Learn the science behind R-454B refrigerant and why the HVAC industry is transitioning to using it in some newly manufactured cooling products.
By Anne Fonda
In a nutshell, refrigerant is a fluid that runs through the refrigerant lines of your HVAC system to cool warm air. The refrigerant changes from liquid to gas during this process. The refrigerant gas is then condensed to a liquid to start the cycle again.
Refrigerants have traditionally contained hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases. As scientific research has shed light on the damage HCFCs can do to our ozone layer, stricter environmental regulations mean older refrigerants such as R-22 (also known as Freon or HCFC-22) were phased out and replaced by HFC R-410A. HFCs are now being phased down under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 because they have high GWPs.
Because of our commitment to sustainability and a greener future, we have sought out alternative refrigerants with a lower global warming potential (GWP) and no ozone depletion potential (ODP).
R-454B is the newest refrigerant, which will gradually replace R-410A, the refrigerant used in current HVAC manufacturing.
R-454B is a blend of R-32, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and R-1234yf a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). R-454B has a lower GWP than previous refrigerants, meaning it has a much lower climate impact.
American Standard is phasing in the transition to new refrigerants in 2024, starting with the adoption of R-454B refrigerant in its residential products, beginning with the Silver 15 Heat Pump.
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 refrigerant is quickly becoming the HVAC industry standard for use in air conditioners and heat pumps and you can expect to see it increasingly used in newly manufactured units.
Depending on the age of your system, you may have R-22 (HCFC-22) refrigerant (2010 or earlier) or R-410A refrigerant (2010 or newer). Your HVAC technician can tell you which one your system uses. You can also find the information in your system’s owner’s manual. If you don’t have a physical copy of your owner’s manual but you know the make and model of your AC unit, you will be able to look up the manual online.
You could also check the unit outside and look for the data plate. It is sometimes located on the back of the unit near the refrigerant lines or on the side of the unit. It will give you the model number, the type of refrigerant the system uses, and more information specific to your unit.
Even with the new regulations regarding refrigerants, you will still be able to get HVAC service on your AC unit that uses an older refrigerant. Your HVAC technician will have access to stockpiled supplies.
And when the time comes to replace your HVAC system, you will be able to choose one using the new, more sustainable, energy-efficient R-454B refrigerant.
Questions about the refrigerant transition and how it will affect your HVAC system? Find a local dealer you can count on to give you straight answers. Ask any questions you have, or set up AC repair or a quote for a new installation.
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Erin Smith, Product Marketing Manager, Equipment
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of an air conditioner or heat pump, responsible for absorbing, carrying, and releasing heat to achieve and maintain your desired temperature.
R-22 is a chemical cooling compound found in older HVAC systems, that is currently being phased out of production and use due to its harmful effects on the planet.
R-410A is the refrigerant that replaced R-22 (Freon®) in air conditioning and heat pump systems manufactured after 2009.
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