Heating, cooling and beyond
R-454B refrigerant - which comes with a low GWP (Global Warming Potential) - hits the market nationwide this fall. All air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured since 2010 feature R-410A refrigerant which has a GWP of 2088. The new R-454B refrigerant has a GWP of 467. The US Environmental Protection Agency announced in December that it has agreed to a one year sell through extension for R-410A based systems meaning they can be installed up until December 31, 2025. These units will be your best price. Effective December 31, 2024, manufacturers will no longer be allowed to manufacture R-410A based ACs and heat pumps. The one year extension (to December 31, 2025) is a God send for our industry allowing for a smoother transition. The new R-454B requires not only technician certification, but a retooling of vacuum pumps and recovery machines and will also require indoor leak sensors upon installation and a second indoor board for mitigation. The new refrigerant is expected to come with a price increase of 20-30%. The extension allows distributors, manufacturers and dealers more time to study inventory levels and develop buying strategies. For more information, go to www.acca.org.
