In fact, R-32 is a single component refrigerant, while R-454B is a blend that consists of nearly 70% R-32. R-32 has been safely used in over 160 million units in the US and around the world by more than 40 OEMs. In more than 100 countries. R-32 has become the global de facto to replace R-410A.
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.
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.
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.
R-454B is NOT a drop-in replacement for R-410A.
When replacing R410A, here's what you need to know: R452B: the same capacity as R410A, with slightly better efficiency. R454B: slightly lower capacity than R410A but better efficiency; lower GWP.
No. R32 is not suitable as a drop-in replacement for R410A and must only be used in systems specifically designed for R32.
Disadvantages:Different from R22 and R410A, the R32 is slightly flammable. But combustion will not occur unless three critical conditions are met, refrigerant concentration, constant oxygen, and an ignition source. In real practice, it's hard to meet all the combustion conditions.
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.
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.
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.
R-454B, known commercially as Puron Advance™, is Carrier's refrigerant of choice for all ducted and ductless residential and light commercial applications.
Current Pricing Trends
As of December 2021, the cost of R454B refrigerant is approximately $8 per pound (GitHub).
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.
R32 has a flammable range of around 15 points so it meets the definition of the GHS for a Category 2.1 gas. Ammonia has similar flammability characteristics to R32 and is also a Class 2L refrigerant.
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.
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.
Starting January 1, 2025, the EPA will require all new residential and light commercial HVAC systems to use refrigerants with a much lower GWP—specifically, R-454B and R-32, which are considered far more environmentally friendly.
Exposure hazards: Flammable. In combustion emits toxic fumes. Forms explosive air-vapour mixture. Advice for fire-fighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
Over 15 years later, this audience has become even more niche, and the R32 now has a cult-like following. If you are willing to join this cult and have the financial means to maintain the car, then absolutely, you should buy one. A well-maintained R32 is surely a future classic.
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.
One key advantage of R32 refrigerant is that it is a single component, not a blend. This makes it easier to service and recycle. Additionally, R32 refrigerant requires less volume charge compared to our existing refrigerant, R410A, thanks to its higher cooling and heating performance.
Is it possible to upgrade the refrigerant in an existing unit? Please note that it is not possible to transition an R410A refrigerant unit to an R32 unit. Refrigerants should only be handled by trained, qualified technicians. These experts can assist you in finding an R32-capable system.
Why R-410A Is Being Phased Out. Because R-410A operates at such high pressures, there is an increased risk of an environmentally harmful refrigerant leak during maintenance and repair work. The R-410A phase-out means new HVAC systems will use more sustainable refrigerants.
An environmentally more benign refrigerant for replacing refrigerant R410A includes a majority portion of refrigerant R32 and a minority portion of refrigerant R134a, the volumetric capacity of the replacement refrigerant permitting it to be used as a near or exact drop-in replacement for refrigerant R410A in terms of ...