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by Ronja Magdziak
Why we sell air conditioning systems with climate-damaging refrigerant
27-6-2025
Translation: Elicia Payne
Refrigerants are essential for the AC system to keep your room cool in summer. They can also pollute the environment as much as a flight from Zurich to Berlin and back.
Have you ever wondered what kind of forbidden magic is hidden in an air conditioner? One of the most important components is the refrigerant. You can think of it like the blood circulating the AC unit. It transports the heat outwards, ensuring a pleasant coolness in the room. It’s not magic, it’s physics. However, certain refrigerants will probably soon be banned, at least in the EU and Switzerland will most likely follow suit too (page in German). The reason being, that the products with mysterious names such as R-32 are harmful to the climate as soon as they escape their unit. Still, we continue to sell such devices and there are good reasons for this.
Why does Galaxus sell climate-damaging air conditioners?
The main issue we’re currently experiencing with the AC systems in our range are those with the refrigerant R-32. These are most split appliances, i.e. appliances that connect the inner and outer units via a hose. You can find out more about the different types of air conditioning units here:
In fact, we stopped selling mobile split systems for a time because they use R-32 and we weren’t sure what would happen next. The truth is, one kilogramme of R-32 has the same impact on the environment as a flight from Zurich to Berlin and back. At least there’s probably a little less than a kilo of R-32 in the average system.
And if the coolant remains in the appliance circuit, there’s no risk to the environment. It only becomes harmful if there’s a leak and the coolant escapes. This can be a result of poor maintenance or improper disposal.
Air conditioners with R-32 have been available in our range for some time again. This is because we trust our customers to have their appliance serviced by specialists to prevent leaks from occurring in the first place. And are confident that they dispose of their AC units properly.
Why doesn’t Galaxus limit its range to harmless coolants?
Mobile split air conditioners are in high demand as they’re more efficient at cooling than monoblock units. In turn, this saves electricity and is therefore environmentally friendly. But, split air conditioners are also the kind that often use the problematic R-32 as a refrigerant. So the trade-off is that they’re more efficient but they use polluting coolant. Currently, the majority of the split appliances in our shop run on R-32. However, manufacturers will soon have to rethink because the EU’s planning to regulate R-32 more stringently every year and even ban it for certain uses. With this in mind, we can assume that manufacturers are looking for alternatives to R-32, which will probably put an end to the use of climate-damaging refrigerants in Switzerland too.
Is Switzerland adopting EU laws?
It’s not yet clear whether Switzerland will follow suit and ban R-32. However, if the only air conditioners still on the market in all neighbouring countries are those without R-32, suppliers in Switzerland will likely only sell such appliances too. Switzerland is simply too small a market for international corporations to have an additional special range.
What are the alternatives?
A less efficient, noisy monoblock system. These mostly use R-290 as a refrigerant. And you’re probably already familiar with this. It’s the same gas that heats up your barbecue – propane. The advantage of this, is that it’s only a fraction as harmful as R-32. However, propane burns much quicker, which is why you can’t simply convert split appliances running on R-32 to propane. There are special safety standards for propane.
I’m not here to judge whether active cooling makes sense or not. But if you want to share your tips on how to keep the heat out of your home, the comment section is yours. Just remember to keep a cool head in the discussion.
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
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