Refrigerant Changes for 2025

The Government has forced another change in the type of Refrigerant that is used in high temperature refrigeration. This new refrigerant is called R-454b used by the majority of manufactures. Daikin, who manufactures Goodman & Amana products will be using their own blend called R-32. This new gas is based on a Propane, and mixed with other chemicals to lower the flammability. What could go wrong? Actually, it is fairly safe, however it can be potentially dangerous. New safety measures have been taken to protect the public. No spark controls are designed into the control panels of both the indoor and outdoor units. A "sniffer" device is also installed on the indoor unit to detect a gas leak. Should a leak be detected, an audible alarm signals, and the unit shuts down. Unfortunately, the transition from the old equipment to the new has been chaotic for all of the equipment manufactures. Some have already run out of most of the old R-410a based product line. Others still have a strong stock. Get the old R-410a systems while you can to avoid the cost increases of the new product!

Further problems have come up with this new transition. The new R-454b is experiencing a shortage of supply, which is hampering new product production and installation & service refrigerant. No telling what the background story is on this matter, although it appears to be due to safety factors with the refrigerant containers themselves. What this means for the general public:

1. Selecting your equipment may be a challenge, having to find if the equipment you desire is in stock, what type of gas it is, if it is the new R-454b or the old R-410a.

2. If you want to save money and get the old system based on R-410a, you may need to have your contractor shop around for other brands, if the series of system you desire is not available. Very little stock of the old R-410a equipment can be found, but you may get lucky!

Hopefully, by the end of the year, the industry can finally make the complete transition to the new refrigerants. Remember, now is a good time to buy to take advantage of the remaining lower cost R-410a based comfort systems.