In the face of climate change and increasing concerns over energy consumption, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more pronounced. As we strive to mitigate our carbon footprint and combat global warming, it’s worth considering the environmental impact of household appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners. The refrigerants most commonly used in these appliances are fluorinated gasses, which are known for their high global warming potential (GWP), exacerbating the climate crisis by trapping heat within the Earth’s atmosphere.
Advertiser Content From
This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.
The hidden source contributing to global warming in your home
As the world transitions away from traditional refrigerants, R290 emerges as an energy-efficient alternative.
Photo illustration by Marissa Dickson
For those looking for a more sustainable solution, R290, a refrigerant-grade form of propane, is emerging as a viable alternative. Unlike fluorinated gasses, R290 is naturally occurring, non-toxic, and has significantly lower global warming potential than traditional refrigerants.
Ahead, we’ll break down how R290 improves on the sustainability and efficiency of traditional refrigerants — and why Midea’s suite of R290 appliances make sense for environmentally-minded and cost-conscious consumers.
Phasing out harmful gasses
Across the globe, organizations like the Council of the European Union and Environmental Protection Agency have recommended phasing out the use of fluorinated gasses to reduce their harmful impact on the environment. By 2029, new products sold in the EU will face strict regulations: products like split-heat pumps and air conditioners will have to contain refrigerants with a GWP of less than 150. By 2035, there will be a full ban on using fluorinated gasses in certain products, and by 2050 HFCs will be completely phased out.
As we transition away from traditional refrigerants, R290 could help us move toward carbon neutrality in an innovative and environmentally responsible way.
What makes R290 a better solution?
R290 stands out as a refrigerant for a number of reasons. In addition to being a non-toxic and naturally-occurring hydrocarbon that doesn’t contribute to ozone depletion, R290 has a GWP of less than three, meaning it has a far lower impact on global warming than other refrigerants on the market. R290 can also help increase energy efficiency. Its thermodynamic properties help appliances achieve optimal cooling performance while decreasing energy consumption, which helps save customers money and reduces the strain on resources.
R290 is also versatile: It can power various household and commercial appliances, from air conditioning units to heat-pump water heaters. With increasing restrictions on synthetic refrigerants, R290 is a future-proof solution that’s also compatible with existing systems.
Which Midea products use R290?
With over 15 years of research and development, Midea offers a range of appliances powered by R290, including portable air conditioners, split air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and heat-pump water heaters.
Courtesy of Midea
Midea’s XtremeSave air conditioner, for example, features a high-efficiency R290 compressor, which produces fewer carbon emissions while delivering strong cooling and using less energy. The unit also features an innovative ECO mode, which offers precise temperature control while managing energy output.
Meanwhile, Midea’s R290 combo range of heat-pump water heaters combines the greener refrigerant with excellent hot water performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners can select from R290 combo water heaters that are wall-mounted or floor standing, and in a range of different sizes depending on their budget and needs.
Looking forward
Midea’s investment in research and development continues with its forthcoming R290 Multi-Split System. The AC system will feature a rigorously tested refrigerant sensor with ultrasonic leak detection, ceramic insulation tubes, and fireproof materials for enhanced environmental safety, and is tailored to meet both evolving sustainability standards and consumer demands.
Midea’s suite of innovative, R290-compatible HVAC products can help reduce our households’ energy consumption and environmental impact, while meeting the challenges of climate change head-on. To date, Midea reports it has sold over 6.2 million of its R290 products, resulting in a reduction of 3.715 million tons of CO2 — the equivalent of what 4.4 million hectares of Amazonian rainforest can absorb in a year. By proactively adopting R290 before it’s required, Midea demonstrates its leadership in navigating the complexities of climate change mitigation in the industry.