What Is R290 Refrigerant? A Guide to Commercial Refrigeration

R290 is a refrigerant increasingly used in commercial refrigerators, freezers, prep tables, merchandisers, ice machines, and other foodservice refrigeration equipment.

R290 is the refrigerant designation for high-purity propane used in refrigeration systems.

Although propane is commonly associated with grills and heating, refrigerant-grade R290 is specifically manufactured and purified for refrigeration applications.

R290 has become increasingly important in commercial refrigeration because it combines:

• Very low environmental impact
• Zero ozone depletion potential
• Strong refrigeration performance
• Good energy efficiency potential

However, R290 is also flammable.

For that reason, R290 refrigeration equipment is specifically engineered to use the refrigerant safely, and service work requires technicians who understand procedures for flammable refrigerants.

R290 is a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant made from high-purity propane that is increasingly replacing higher-global-warming-potential refrigerants in commercial foodservice equipment.

This guide explains what R290 refrigerant is, how it works, why restaurants are seeing more R290 equipment, whether it is safe, and how R290 compares with refrigerants such as R404A, R134a, and R600a.

What Is R290 Refrigerant?

R290 is the refrigeration industry designation for propane.

Its chemical formula is:

C3H8

R290 belongs to a category known as hydrocarbon refrigerants.

Other hydrocarbon refrigerants include:

• R600a, or isobutane
• R1270, or propylene

R290 is commonly found in newer self-contained commercial refrigeration equipment.

Is R290 Really Propane?

Yes.

R290 is propane.

However, refrigerant-grade R290 should not be confused with an ordinary propane cylinder purchased for a barbecue grill.

Refrigeration systems require refrigerant with the appropriate:

• Purity
• Moisture control
• Contaminant limits

for the system in which it is being used.

Technicians should use only refrigerant specified for the equipment and application.

What Does the R in R290 Mean?

The letter R is commonly used in refrigerant designations.

Examples include:

• R290
• R404A
• R134a
• R600a
• R448A

The number identifies the particular refrigerant or refrigerant composition.

What Does Refrigerant Actually Do?

A refrigerator does not create cold air in the same way a heater creates heat.

Instead, a refrigeration system removes heat from inside the cabinet and transfers it outside.

The refrigerant is the substance circulating through the sealed refrigeration system that makes this heat transfer possible.

A basic refrigeration cycle includes:

• Compressor
• Condenser
• Expansion device
• Evaporator
• Refrigerant

How Does R290 Refrigeration Work?

R290 works through the same basic vapor-compression refrigeration cycle used by many other refrigerants.

Step 1: The Compressor Compresses the Refrigerant

Low-pressure refrigerant vapor enters the compressor.

The compressor increases its:

• Pressure
• Temperature

Step 2: Heat Is Released Through the Condenser

The hot refrigerant moves through the condenser.

Heat is released into the surrounding environment.

Step 3: Refrigerant Pressure Is Reduced

The refrigerant travels through an expansion device that reduces its pressure.

Step 4: The Evaporator Absorbs Heat

The cold refrigerant enters the evaporator and absorbs heat from inside the refrigerated cabinet.

Step 5: The Cycle Repeats

The refrigerant returns to the compressor and begins the process again.

Why Is R290 Becoming So Common?

Commercial refrigeration manufacturers have been moving toward refrigerants with lower environmental impact.

Older commercial equipment often used refrigerants such as:

• R404A
• R134a
• Other hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants

Many of these refrigerants have relatively high global warming potential.

R290 offers a much lower global warming potential while still providing strong refrigeration performance.

That combination has made R290 especially attractive for modern self-contained commercial equipment.

What Is Global Warming Potential?

Global Warming Potential, commonly abbreviated as GWP, is a measure used to compare how strongly different gases can contribute to global warming relative to carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide is generally assigned a reference value of:

GWP = 1

Some older refrigerants have GWP values in the hundreds or thousands.

R290 has an extremely low GWP by comparison.

What Is the GWP of R290?

R290 is generally recognized as having a GWP of approximately 3 under commonly used refrigerant reference values.

That is dramatically lower than many traditional HFC refrigerants used in commercial refrigeration.

Does R290 Damage the Ozone Layer?

R290 has an Ozone Depletion Potential of zero.

This means it does not contain the chlorine-based compounds associated with the ozone depletion problems of certain older refrigerants.

Why Does Low GWP Matter?

Refrigeration systems are sealed, so refrigerant is not supposed to escape during normal operation.

However, leaks can occur during:

• Equipment damage
• Service
• Component failure
• Improper disposal

If a refrigerant has a very high GWP, even relatively small leaks can have a significant climate impact.

Using a low-GWP refrigerant reduces that potential impact.

What Equipment Uses R290?

R290 is especially common in self-contained commercial refrigeration equipment.

Examples can include:

• Reach-in refrigerators
• Reach-in freezers
• Undercounter refrigerators
• Undercounter freezers
• Sandwich prep tables
• Pizza prep tables
• Chef bases
• Back bar refrigerators
• Bottle coolers
• Glass-door merchandisers
• Display refrigerators
• Commercial ice machines

The exact refrigerant depends on the manufacturer and model.

Restaurant owners can browse Nishi Enterprise's Commercial Refrigeration collection for refrigerators, freezers, prep tables, merchandisers, and other foodservice refrigeration equipment.

What Is Self-Contained Refrigeration?

Self-contained refrigeration means the major refrigeration components are built into the equipment itself.

For example, a commercial reach-in refrigerator may contain its own:

• Compressor
• Condenser
• Evaporator
• Refrigerant circuit

inside or attached to the cabinet.

The refrigerator does not need to connect to a large remote refrigeration rack.

Why Is R290 Popular in Self-Contained Equipment?

Self-contained equipment allows manufacturers to design a complete refrigeration system specifically around R290.

This means they can carefully control:

• Refrigerant charge
• Electrical components
• System layout
• Safety features
• Ventilation considerations

Is R290 Energy Efficient?

R290 has strong thermodynamic properties and can support highly efficient refrigeration systems.

Actual energy use depends on far more than refrigerant alone.

Factors include:

• Compressor design
• Cabinet insulation
• Door design
• Condenser efficiency
• Evaporator design
• Controls
• Ambient temperature

However, R290 gives manufacturers a strong platform for designing efficient commercial refrigeration equipment.

Does R290 Make a Refrigerator Cheaper to Operate?

Potentially.

An efficient R290 refrigeration system may use less electricity than an older or less efficient design.

However, you should compare the actual energy rating of the equipment rather than buying solely based on refrigerant type.

Two R290 refrigerators can still have different energy consumption.

Is R290 Environmentally Friendly?

R290 is considered one of the lower-impact refrigerants available because it has:

• Very low GWP
• Zero ozone depletion potential

It is also classified as a natural refrigerant rather than a synthetic HFC refrigerant.

What Is a Natural Refrigerant?

Natural refrigerants are substances that occur naturally in the environment and can be used for refrigeration.

Examples include:

• R290 propane
• R600a isobutane
• R717 ammonia
• R744 carbon dioxide

Each natural refrigerant has its own:

• Advantages
• Operating pressures
• Safety considerations
• Applications

Is R290 Flammable?

Yes.

This is the most important safety characteristic restaurant owners should understand about R290.

R290 is classified as an A3 refrigerant.

A3 generally indicates:

• Lower toxicity classification
• High flammability

Does R290 Being Flammable Mean R290 Refrigerators Are Dangerous?

Not when properly designed, installed, operated, and serviced.

Commercial R290 equipment is specifically engineered around the properties of the refrigerant.

Manufacturers limit refrigerant quantities and incorporate appropriate components and safety requirements.

The important distinction is that technicians and operators should treat an R290 refrigerator differently from equipment using a nonflammable refrigerant.

Can Restaurant Employees Service R290 Equipment?

Refrigerant system service should be handled by appropriately trained refrigeration technicians.

R290 service can require specialized procedures and tools because the refrigerant is flammable.

Restaurant employees should generally limit routine work to manufacturer-approved tasks such as:

• Cleaning
• Checking temperatures
• Inspecting door gaskets
• Keeping ventilation openings clear

unless they are properly qualified to perform refrigeration service.

Can You Use a Flame to Find an R290 Leak?

No.

Because R290 is flammable, ignition sources must be kept away from possible refrigerant leaks.

Leak detection equipment used during service must be suitable for combustible refrigerants.

Can You Smoke Near R290 Refrigeration Equipment?

Normal commercial refrigeration equipment is designed to keep refrigerant contained within a sealed system.

However, ignition sources should not be introduced around a known or suspected refrigerant leak.

Any damaged R290 refrigeration system should be evaluated by a qualified technician.

How Can You Tell if a Refrigerator Uses R290?

Check the equipment's:

• Data plate
• Serial tag
• Refrigerant label
• Owner's manual

The label should identify the refrigerant used by the refrigeration system.

If it says:

R290

the system uses propane refrigerant.

What Does an R290 Warning Label Mean?

R290 equipment commonly includes labels identifying that the refrigeration system contains a flammable refrigerant.

The label helps:

• Restaurant operators
• Installers
• Technicians

recognize that special service procedures apply.

Can You Replace R290 With Another Refrigerant?

You should not assume another refrigerant can be substituted.

Refrigeration equipment is engineered for a specific refrigerant.

Changing refrigerants can affect:

• System pressure
• Lubricant compatibility
• Cooling capacity
• Compressor operation
• Safety
• Regulatory compliance

Use the refrigerant specified by the manufacturer.

Can R290 Be Put Into an R404A Refrigerator?

Do not treat R290 as a simple drop-in replacement for R404A.

An R404A refrigerator was not necessarily designed for a flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant.

Retrofitting refrigeration equipment involves major technical and safety considerations and should never be assumed safe simply because another refrigerant offers better environmental performance.

What Is R404A?

R404A is an HFC refrigerant blend that was widely used in commercial refrigeration.

It has historically been common in:

• Commercial freezers
• Reach-ins
• Ice machines
• Supermarket refrigeration

One major disadvantage is its very high global warming potential compared with R290.

R290 vs. R404A

Is R290 Better Than R404A?

R290 offers major advantages in environmental impact and can offer excellent refrigeration efficiency.

However, "better" depends on the application.

R290 requires equipment specifically designed to safely use a flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant.

It is not simply interchangeable with R404A in existing systems.

What Is R134a?

R134a is an HFC refrigerant that has been widely used in:

• Refrigerators
• Beverage coolers
• Automotive air conditioning
• Other refrigeration applications

It has a significantly higher global warming potential than R290.

R290 vs. R134a

What Is R600a?

R600a is isobutane.

Like R290, it is a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

It is widely associated with:

• Household refrigerators
• Small refrigeration systems

R290 vs. R600a

Both are natural hydrocarbon refrigerants with very low environmental impact.

Is R290 the Same as R600a?

No.

R290 is propane.

R600a is isobutane.

Both are hydrocarbons, but their thermodynamic properties are different and they should not be treated as interchangeable.

Why Are Manufacturers Moving Away From High-GWP Refrigerants?

Environmental regulations and industry sustainability goals are pushing refrigeration manufacturers toward lower-GWP technologies.

That means restaurant operators are increasingly seeing equipment that uses refrigerants such as:

• R290
• R600a
• Other lower-GWP alternatives

instead of some refrigerants commonly found in older equipment.

Will R290 Become More Common?

R290 is already widely used in many categories of modern commercial refrigeration and is likely to remain an important option for self-contained foodservice equipment.

Its combination of:

• Low GWP
• Zero ozone depletion potential
• Efficient refrigeration performance

makes it attractive to manufacturers developing modern refrigeration platforms.

What Does the Shift to R290 Mean for Restaurants?

For most restaurant owners, daily operation of an R290 refrigerator feels very similar to operating another commercial refrigerator.

You still:

• Set the temperature
• Load food
• Clean the cabinet
• Maintain door gaskets
• Keep the condenser area clean

The biggest difference becomes important during:

• Repair
• Refrigerant leaks
• Disposal
• Refrigeration-system service

because technicians must know they are working with a flammable refrigerant.

Do R290 Refrigerators Need Special Installation?

Always follow the manufacturer's installation requirements.

Important considerations may include:

• Clearance
• Ventilation
• Electrical supply
• Equipment location
• Ambient temperature

Do not assume installation requirements are identical across all commercial refrigeration models.

Do R290 Refrigerators Need Special Electrical Outlets?

The refrigerant itself does not determine the electrical connection.

Electrical requirements depend on the individual refrigerator.

Always check the equipment data plate for:

• Voltage
• Amperage
• Phase
• Plug configuration

Can You Put an R290 Refrigerator Anywhere?

No commercial refrigerator should be placed without considering its installation requirements.

Restaurants should consider:

• Manufacturer clearances
• Airflow
• Heat-producing equipment nearby
• Ambient temperature
• Electrical access

A refrigerator installed beside high-heat cooking equipment may have to work harder to maintain temperature.

Does Kitchen Heat Affect R290 Refrigerators?

Yes, but this is true for commercial refrigerators regardless of refrigerant type.

A condenser must reject heat into the surrounding room.

If the kitchen is extremely hot, refrigeration equipment may:

• Run longer
• Use more energy
• Experience higher system pressures
• Have more difficulty maintaining cabinet temperature

Why Is Condenser Cleaning Important?

The condenser releases heat from the refrigeration system.

A dirty condenser can reduce airflow and heat transfer.

This can cause:

• Higher energy consumption
• Longer compressor run time
• Poor cooling performance
• Additional equipment stress

Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.

Does R290 Need to Be Refilled Regularly?

No.

A refrigeration system is sealed.

Refrigerant is not a fuel that gets consumed during normal operation.

If a refrigerator is low on refrigerant, there is usually a reason such as:

• A leak
• Previous service work
• System damage

Simply adding more refrigerant without finding the cause is not the proper solution.

Can R290 Refrigerant Leak?

Like any refrigeration system, leaks are possible if:

• Tubing is damaged
• A joint fails
• Equipment is improperly serviced
• Components become damaged

Because R290 is flammable, suspected leaks should be addressed appropriately by qualified personnel.

What Should You Do if You Suspect an R290 Leak?

Follow the manufacturer's safety procedures and contact a qualified refrigeration technician.

Avoid introducing:

• Open flames
• Sparks
• Other unnecessary ignition sources

around a suspected leak.

Can R290 Refrigerators Be Repaired?

Yes.

R290 refrigerators are serviceable.

However, service procedures and equipment differ from those used for some traditional nonflammable refrigerants.

This is why restaurants should work with technicians familiar with hydrocarbon refrigeration systems.

Are R290 Parts Different?

Some components and system designs may be specifically selected or engineered for hydrocarbon refrigerants.

Do not replace electrical or refrigeration components with random substitutes.

Replacement parts should meet the equipment manufacturer's specifications.

Does R290 Refrigeration Cost More?

Equipment pricing depends on:

• Brand
• Size
• Construction
• Compressor
• Controls
• Energy efficiency
• Features

The refrigerant alone does not determine whether a commercial refrigerator is expensive or inexpensive.

Should You Avoid R290 Refrigeration Because It Is Flammable?

No.

R290 is widely used in commercial refrigeration equipment specifically designed for it.

Restaurant owners should instead understand that:

• The system contains a flammable refrigerant.
• The equipment should not be improperly modified.
• Refrigeration service should be performed using proper procedures.

For everyday restaurant operation, an R290 refrigerator functions much like other modern commercial refrigeration equipment.

What Are the Advantages of R290?

Major advantages include:

• Very low global warming potential
• Zero ozone depletion potential
• Strong thermodynamic performance
• Potential for excellent energy efficiency
• Suitability for many self-contained commercial refrigeration applications

What Are the Disadvantages of R290?

The main disadvantage is flammability.

This affects:

• System design
• Refrigerant charge
• Service procedures
• Leak detection
• Technician training

Restaurants also need to make sure service companies are comfortable working with hydrocarbon refrigeration.

R290 Advantages and Disadvantages

Why Do Restaurant Refrigerators Have Different Refrigerants?

Refrigerants are selected based on factors such as:

• System size
• Operating temperature
• Cooling capacity
• Efficiency
• Safety requirements
• Environmental regulations

This is why two refrigerators that look similar may use different refrigerants.

Should Refrigerant Type Matter When Buying a Refrigerator?

Yes, but it should not be the only consideration.

Restaurant owners should also compare:

• Cabinet capacity
• Temperature range
• Energy efficiency
• Warranty
• Compressor location
• Door configuration
• Electrical requirements
• Service availability
• Manufacturer reputation

R290 in Reach-In Refrigerators

Reach-in refrigerators are one of the most common pieces of equipment in commercial kitchens.

Modern R290 reach-ins can be used for storing:

• Produce
• Dairy
• Prepared ingredients
• Sauces
• Meat
• Other refrigerated foods

Restaurant owners can browse Nishi Enterprise's Commercial Refrigeration selection when comparing reach-ins, freezers, prep tables, and other refrigeration equipment.

R290 in Commercial Freezers

R290 can also be used in low-temperature equipment such as commercial freezers.

Freezers require refrigeration systems capable of maintaining temperatures well below those of standard refrigerators.

Equipment should always be selected based on the manufacturer's specified operating temperature and application.

R290 in Prep Tables

Sandwich and pizza prep tables combine:

• Refrigerated ingredient pans
• Cold storage
• Work surfaces

in one station.

R290 is increasingly found in modern prep-table refrigeration systems.

Nishi Enterprise carries Commercial Food Prep Tables for restaurant sandwich, pizza, salad, and ingredient-preparation stations.

R290 in Sandwich Prep Tables

Sandwich prep tables are designed to keep ingredients such as:

• Cheese
• Vegetables
• Meats
• Sauces

refrigerated and accessible during service.

Nishi Enterprise also carries Sandwich Prep Tables for delis, sandwich shops, cafes, pizzerias, and restaurants.

R290 in Ice Machines

R290 is also appearing in some commercial ice-making equipment.

Ice machines use refrigeration to remove heat from water until ice forms.

The appropriate refrigerant depends on the specific machine design.

Nishi Enterprise carries Commercial Ice Makers for restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and other foodservice operations.

R290 in Glass-Door Merchandisers

Glass-door merchandisers are designed to keep drinks and packaged foods cold while allowing customers to see the products.

R290 can be found in modern merchandisers used for:

• Bottled drinks
• Canned beverages
• Grab-and-go food
• Packaged desserts

R290 in Back Bar Refrigeration

Bars need compact refrigeration for:

• Bottled beverages
• Canned beverages
• Mixers
• Garnishes

Some modern back bar refrigeration systems use R290 for their cooling cycle.

Does R290 Affect Food Safety?

The refrigerant never normally comes into contact with food.

It circulates inside a sealed refrigeration system.

Food safety still depends on whether the refrigerator maintains appropriate temperatures.

Restaurants should monitor refrigerated food according to applicable food-safety requirements.

Does R290 Change the Taste of Food?

No.

The refrigerant is sealed inside the refrigeration circuit and does not normally contact food.

R290 does not give refrigerated food a propane taste or smell.

Can You Smell R290?

Refrigerant-grade R290 should not be assumed to have the strong odor associated with consumer propane that has odorants added for leak detection.

This is another reason leaks should be identified with appropriate equipment rather than relying on smell.

Is R290 the Future of Commercial Refrigeration?

There is unlikely to be one refrigerant used for every refrigeration application.

Different equipment categories may use different low-GWP technologies.

However, R290 has become an important part of the future of self-contained commercial refrigeration because it combines:

• Low environmental impact
• Strong performance
• Established refrigeration technology

Frequently Asked Questions About R290 Refrigerant

What is R290 refrigerant?

R290 is refrigerant-grade propane used in commercial and residential refrigeration systems.

Is R290 propane?

Yes. R290 is the refrigerant designation for propane.

Is R290 the same as barbecue propane?

No. Although the primary chemical is propane, refrigeration systems require refrigerant-grade material with appropriate purity and specifications.

What does R290 do in a refrigerator?

R290 circulates through the refrigeration system and transfers heat from inside the cabinet to the surrounding environment.

Why is R290 used in commercial refrigerators?

R290 offers very low global warming potential, zero ozone depletion potential, and strong refrigeration performance.

What is the GWP of R290?

R290 is commonly listed with a global warming potential of approximately 3, dramatically lower than many older HFC refrigerants.

Does R290 damage the ozone layer?

No. R290 has zero ozone depletion potential.

Is R290 environmentally friendly?

R290 is considered a low-impact refrigerant because of its very low GWP and zero ozone depletion potential.

Is R290 flammable?

Yes. R290 is classified as an A3 flammable refrigerant.

Is R290 dangerous?

R290 can be safely used in refrigeration equipment specifically engineered for it, but its flammability means proper installation and service procedures are important.

Can any refrigerator use R290?

No. The refrigerator must be specifically designed and approved for R290.

Can R290 replace R404A?

R290 should not be treated as a simple drop-in replacement for R404A. The equipment must be designed for the refrigerant being used.

Can R290 replace R134a?

Not automatically. R290 has different properties and safety characteristics, so a system designed for R134a should not simply be filled with R290.

What is the difference between R290 and R404A?

R290 is a very low-GWP flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant, while R404A is a high-GWP HFC blend historically used in commercial refrigeration.

What is the difference between R290 and R134a?

R290 is propane with very low GWP and high flammability, while R134a is an HFC refrigerant with significantly higher GWP and a different safety classification.

What is the difference between R290 and R600a?

R290 is propane, while R600a is isobutane. Both are low-GWP hydrocarbon refrigerants but have different refrigeration properties.

Does R290 save energy?

R290 can support highly efficient refrigeration designs, but actual electricity use depends on the complete refrigerator rather than refrigerant alone.

Does R290 need to be refilled?

Not during normal operation. Refrigerant circulates in a sealed system and is not consumed like fuel.

Why would an R290 refrigerator lose refrigerant?

Refrigerant loss generally indicates a leak, damage, or previous service issue.

Can a normal HVAC technician work on R290?

Technicians servicing R290 equipment should understand hydrocarbon refrigeration safety and use tools and procedures appropriate for flammable refrigerants.

How do I know if my refrigerator uses R290?

Check the manufacturer's data plate, refrigerant label, serial tag, or owner's manual.

Does R290 touch the food?

No. The refrigerant normally remains sealed inside the refrigeration circuit.

Does R290 make food taste like propane?

No. Refrigerant does not normally contact the food stored inside the refrigerator.

What types of restaurant equipment use R290?

R290 can be used in reach-in refrigerators, freezers, undercounter units, prep tables, merchandisers, back bar refrigerators, ice machines, and other self-contained refrigeration equipment.

Where can restaurants find commercial refrigeration?

Nishi Enterprise carries Commercial Refrigeration including refrigerators, freezers, prep tables, merchandisers, and other restaurant refrigeration equipment.

Where can restaurants find commercial prep tables?

Nishi Enterprise carries Commercial Food Prep Tables and Sandwich Prep Tables for high-volume foodservice operations.

Where can restaurants find commercial ice machines?

Nishi Enterprise carries Commercial Ice Makers for restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and other foodservice businesses.

Final Thoughts: What Is R290 Refrigerant?

R290 is becoming one of the most important refrigerants for modern commercial foodservice equipment.

The easiest definition is:

R290 is high-purity propane used as a refrigerant.

It circulates through a sealed refrigeration system and transfers heat out of:

• Refrigerators
• Freezers
• Prep tables
• Merchandisers
• Ice machines
• Other refrigerated equipment

Its biggest advantages are:

• Very low global warming potential
• Zero ozone depletion potential
• Strong refrigeration performance
• Potential for high energy efficiency

Its biggest consideration is:

flammability.

R290 is classified as an A3 refrigerant, which means equipment must be specifically engineered for its safe use.

That does not mean restaurant owners should avoid R290 equipment.

It means R290 systems should be:

• Installed according to manufacturer instructions
• Maintained properly
• Serviced by technicians familiar with hydrocarbon refrigerants
• Never improperly modified or filled with a different refrigerant

Restaurant owners also should not assume R290 can simply replace refrigerants such as R404A or R134a in an existing refrigerator.

Refrigeration systems are engineered around specific refrigerants, pressures, components, and safety requirements.

For restaurants shopping for newer refrigeration equipment, seeing R290 on a product specification is becoming increasingly normal.

Nishi Enterprise carries a wide selection of Commercial Refrigeration for restaurants, including refrigerators, freezers, prep tables, and merchandisers.

Restaurants can also browse Commercial Food Prep Tables, Sandwich Prep Tables, and Commercial Ice Makers when building or replacing their refrigerated equipment lineup.

The easiest way to understand R290 is to think of it as a modern low-impact refrigerant made from propane: it can provide efficient commercial refrigeration with a dramatically lower climate impact than many older refrigerants, but because propane is flammable, the equipment and service procedures must be specifically designed around that characteristic.