- CALL NOW412-407-7553
Book Now-
emergency
service
Book Now
emergency 
For homeowners who want to improve the efficiency of their home and make a more positive impact on the environment, the new 454B refrigerant may be the key!
Refrigerant is a fluid that flows through the refrigerant lines of your HVAC system, working to cool warm air. During the cooling process, the refrigerant changes from a liquid to a gas and then condenses into a liquid to begin the cycle again.
At Jacob Heating and Cooling, we’ve created a guide to 454B refrigerant and its implications for homeowners.
Traditionally, refrigerants contain hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases. Scientific research has shown the damage HCFCs can do to the ozone layer, so stricter regulations have phased out older refrigerants like R-22 and replaced them with R-410A. HFCs have a high global warming potential (GWP), so they are also being phased out under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020.
R-454B has been introduced to gradually replace R-410A, the current refrigerant of choice in HVAC manufacturing. It is a mix of R-32, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and R-1234yf, a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). This blend has a lower global warming potential (GWP), resulting in a lower climate impact.
With the development of this new refrigerant, HVC manufacturers are beginning to transition to using this more environmentally friendly option.
If you’re a homeowner considering a new HVAC system or looking to upgrade your current one, you may have heard about the transition from R-410A to R-454B refrigerant. Understanding the differences between these two refrigerants can help you decide when investing in your home’s heating and cooling system.
R-410A has been the standard refrigerant for residential and commercial air conditioning systems for years. It is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) blend of difluoromethane (R-32) and pentafluoroethane (R-125). However, due to its high Global Warming Potential (GWP), R-410A is being phased out.
R-454B, on the other hand, is a newer, lower-GWP refrigerant composed of R-32 and R-1234yf, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative. While it belongs to the HFC category, adding R-1234yf, a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO), significantly reduces its overall climate impact.
R-454B has been designed to match or exceed the performance of R-410A. It operates at similar pressures, so HVAC manufacturers can create highly efficient systems that don’t require drastic design changes. Additionally, R-454B has slightly better thermodynamic properties, which can improve energy efficiency, resulting in lower utility bills over time.
One of the biggest concerns for homeowners is whether R-454B can be used in existing R-410A systems. Unfortunately, R-454B is not a drop-in replacement for R-410A. HVAC systems must be specifically designed to accommodate R-454B due to differences in oil compatibility and pressure characteristics. If you’re considering an upgrade, you’ll likely need to invest in a new unit designed for R-454B. However, because R-454B operates at pressures similar to R-410A, manufacturers have been able to develop next-generation units that require minimal system modifications.
As environmental concerns grow, the HVAC industry is moving away from high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A. One of the most promising replacements is R-454B, which offers a significantly lower carbon footprint while maintaining high performance. But what exactly makes R-454B a better choice for the environment?
One of the most critical factors in determining a refrigerant’s environmental impact is its Global Warming Potential (GWP). This a measure of how much heat a substance can trap in the atmosphere over time compared to carbon dioxide (CO₂).
As more HVAC manufacturers transition to lower-GWP refrigerants, homeowners will see more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible systems on the market. If you’re planning to upgrade your HVAC system, opting for a unit that uses R-454B can help you stay ahead of the curve while positively impacting the planet.
By choosing R-454B, you’re not only investing in a cooler, more comfortable home—you’re also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment for the next generation.
As the HVAC industry moves away from R-410A in favor of the more environmentally friendly R-454B, homeowners may wonder how this transition will impact their current heating and cooling systems. While the shift to R-454B offers improved efficiency and lower environmental impact, it also brings essential maintenance, upgrades, and cost considerations.
If your current HVAC system uses R-410A, it will continue to be serviceable for the foreseeable future. However, obtaining refrigerant for maintenance and repairs may become more expensive and less available.
Refrigerant Availability: As R-410A is phased out, its production will gradually decrease, which may lead to shortages and higher prices.
For homeowners with older R-22 systems, the transition to R-454B won’t have a direct impact since R-22 has already been phased out. However, if your system is still running on R-22, an upgrade will eventually be necessary to avoid costly refrigerant refills and repairs.
If your current system is nearing the end of its lifespan (typically 10–15 years for air conditioners), it may be worth considering an upgrade to an R-454B-compatible unit sooner rather than later.
The financial impact of this transition will vary depending on whether you’re maintaining an existing system or purchasing a new one.
If you choose to keep your current system, support for older systems will still be available, but it will phase out as R-410A becomes less commonly used. Homeowners with questions or concerns can contact Jacob Heating and Cooling for more information.
Schedule a consultation with Jacob Heating and Cooling today to learn more about how these changes may impact your HVAC system. Call 412-407-7553 to learn more about environmentally friendly HVAC solutions and furnace replacement services for your Pittsburgh home.
CONTACT US 