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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Most of your current tools should work fine with R454B and R32. However, you will need to confirm that your vacuum pump, recovery machine, and leak detectors are compatible with A2Ls like R454B. Check with the equipment manufacturer before using any existing tools with A2L refrigerants.
With an optimal balance between efficiency and environmental impact, R454B not only lowers energy consumption but also improves the overall efficiency of air conditioning systems. This can result in lower utility bills and a more cost-effective cooling solution for homeowners.
Exposure hazards: Flammable. In combustion emits toxic fumes. Forms explosive air-vapour mixture. Advice for fire-fighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
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.
The limited supply and more complex manufacturing process of R454B compared to its predecessor R410A contribute to its higher cost.
What refrigerant will replace R-410A in 2025? For whole-home systems, Lennox has chosen 2025 Compliant Refrigerant R-454B due to its excellent performance for ducted systems and zero ozone depletion potential. For mini-splits, we selected R-32, designed to optimize efficiency and reliability in ductless systems.
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.
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.
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.
The impending phaseout of R-410A, a widely used refrigerant in HVAC systems, marks a huge shift for homeowners and the HVAC industry. Set to take effect on December 31, 2024, this change is driven by global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with environmental regulations.
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.
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.
These new options will also be more cost effective over the life of the unit, both because of the inherent efficiencies of R-454B and the rising cost of older refrigerants as they phase out and become more harder to source. Our new lineup of R-454B compliant equipment will be available in the second half of 2024.
Specifically, R-454B typically offers better COP, but based on our recent performance testing, there are scenarios in which its capacity is less than R-410A.
Nothing in it allows for the use of A2L (mildly flammable) refrigerants to be used in residential cooling systems. Mildly flammable refrigerants can't be used in existing R-410a and R-22 systems.
Changes to the Dangerous Goods Legislation, effective in 2021, has new categories for A2L refrigerants. R32 is a synthetic greenhouse gas. If released to the atmosphere it can contribute to climate change. R32 is a flammable refrigerant.
In summary, the safety classification of R-454B as an A2L refrigerant ensures that it aligns with rigorous safety standards. The combination of low burning velocity and stringent safety measures in design and implementation minimizes potential risks associated with its flammable nature.
RS-53 (R470A) has been specifically designed to mitigate these changes to the refrigerant user by reducing the direct GWP of the refrigerant while not compromising its energy efficiency and technical properties as a suitable Drop-in replacement for R410A.
R-454B, known commercially as Puron Advance™, is Carrier's refrigerant of choice for all ducted and ductless residential and light commercial applications.