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What Are R-454B & R-32 Refrigerants All About? Why Two Refrigerants This Time? What Happened to R-410A? Why Is the Industry Changing Again?!
Answers To These Questions & More Below!

In a Nutshell:
The HVAC industry is undergoing a major transition from R-410A and other HFC blended refrigerants to A2L-class refrigerants, driven by environmental concerns and regulatory changes. R-410A, is a refrigerant blend consisting of HydroFluroCarbons (HFCs) commonly used in air conditioning systems. Certain HFCs such as R-410A and R-404A have a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), prompting a move to more eco-friendly alternatives regulated by the EPA. A2L class refrigerants, such as R-32 and R-454B, offer lower GWP values and have an ozone depletion factor of 0, the downside being they are classified as mildly flammable when compared to refrigerants of the past. This classification requires equipment specifically designed to handle A2L refrigerants, ensuring safety and compliance with updated standards.

Why Another Refrigerant Change So Soon?! Wasn't R-410A Supposed to Be Good for the Environment?!

🌍 1. Environmental Concerns: Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP)

  • R-410A & 0.0 ODP: Historically the focus has been on Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). R-410A was a huge step forward when it came out in 1990s achieving a score of 0 which had previously never been done before!
  • R-410A has a high GWP: Around 2,088, meaning it traps over 2,000 times more heat in the atmosphere than CO₂ over a 100-year period.
  • A2L refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B have much lower GWPs:
    • R-32: GWP of ~675
    • R-454B: GWP of ~466
  • The switch helps reduce the HVAC industry's contribution to climate change by limiting greenhouse gas emissions from refrigerant leaks and production.

⚖️ 2. Regulatory Pressure: U.S. and Global Mandates

United States: The AIM Act (2020)

  • The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) directs the EPA to phase down HFCs (like R-410A) by 85% over 15 years, starting in 2022.
  • This aligns with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement to reduce HFC usage globally. This agreement was adopted October 15, 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda and entered into force January 1 2019. On October 31st 2022 it was ratified in a bipartisan senate vote (69-27)

Key EPA rules:

  • HFC Allocation Rule: Limits the amount of R-410A that can be produced/imported. (See chart below)
  • Technology Transition Rule: Phases out high-GWP refrigerants in new equipment:
    • As of January 1, 2025, new residential and light commercial AC systems must use low-GWP refrigerants (typically A2Ls).
    • EPA granted a 1 year sell through of all HVACR equipment produced on or before December 31st 2024 through December 31st 2025.

What is an A2L & Flammability:

🔥 Safety Classification: What "A2L" Means

A2L refrigerants are classified by ASHRAE using a safety group rating:

  • A = low toxicity
  • 2L = mildly flammable

This is important because:

  • A2L refrigerants are less flammable than traditional A3 (like propane or R-290) but require careful handling.
  • Equipment must be redesigned to safely use A2Ls—this includes:
    • Leak detection systems
    • Proper airflow for dispersion
    • Compliance with new building codes and UL/ASHRAE standards

⚙️ Equipment Redesign and Energy Efficiency

  • New HVAC units designed for A2L refrigerants are more efficient, sometimes using smaller charge sizes for the same or better performance.
  • R-32 has better heat transfer properties than R-410A, meaning systems can be made more compact and energy efficient.
Wait..I have an R-410A System, Will I Still Be Able to Get the Gas?

🧰 Long-Term Availability and Cost Control

  • R-410A is becoming more expensive and scarce due to allocation limits. However it will be around for quite some time well into the 2030s! Reference allocation chart below.


What Is The Difference Between Th Refrigerants?


What Are The Differences In Pressure?


How will this change affect purchasing equipment from Budget Heating & Air?

At Budget Heating & Air Conditioning, our mission has always been simple:

Provide affordable, fairly priced HVAC equipment at wholesale prices to the public with honest and transparent pricing.

As the industry transitions away from R-410A to newer refrigerants like R-454B and R-32, we want you to know one thing:

We’ve got your back.

✅ We will continue to stock R-410A equipment for as long as it’s legally and practically available.
✅ We are maintaining large inventories of R-410A refrigerant and supplies well into the 2030s.
✅ At the same time, we are fully stocked and ready with R-454B and R-32 units, jugs, and support materials.

And most importantly...

🚫 We will not exploit this transition as an opportunity to raise prices beyond what’s necessary.
Yes, costs are rising—but any increases in our pricing will strictly reflect the true cost differences, not profit-padding. That’s the Budget promise.

For decades, we’ve built our reputation by helping homeowners, contractors, and businesses save money without sacrificing quality. And that’s not changing now.

We’re here for you—through this transition and beyond.

What About Returns?
Effective March 1st 2025 we have implemented a “no returns” policy on all R-410A Equipment.

**No Returns Policy does not apply to equipment damaged in transit by the trucking companies, however, please be aware that if an R-410A unit does get damaged, it may not be possible that a replacement is available. If this is the case you will be offered an A2L equivalent (R-454B or R-32 depending on brand) but the cost difference will be collected by Budget Heating & Air. For these reasons, we strongly recommend you notate and accept the shipment of minor cosmetically damaged units.**