To promote the use of R32, Daikin has made its nine basic patents in India available free of cost for life to Indian air conditioner manufacturers, subject to signing of non-assertion agreements. It also provides training to channel partners and technicians across the industry, and promotes R32 in exhibitions, seminars, dealer events, etc. K.J. Jawa, MD, Daikin India, had announced a year back that R32 would be made available in India at half the price of R410A. R32 is more eco-friendly than R410A with an Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) of zero and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 675 against 2090 of R410A. In addition, R32 has a potential refrigerating effect 1.5 times that of R410A, and lower pressure losses for the same capacity. It has 10% lower liquid density, enabling pipe diameters to be smaller. As a result, the refrigerant charge is up to 30% less than an equivalent R410A system, so more compact ACs can be designed. The higher energy efficiency of systems using R32 also translates into lower carbon emissions during the product life cycle. Due to its flammability, R32 requires additional safety measures at the manufacturing stage and servicing. It is classified as A2L Class (mildly fl ammable) refrigerant as per ASHRAE Standard 34:2010.

Daikin India took the lead to introduce R32 in the Indian air conditioner market when it started manufacture of residential air conditioners with R32 in its factory at Neemrana, Rajasthan in northern India in September 2012. Since then, Daikin India has sold more than 150,000 air conditioners using R32.