The R290 in R290 heat pumps refers to the type of refrigerant used in this range of heat pumps. It is a refrigerant grade form of the common fuel gas propane which is used as an alternative hydrocarbon refrigerant to R404A and R407. R290 is now typically used in new refrigeration and air conditioning systems. R290 is a hydrocarbon refrigerant and is an efficient refrigerant that has a low Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Here at Pure Thermal, our hydrocarbon heat pumps use the natural refrigerant R290 which has a Low GWP (Global Warming Potential) of just 3 (see the graph below which shows the GWP figures for various other well-used commercial refrigerants) whilst also providing a practical, flexible, and cost-effective refrigerant option with reduced environmental impact. R290 has many refrigerant applications including commercial air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, domestic air conditioning, industrial refrigeration, and industrial air conditioning.
R290 is one of, if not the most, practical natural hydrocarbon refrigerant to use within a modern heat pump, delivering an operating temperature up to 70°C whilst being simple to apply, and with no minimum return temperature restrictions (which can be the situation with CO2 natural refrigerant heat pumps).
In recent years, manufacturers and system developers have looked to identify suitable alternative organic refrigerants following the increased focus on the potential environmental implications of conventional refrigerants such as CFCs and HFCs and the increased legislation relating to the manufacture, distribution, and use of environmentally harmful refrigerants. This has led to the use of naturally occurring hydrocarbons for various heat pump applications such as R290 that provide an effective commercial solution with lower GWP. This new generation of environmentally friendly heat pumps are referred to as hydrocarbon heat pumps, propane heat pumps or more specifically R290 heat pumps.
Because R290 heat pumps use natural refrigerants, this heat pump range is ideally suited to situations where low environmental impact is a priority, or areas where legislation restricts fossil fuel use. Where sustainability standards must be achieved to meet client or planning restrictions or regulations, the Pure Thermal R290 heat pump range provides a highly efficient, practical, and cost-effective HVAC solution, whilst future proofing the installation completely by removing the application completely from F Gas regulation and reporting requirements.
Alongside the significant environmental benefits, R290 heat pump units provide a practical and efficient alternative to standard HFC heat pumps.
The Pure Thermal R290 air source heat pump is designed to provide high-performance, sustainable heating and cooling solutions across a range of applications. Using R290 as a natural refrigerant, these systems offer low-carbon operation without reliance on F-Gas refrigerants, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability targets. These heat pumps are available in multiple configurations to suit various heating and cooling demands. Heating-only units can achieve output temperatures of up to 70°C, making them suitable for applications requiring consistent high-temperature heating. For more flexible performance, reversible units provide both heating and cooling, adapting to seasonal requirements and maximising energy efficiency.
For businesses requiring simultaneous heating and cooling, 4-pipe heat pump configurations allow for multi-functional energy management, delivering heating, cooling, and domestic hot water production within a single system. This level of operational flexibility makes the R290 air source heat pump an ideal solution for commercial buildings, district heating systems, and industrial applications where efficient energy use and carbon reduction are priorities.
With the ability to support BREEAM and TM65 sustainability standards, these heat pumps contribute to zero or low-carbon projects, aligning with modern regulatory and planning requirements. Their ability to provide non-F-Gas heating and cooling solutions ensures that businesses can future-proof their HVAC systems, reducing long-term environmental impact while maintaining high-performance operation.
The Pure Thermal R290 water and ground source heat pump is engineered to deliver medium to high-temperature heating, making it a versatile and efficient solution for both retrofit projects and new developments. Designed to operate with temperature outputs of up to 70°C, these systems provide high-efficiency heating and cooling, ensuring suitability for a wide range of industrial, commercial, and residential applications.
With a compact footprint and modular capability, these heat pumps can be scaled to meet specific site requirements, allowing for integration of up to five units to achieve a total heating capacity of 15kW to 300kW. Their flexible design makes them particularly well-suited for district energy networks, process heating, and low-carbon heating solutions.
Manufactured to the highest safety standards, these systems include ATEX-rated components, ensuring safe operation in hazardous environments where stringent safety regulations must be met. Their dual-source compatibility allows them to operate using air, water, or ground as a primary energy source, ensuring optimal efficiency based on site-specific conditions.
For applications requiring simultaneous heating and cooling, 4-pipe heat pump technology ensures precise thermal management, maximising operational efficiency while reducing overall energy consumption. By integrating R290 as a natural refrigerant, these heat pumps provide a non-F-Gas heating and cooling solution, aligning with sustainability targets and carbon reduction initiatives.
As a future-proof alternative to traditional heating systems, the Pure Thermal R290 water and ground source heat pump provides long-term operational savings, environmental benefits, and high-performance heating and cooling capabilities, ensuring a reliable and efficient solution for diverse energy needs.
Every project begins with a detailed system assessment, where Pure Thermal’s technical team evaluates site conditions, energy demands, and application requirements. By analysing these factors, they develop an optimised system configuration, ensuring that the selected R290 heat pump system provides maximum efficiency, minimal energy consumption, and a seamless integration into existing infrastructure.
The system design phase considers factors such as heat load requirements, available energy sources, and sustainability objectives, ensuring that businesses receive a tailored solution that maximises operational performance while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By incorporating air, water, or ground source configurations, the design process ensures that each system operates with optimal thermal efficiency and long-term reliability.
Pure Thermal supplies state-of-the-art R290 heat pump systems, designed for industrial, commercial, and district heating applications. Their product range includes heating-only units capable of delivering up to 70°C, as well as reversible and simultaneous 4-pipe heat pumps that provide heating, cooling, and domestic hot water within a single system.
By utilising R290 as a natural refrigerant, these heat pumps ensure compliance with F-Gas regulations, providing businesses with a sustainable, non-fossil fuel alternative. The compact and modular design of Pure Thermal’s R290 heat pumps allows for scalable installations, ensuring that systems can be adapted to meet expanding heating and cooling demands while maintaining high operational efficiency.
With a team of experienced engineers, Pure Thermal ensures that each R290 heat pump system is installed to the highest standards, guaranteeing efficient system integration with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Their installation service covers system placement, infrastructure connection, commissioning, and final performance testing, ensuring that each heat pump operates at optimal efficiency from day one.
For retrofit projects, Pure Thermal’s expertise ensures a seamless transition from traditional heating systems to high-efficiency R290 heat pump technology. By integrating these systems with existing heating infrastructure, businesses can achieve immediate energy savings and carbon reduction benefits without requiring extensive modifications.
To ensure continuous efficiency and reliability, Pure Thermal provides comprehensive maintenance services, including regular system checks, performance monitoring, and preventative servicing. Their dedicated technical support team ensures that businesses receive ongoing system optimisation, maximising energy efficiency, reducing operational costs, and preventing unexpected downtime.
With a focus on long-term sustainability, Pure Thermal’s maintenance services help businesses maintain peak performance and regulatory compliance, ensuring that their R290 heat pump systems continue to provide reliable heating and cooling for years to come. By offering expert guidance, tailored system designs, and industry-leading technical support, Pure Thermal ensures that businesses receive a future-proof heating and cooling solution that meets their operational, environmental, and financial objectives.
Our dedicated team has many years of experience in specifying, supplying, and maintaining industrial R290 heat pump applications to companies across the UK. Our specialist in-house team provides our industrial and commercial clients with a complete end-to-end R290 Heat pump support service, from creating an initial heat pump performance illustration and design brief, through to installation/commissioning of the R290 heat pump and ongoing maintenance support.
A complete range of high quality efficient and sustainable heating/cooling systems is available with a specific focus on natural refrigerant based equipment. Pure Thermal equipment is manufactured to the highest standards, enabling each system to deliver maximum reliability alongside efficient operational performance. Providing heat pump solutions since 2015, the Pure Thermal team has extensive industry experience with a proven track record in delivering R290 heat pump equipment and systems that meet the performance objectives of the most demanding projects.