Beginning in late 2024, R454B will replace R410A in all newly manufactured HVAC systems to meet these environmental goals. This change is in line with the EPA's SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) program, which ensures that the alternatives meet both environmental and safety standards.
ACHR NEWS: As a mildly flammable refrigerant, R-454B can't be retrofitted into existing R-22 and R-410A systems.
The replacements for R-410A are the two A2Ls, Forane® R-32 and R-454B.
Key Differences and Similarities. Perhaps the most significant difference between R-410A and R-454B is their Global Warming Potential (GWP). The former has a GWP of 2,088 while the latter stands at only 465. That means it is four times less potent than its counterpart [TABLE].
Estimates suggest R454B could be over three times more expensive than R410A (Logan Services Inc.). The prices can vary depending on the manufacturer, with Chinese manufacturers typically ranging from $60 to $70 per kilogram as of 2021 (GESON Chiller).
Will R-454B work in existing R-410A systems? No. R-454B is NOT a drop-in replacement for R-410A. Although many of the characteristics of R-454B are similar to R-410A, the use of R-454B is restricted by code and regulation to systems for which it was specifically designed.
ComStar's RS-53 (R470A) is the world's only drop-in retrofit replacement for existing R410a systems. At 909, RS-53 has a GWP that is effectively 56% lower than R410a. Additionally, RS-51 (R470B) has a GWP of 717 which is 80% lower than R404a, R507 and half of R448A and R449A.
R-454B has a lower GWP than previous refrigerants, meaning it has a much lower climate impact. Trane is phasing in the transition to R-454B in 2024, starting with the adoption of R-454B refrigerant in its residential products, beginning with the XR15 SEER2 heat pump.
As R-410A is phased out, A2L refrigerants are emerging as the primary alternatives due to their lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) and reduced environmental impact. Refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B are leading the charge, offering a GWP that is significantly lower than R-410A.
Cost: Systems that use R-454b will likely be more expensive due to specialized tools and installation procedures. Maintenance: Homeowners may face more frequent sensor issues with R-454b systems, especially in the early stages of its adoption.
RS-53 (R470A) enables users to replace R410A in existing units with minimal changes and inconvenience at low cost.
Cooling systems shifting from R-410a to newer refrigerants like R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant will be implemented in 2025. These new coolants are engineered to be friendlier to the environment and meet updated regulations about global warming.
Regulations and Safety Standards
Navigating the regulatory landscape is crucial when adopting new refrigerants. R-454B is classified as an A2L refrigerant, indicating low flammability.
Air conditioner and heat pump manufacturers are rolling out new refrigerants to comply with EPA guidelines. Starting in January 2025, no new HVAC systems will use R-410A refrigerant. Instead, most residential systems will use either R-32 or R-454B refrigerant, both of which have a comparably lower environmental impact.
With R 454b, the suction pressure will be 113.3 psig . If we have a saturated condensing temperature of 110 degree Fahrenheit, the pressure of R 410a will be 366.4 psig.
A: R-454B has properties very similar to R-410A, which is also a blend. Because of R-454B's low temperature glide, leaks can be topped off similar to what was done with R-410A (note that R-410A systems cannot be charged with R-454B; this is strictly prohibited by codes and safety standards).
R454B: slightly lower capacity than R410A but better efficiency; lower GWP. R32: better efficiency and around 10% more capacity than R410A, depending on the application and system design.
Basically, federal standards will require a new type of refrigerant to be used in brand-new home HVAC systems. Right now, cooling systems are required to use HFC and HCFC refrigerants, like R410a. The new guidelines will require A2L refrigerant to be used instead for all systems manufactured after a certain time.
Regulatory Changes: As the phase-out continues to restrict production levels and importation, the R-410A price will likely increase. Manufacturing Costs: Fluctuations in the cost of raw materials and manufacturing can also influence the price of refrigerants.
This means that – in most cases – R-454B is not a direct drop-in replacement for R-410A. Only looking at COP may indicate otherwise, but capacity must also be considered. Our test data indicates that R-454B coils will require 10 – 20% additional heat transfer surface to meet the same capacity as and R-410A design.
R-410A PHASE-DOWN TIMELINE
We will reach a 70% decrease by 2029. In 2034, we will see 80% less R-410A being produced than it is today, and the phase-down will end in 2036 with another 5% reduction.
Chlorofluorocarbons. The production of chlorofluorocarbons, commonly known as CFCs, was banned in the 1990s. The refrigerant, which contains chlorine, has a huge environmental impact. In fact, a 1974 report stated that CFCs would eventually deplete the planet's ozone layer.
How much will an R-22 to R-410A conversion cost? The actual cost will depend on many things, including where you live, but most of the time R-22 conversions start at around $2,000 and go up from there. The higher end of that range is somewhere around $4,500 to $4,600.
If your HVAC system still uses R-22 or R-410A, you don't need to replace or stop using your system right away. The EPA's plan to phase out these harmful refrigerants stretches out into the next decade.
R32 has the advantage of being a singlecomponent refrigerant with higher energy efficiency and a smaller physical footprint. It's already in use globally, so you can be confident in its reliability. R454B, while newer, has the benefit of an even lower GWP, making it the more environmentally friendly option.