R-454B for sustainable cooling in the HVAC industry

As the HVAC industry shifts toward sustainability, R-454B emerges as an environmentally responsible refrigerant with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP). It is set to become the new industry standard for air conditioning and heat pump systems by offering efficiency, regulatory compliance, and long-term cost benefits.

The environmental footprint of a refrigerant, measured by its Global Warming Potential (GWP), compares its effect on climate change to carbon dioxide (CO₂), the baseline greenhouse gas. R-454B is a carefully formulated blend of R-32, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and R-1234yf, a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). This combination significantly lowers its GWP compared to older refrigerants like R-22 and R-410A, making it a more environmentally responsible option. Due to its efficiency and reduced environmental impact, R-454B is quickly becoming the industry standard for air conditioners and heat pumps.

The transition to R-454B is driven by global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2020, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act empowered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and initiate a phased reduction to decrease overall GWP levels by 80 percent by 2036. As part of this initiative, the EPA has mandated manufacturers adopt refrigerants with a GWP of 700 or lower by 2025. With a GWP of just 466, R-454B surpasses this requirement, making it a crucial step toward a more sustainable future.

Beyond its environmental benefits, R-454B offers several advantages over its predecessors. It does not deplete the ozone layer and has low toxicity, ensuring safety and reliability. Leading HVAC manufacturers, including Lennox, are adopting R-454B for whole-home systems while selecting R-32 for ductless mini-split systems. Both refrigerants provide improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact compared to their predecessors.

While the initial cost of R-454B may be higher than R-410A, this price difference will diminish over time. As R-410A will phase out, its limited availability will drive up costs, while the growing adoption of R-454B will stabilise its price, eventually making it the more cost-effective option. Additionally, R-454B has an A2L safety classification, meaning it is both low in toxicity and flammability. Unlike older refrigerants, it is a non-toxic compound and does not pose health risks in the event of a leak.

As the HVAC industry moves toward sustainability, R-454B stands out as an environmentally friendly solution. With its lower environmental impact, regulatory compliance, and long-term cost benefits, it is poised to become the new standard for air conditioning and heat pump systems.