R-454B has a
Regulations and Safety Standards
R-454B is classified as an A2L refrigerant, indicating low flammability.
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.
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].
Common examples of flammable refrigerants include R-290 (Class A3), R-152a (Class A2), and R-32 (Class A2L). As used herein, “flammable refrigerants” refers to any refrigerants classified as 2L, 2 or 3.
The main unsaturated F-gases , also known as HFOs (hydrofluoroolefins), are R1234yf, R1234ze (E), and R1233zd. They have very low GWP levels, are non-flammable or only mildly flammable, and belong to a group of lower density refrigerants.
R-22a is a hydrocarbon refrigerant blend with primary components including flammable substances such as propane and butane. In some cases, it may also contain small amounts of other hydrocarbons or a pine-scented odorant. This refrigerant is a highly flammable, colorless gas that is heavier than air.
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.
Additionally, both R32 and R454B are classified as mildly flammable (A2L), so proper training and safety protocols for handling these refrigerants are necessary. Key Takeaway: R32's single-component nature simplifies maintenance, while R454B requires careful handling to maintain its blend integrity.
No, R-454B does not contain propane. It is a blend of R-32 (68.9%) and R-1234yf (31.1%), both of which are fluorinated refrigerants, not hydrocarbons like propane.
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.
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.
Safety Precautions: Ensure proper ventilation in the working area, as R454B is classified as mildly flammable. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, gloves, and a face mask.
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.
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.
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.
R22 (also known as HCFC-22) is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) once widely used as a refrigerant. If your home or office AC is over 10 years old, it's probably using R22 freon. However, R22 Freon is banned in the U.S. today.
USA: Lennox has become the latest US manufacturer to announce a switch to lower GWP refrigerant R454B across all its residential HVAC products. Last month, Johnson Controls announced the launch of a brand-new suite of residential products optimised for use with the same refrigerant.
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).
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).
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.
A3 refrigerants, like propane (R290) and isobutane (R600a), are highly flammable and are considered even more environmentally friendly than A2Ls. Class A3 refrigerants include R-170 (ethane), R-290 (propane), R-600 (butane), and R-600A (isobutane).
Notice that R-11 has the highest ODP of 1. R-11 is the most destructive refrigerant and we compare all other refrigerants against it. Note also that R-11 is a CFC, which we have already discussed is the most destructive refrigerant to ozone.
As of January 1, 2020, production and import of R22 refrigerant will be illegal in the United States. Of course, continued use of your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump system using R22 refrigerant is allowed.