GWP Affects Homeowners and Businesses
As environmental regulations target high-GWP refrigerants, manufacturers are transitioning to alternatives that are more climate-friendly and often more energy-efficient. Over time, refrigerants with higher GWP values become more expensive and harder to obtain, while systems designed for lower-GWP refrigerants are becoming the new standard.
The Bottom Line
GWP is a key factor in determining which refrigerants are being phased out and which are being adopted for the future. Choosing systems that use lower-GWP refrigerants helps reduce environmental impact while also preparing homeowners and businesses for long-term regulatory changes.
