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.
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].
ACHR NEWS: As a mildly flammable refrigerant, R-454B can't be retrofitted into existing R-22 and R-410A systems.
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.
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.
The replacements for R-410A are the two A2Ls, Forane® R-32 and R-454B. Forane® R-32 can be used in new equipment designed specifically for mildly flammable refrigerants as a replacement for R-410A equipment. Its low density allows for the use of a smaller refrigerant charge.
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.
R-22 uses simple mineral oil, non-toxic, safe, stable, etc. while R-410a uses a somewhat exotic Poly o Ester (POE) oil typically found in jet turbine engines. The refrigerant used MUST match the oil present in the system, which is one reason why you can't replace the R-22 with R410a in a system.
How Is R-454B Different Than Other Refrigerant? The new R-454B refrigerant is more energy efficient than existing options and has a lower GWP (Global Warming Potential). And because it uses electricity, it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
R-410A PHASE-DOWN TIMELINE
In 2024, we will jump to a 40% decrease in production. 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.
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.
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.
This R454B A2L unit manufactured by Allied Air, uses longer stub outs to allow for brazing with a flow of nitrogen, or you can cut the coupling off and use pressure fittings if that's what you prefer.
Last year, Carrier announced that it had chosen R-454B as its primary lower-GWP solution to replace R-410A in all of its ducted residential and light commercial packaged solutions sold in North America.
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.
As contrast to R-410A, R-454B has a global warming potential (GWP) that is much lower. This increases its environmental friendliness and ensures that it complies with rules that are designed to cut down on emissions of greenhouse gases.
Exposure hazards: Flammable. In combustion emits toxic fumes. Forms explosive air-vapour mixture. Advice for fire-fighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
RS-53 (R470A) has been developed to replace R410A in existing installations, although it can also be used in new equipment.
What is equivalent to R-454B? R-454B is often compared to R-410A due to operating at very similar temperatures and pressures, but it has a lower global warming potential (GWP).
This will cause more cost to the consumer, breakdown, and other mechanical issues. R454b is expected to be a more expensive refrigerant than r410a, even as it is phased down.
What is the replacement for R-410A? A lower GWP replacement for R-410A is Forane® R-32. Forane® 32 is a stand-alone third generation refrigerant for new residential and light commercial air conditioning systems, heat pumps and other HVAC applications.
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.