Welcoming 2025! Out with the old & in with the new- Refrigerant, that is!

What is R454B?

• Starting January 1, 2025, newly manufactured HVAC equipment may no longer use R-410 refrigerant. The new industry standard refrigerant will be R-454B.
• R-454B is a non-ozone depleting-zeotropic blend designed as a low GWP alternative to R-410A in comfort air cooling and reversible heating applications.
• This refrigerant is slightly flammable. Equipment must now include safety components to counteract this feature, making it 25% more expensive.

Compared to R-410A, R-454B offers notably improved efficiency. Due to its lower pressure level and environmental impact, R-454B exhibits a superior coefficient of performance (COP) and capacity.

Does R-454B have an impact on the environment?

• Did you know R-454B provides up to 78% in Global Warming potential while still enabling the opportunity for optimized efficiency and decreased energy use.
• It does not have any ozone depleting potential but it does have higher global warming potential than other alternatives like R32 or CO2.
• Higher Efficiency: R-454B can be up to 5% more efficient than its predecessor, R-410A. In many applications, it lowers energy consumption and home utility costs.
• R-454B is a part of a larger environmental initiative aimed at reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.

R-32 Refrigerant

• This refrigerant is primarily found in Goodman and Daikin products.
• R-32 has a benefit of reducing carbon footprint and Global Warming Potential. Its simple structure contributes to its refrigerant properties, including its heat transfer efficiency and relatively low GWP.
• It displays excellent heat transfer efficiency, which makes it an effective refrigerant for air conditioning systems.
• Compared to others like R-410A, it requires less energy to achieve the same cooling effect.
• R-32 is used in modern HVAC systems including residential, commercial and industrial.
• It is one of the key ingredients that forms R-410A Puron. It is a single refrigerant not a blended one.

What do homeowners need to know?

• Familiarizing yourself with R-454B and R-32 refrigerant properties and handling practices ensures that your home’s system operates efficiently and safely.
• Homeowners should never attempt to work with either of the refrigerants themselves, to avoid potential safety hazards. Additionally, regular air conditioning maintenance is crucial to ensure the safe and efficient operation of systems using.
• By prioritizing safety and maintenance, homeowners can enjoy the benefits without compromising safety.

If your current HVAC system uses R-410A it will still be available for repairs on your unit for many years to come. However, if you replace or upgrade your system starting January 1, 2025, R-410A will no longer be available to purchase once it is extinguished by the Supply Chain.