About The Author: Travis Baugh is a Digital Brand Marketing Manager for Bryant, where he creates clear, helpful content to guide homeowners through heating, cooling, and indoor air quality decisions. His goal is to empower readers with the knowledge they need to choose the right comfort solutions for their home—confidently and comfortably.
Understanding R-454B Refrigerant
By Travis Baugh
R-454B refrigerant, also known as Puron Advance™, is a next-generation, non-ozone-depleting refrigerant designed to replace R-410A (Puron) in residential and commercial HVAC systems. Chosen for its lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) and high efficiency, R-454B meets new EPA environmental standards while delivering the reliable cooling performance homeowners expect.
What is R-454B (Puron Advance™)?
R-454B is a specific blend of refrigerants engineered to reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance. It is composed of 70% tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf) and 30% pentafluoroethane (R-125). This chemical composition results in a refrigerant with a GWP of approximately 466—significantly lower than the industry standard R-410A, which has a GWP of 2088.
By transitioning to R-454B, Bryant is leading the way in sustainable home comfort. This new standard ensures that your central air conditioner or heat pump complies with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulations on HFC phasedowns, making it a smart, future-proof investment for your home.
Why the Switch to Low GWP Refrigerant?
AC refrigerants are vital for heat transfer in your HVAC system, but older formulations contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. As regulations tighten to combat climate change, the industry is shifting toward "Low GWP" options.
R-454B offers a visionary solution that balances two critical needs:
- Environmental Responsibility: It has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and reduces carbon footprint by nearly 80% compared to R-410A.
- Energy Efficiency: R-454B offers superior energy efficiency properties, potentially lowering energy bills for homeowners seeking long-term value.
R-454B vs. R-410A: Key Differences
While both are effective air conditioner fluids, R-454B is chemically different and operates under specific pressures.
- Climate Impact: R-454B has a GWP of ~466, whereas R-410A refrigerant, has a GWP of 2088.
- Equipment Design: You cannot use R-454B in an existing R-410A system. The systems must be specifically engineered to handle the properties of the new refrigerant.
- Longevity: As R-410A is phased down by federal regulations, R-454B systems will remain compliant and serviceable for the long term.
Is R-454B Safe for Home Use?
Yes, R-454B is safe when installed and serviced by certified professionals. It is classified as an A2L refrigerant, meaning it is non-toxic and has "lower flammability."
While "flammability" can sound concerning, R-454B is difficult to ignite and has a slow flame propagation speed. Modern air conditioning systems designed for R-454B include built-in sensors and mitigation strategies to ensure safe operation. Homeowners can rest easy knowing that their comfort system meets rigorous safety standards while protecting the planet.
Connect With A Bryant Dealer on R454B Refrigerant
Connect with your local Bryant dealer to learn more about R-454B refrigerant. They can help you choose the best R-454B air conditioner for your home, ensuring expert AC installation and long-term performance from regularly scheduled air conditioning service.
R-454B Refrigerant FAQs
R-454B has a much lower global warming potential (GWP) than R-410A and is more environmentally friendly, while R-410A operates at higher pressures and is being phased out due to its climate impact.
Yes, R-454B is becoming increasingly available as manufacturers begin rolling it out in next-generation HVAC systems designed for low-GWP refrigerants.
No, you cannot directly replace R-410A with R-454B, as R-454B requires specially designed equipment due to differences in pressure, refrigerant properties, and flammability classification.
R-454B is non-toxic and mildly flammable (A2L) under normal use. It’s safe when installed and serviced correctly by certified HVAC professionals.
Yes. R-454B offers higher energy efficiency and lower global warming potential (GWP) than R-410A, making it the next-generation refrigerant for new Bryant systems.
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