07 May 2025

Domestic Heat Pumps Using Hydrocarbons: Current Status and Market Overview in Europe

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Governments are promoting the shift to electrically-driven heat pumps for domestic heating and hot water, while also regulating the use of environmentally-damaging fluids. Natural refrigerants, particularly hydrocarbons (HCs), are gaining attention due to their low toxicity, and excellent thermophysical characteristics, despite being flammable. HCs are seen as sustainable long-term alternatives to synthetic fluids. This article is based on a Technical Brief with the same title published by the International Institute of Refrigeration [1], which explores the current use of HCs in domestic heat pumps, their advantages and limitations compared to other options, and prospects for broader adoption.