Like its predecessor
R-454B Refrigerant
Most HVAC manufacturers in the United States (among them Johnson Controls (York), Lennox, Trane, and Carrier) have decided to adopt R-454B (also known as Opteon™ XL41 or Puron Advance™) as the new standard refrigerant to replace R-410A.
Lennox has chosen R-454B as its 2025 Compliant Refrigerant.
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.
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].
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.
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).
Gauge sets used with R-410A should be okay to use with R-454B, although technicians may need to update their digital manifolds to include the newer refrigerants. Standard hand tools like wrenches and tube cutters should be the same.
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.
Comprehensive Environmental Impact Metrics
This means systems using R32 typically consume less energy over their lifetime, resulting in fewer indirect emissions. R454B, while also efficient, may require a larger charge size to achieve similar cooling performance, which can increase its overall environmental footprint.
Like its predecessor R-410A, R-454B poses no danger to the ozone layer. These advantages that led Lennox to adopt R-454B as our primary 2025 Compliant Refrigerant for whole-home systems and R-32 for our ductless mini-split systems.
In the first half of 2024 we'll phase out our R-410A dedicated models and introduce -01 refrigerant versatile models, compatible with both R-410A and R-454B refrigerants.
Because of its reduced global warming potential (GWP), R-454B is intended to be an alternative to refrigerant R-410A in new equipment. R-454B has a GWP of 466, which is 78 percent lower than R-410A's GWP of 2088. R-454B is non-toxic and mildly flammable, with an ASHRAE safety classification of A2L.
Opteon™ XL41 (R-454B) refrigerant is a non-ozone depleting (ODP), hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) based replacement boasting the lowest global warming potential of all R-410A commercially available replacements.
R-454B, known commercially as Puron Advance™, is Carrier's refrigerant of choice for all ducted and ductless residential and light commercial applications.
R-32 is a single component refrigerant, so topping off an R-32 system should not be an issue. R-454B is a refrigerant blend but has a very low fractionation potential and a very low temperature glide, so topping off an R-454B system should not be an issue.
This refrigerant is considered a lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant. R-454B, formerly known as DL-5A, has been selected by several manufacturers, including Mitsubishi Electric, Carrier, Johnson Controls, Trane, and others.
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.
Several HVAC manufacturers have officially declared upcoming price hikes for 2024, garnering attention as a new wave of increases takes effect. There is a noticeable industry-wide trend of manufacturers elevating the prices of equipment, parts, and supplies.
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.
Current Pricing Landscape
The cost of 454b refrigerant has experienced a significant surge in recent times. As of December 2021, the cost of R454B refrigerant is approximately $8 per pound (Choosesanford.com).
The New Refrigerants
Starting in 2025, the HVAC industry will shift toward using refrigerants with a lower GWP. Among the most discussed replacements are R-32 and R-454B.
Trane (and much of the residential HVAC industry) has chosen to move forward with R-454B, which has a reduced environmental impact when compared to previous refrigerants. In addition to having a lower GWP, R-454B has no ozone depletion potential (ODP).
Right now the globally accepted direct GWP threshold by HVAC system designers and building consultants is 750. R32's direct GWP exceeds this threshold, and is 45% higher than R454B's, making R454B the more sustainable choice. The lower the GWP, the better.
Trane and the refrigerant transition
We're adopting the R-454B refrigerant for use in newly manufactured residential cooling products. R-454B has already demonstrated exceptional performance during Trane's field trials in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge.