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.
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.
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.
New systems using R-454B refrigerant are more energy efficient, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the use of electricity, and the refrigerant itself has lower GWP. R-454B has no ozone depletion potential (ODP) and has low toxicity.
R32, R452B, and R454B replacements for R410A are all classed as 2L: mildly flammable. These A2L refrigerants offer only moderate limitations in charge for direct expansion systems and no limitations for indirect expansion systems such as chillers, when located outdoor or in technical rooms.
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, known commercially as Puron Advance™, is Carrier's refrigerant of choice for all ducted and ductless residential and light commercial applications.
The limited supply and more complex manufacturing process of R454B compared to its predecessor R410A contribute to its higher cost.
Compared to R410A, R32 has low global warming potential, minimizing its effects on climate change. Additionally, R32 is pure hydrofluorocarbon with zero impact on ozone layer, making it a significantly less harmful option for the environment.
Exposure hazards: Flammable. In combustion emits toxic fumes. Forms explosive air-vapour mixture. Advice for fire-fighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
R-32 is the most balanced refrigerant in terms of environmental impact, energy efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Refrigerant is a medium for conveying heat. Air conditioners transfer heat while circulating refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LG leads the way with R32 refrigerant
Now builders can take advantage of the many benefits of R32 refrigerant for their homeowners with LG solutions and technologies as a refrigerant that reliably keeps homes warm and cool.
This includes ensuring that the gas is not exposed to open flames or other ignition sources. Toxic substances like hydrogen fluoride and carbon dioxide are created when R32, like all fluorinated refrigerants, is burnt. Asphyxiation and freeze burns are also a risk.
Regulatory - There are no published regulations or granted EPA petitions that state R-32 will be prohibited in the U.S. after 2029. In fact, R-32 is a single component refrigerant, while R-454B is a blend that consists of nearly 70% R-32.
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.
R454B offers improved efficiency over R410A, ultimately reducing energy consumption and utility costs. In many applications, R454B has demonstrated increased energy efficiency of up to 5% compared to R410A systems, driven primarily by its lower pressure level and enhanced thermodynamic properties.
If your system was installed in 2024 or beyond, it will likely use Puron Advance, also known as R-454B. Puron Advance has a low Global Warming Potential while also being non-ozone depleting.
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.
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).