R-454B is a lower-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerant being adopted as a replacement for R-410A in residential and light commercial HVAC systems. It’s part of the industry’s move toward more environmentally friendly refrigerants in response to regulatory changes.

Several factors are contributing to the current R-454B shortage:

• Delays in production and transportation
• Limited manufacturer allocations
• Increased demand driven by system conversions and new equipment rollouts
• Supply chain constraints

Yes — but for a limited time. EPA and CARB phase-down timelines are still in motion.

Contractors are reporting challenges like:

• Inability to service existing systems using R-454B
• Delays or complications with new system installations
• Rising costs for limited refrigerant supply
• Confusion among customers about what’s happening

The AIM Act is driving the transition away from high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A, leading to increased demand for alternatives like R-454B. As manufacturers rush to comply with the phasedown schedule, supply chains are strained—resulting in limited availability, allocation challenges, and delays in delivering the new refrigerant to contractors.

At this time, there’s no clear answer. We are actively engaging with manufacturers to get more specific updates and timelines. We’ll share verified information as it becomes available.

Flammability handling, leak detection, ventilation, PPE, and local code compliance are essential. ACCA members have access to free A2L training via their membership!

ACCA is working for YOU:

• Engaging with manufacturers to get answers and encourage transparency
• Keeping our members informed with timely updates as soon as we receive reliable information
• Exploring potential regulatory solutions
• Gathering contractor feedback to better understand the full impact and ensure our responses meet industry needs.

• Keep a close watch on your A2L inventory and maintain regular communication with your suppliers.
• Educate your team and clients about the situation
• Document job impacts and share that feedback with ACCA—your voice helps shape the conversation
• Check in regularly for updates and share your experiences on ACCA forums and meetings

Refrigerant prices are rising due to a combination of factors, including disruptions in the supply chain, limited availability of certain refrigerants, and new regulatory requirements. The phasedown of high-GWP refrigerants under the AIM Act has heightened demand for alternatives such as R-454B, which are still in the process of scaling up production. Concurrently, manufacturers are facing challenges with allocations, shipping delays, and raw material shortages, all contributing to the upward pressure on prices.

Yes, tariffs can play a role in rising refrigerant costs. Some refrigerants or their components are imported from countries subject to trade tariffs, which can increase the overall cost of production and distribution. These added expenses are often passed down the supply chain, contributing to higher prices for contractors and consumers.

No. It's important to note that R-32 and R-454B are not interchangeable—equipment must be specifically designed for the refrigerant it uses. Always follow manufacturer guidelines when working with A2L refrigerants.

Yes—R-32 is another A2L (mildly flammable) refrigerant that some manufacturers are using as an alternative to R-454B. While both refrigerants have lower global warming potential than R-410A, they differ in properties and system requirements. R-32 is already in use in many systems worldwide and may offer benefits like higher efficiency and simpler composition.

No. R-454B is a carefully engineered, patented blend with exact ratios of R-32 and R-1234yf. Attempting to recreate it by mixing components yourself is not only unsafe—it’s likely to result in poor system performance, potential equipment damage, and serious safety and compliance risks. Always follow manufacturer specifications and approved refrigerants for proper operation and warranty protection.

No. You cannot arbitrarily modify the refrigerant’s composition. R-454B is a blend, while R-32 is a single refrigerant. If you add R-32 to an R-454B system, the pressure/temperature characteristics would be altered. You would have no reference to determine the correct charge or impact on system performance.

No. R-454B is an A2L refrigerant with different boiling and condensing temperatures, flammability ratings, and safety requirements.

Often yes. A2L refrigerants require compatible equipment. Check with your recovery machine’s manufacturer. Some equipment can process both refrigerants.

Yes. Recovery tanks must have a pressure relief valve and a red band around the cylinder to denote it is used for A2L refrigerants. Many tanks have left hand threads to denote their difference from A1 refrigerant tanks; however, that is not a required feature.

No, not if you're transporting them under the Materials of Trade (MOT) exception in 49 CFR §173.6, which most HVACR contractors qualify for. This exception applies when the refrigerant is used as part of your business, it’s transported in small quantities for your service work, and proper containers and safety protocols are used.

Under the MOT exemption, you may transport up to 440lbs (gross weight) of hazardous material (in this case A2L refrigerants) per vehicle. No single cylinder may exceed 220lbs (gross weight). Cylinders must be DOT-approved, properly labeled, and securely fastened during transport. Cylinders can be transported horizontally as long as they are safely stored and securely fastened during transport.

You must use DOT-specification cylinders appropriate for flammable gases, such as DOT-39. Cylinders must have pressure relief valves or DOT approved alternatives and relevant markings, such as hazard class, that are legible.

No—the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration cautions the public to never refill DOT-39 cylinders. While many types of cylinders are designed to be refilled, DOT-39 cylinders of any size are strictly non-refillable. Non-refillable cylinders are not designed to handle the stress of refilling, increasing the risk of rupture.

Unfortunately, the distribution of R-454B around the country and among distributors is not something we currently track. We have heard of regions with sufficient supply, and others that are desperate. ACCA recommends conservatively using the refrigerant you have. With moderation we can allow the market to develop more supply to meet demand. Continue to look in your market, but please only use what you need.

The AIM Act wasn’t passed as a standalone bill. It was included in a $2.3 trillion omnibus package signed into law in December 2020. That package also included COVID-19 relief, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) updates, and energy tax extensions. It passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and was signed by President Trump. At the time, this was the only viable option to keep the federal government open.

Once the omnibus passed, the AIM Act became law—establishing a federal phasedown of HFC refrigerants by 85% over 15 years.

Federal action on HFCs had been building for years. Without a national phasedown, states like California and Washington were already enacting their own HFC bans and phaseout schedules. These state-level efforts were proceeding without uniform safety codes or contractor training in place—creating a regulatory patchwork.

Congress saw the AIM Act as a way to impose a national phasedown schedule and avoid state-by-state chaos. For many lawmakers, the AIM Act was also viewed as a win for U.S.-based manufacturing and climate policy. That political momentum pushed it forward.

Unfortunately, the final bill did not include federal preemption and some states are now moving forward with an accelerated transition to highly-flammable A3 refrigerants. ACCA's Government Relations committee believes the time is right to secure federal pre-emption that will help prevent the next crisis.

ACCA did not support the AIM Act due to lack of federal preemption for HVAC uses. That means states can still move faster than the federal timeline, which complicates compliance and creates market uncertainty. One major manufacturer even dropped their partnership with ACCA over our stance. We continue to fight for federal preemption and believe that this crisis could help make the case for enacting federal preemption this year.

ACCA focused its advocacy on practical, achievable goals:

• Delayed adoption of A2L refrigerant codes in the International Residential Code from the 2021 cycle to the 2024 cycle.
• Launched the first A2L refrigerant safety training tailored to HVACR contractors and made it free to all ACCA members.
• Advocated for federal preemption, contractor safety, and responsible handling practices.
• Educated builders and other industry groups on the risks of uncoordinated transitions.

Given the circumstances—a must-pass omnibus bill with bipartisan support—outright stopping the AIM Act was unlikely. The bill had support from both major political parties and major manufacturers. With more engaged advocates and stronger support for ACCA-PAC, we might have been successful securing changes like federal preemption and ACCA needs your support heading into the fights ahead.

ACCA has secured several big wins to protect contractors from excessive regulatory burdens:

• Filed and won a lawsuit to block the EPA’s proposed ban on disposable cylinders.
• Secured a one-year extension on installing new R-410A systems—moving the deadline from 1/1/2025 to 1/1/2026.
• Prevented EPA from mandating the use of reclaimed refrigerant in new system installations.
• Stopped proposals for mandatory cylinder tracking, return mandates, and excessive recordkeeping.

As announced earlier this year, EPA is preparing a proposed rule that would adjust certain aspects of the Technology Transitions Rule focused largely on future deadlines for commercial refrigeration and industrial process cooling. ACCA supports providing additional flexibility on these future deadlines. Conceivably, the anticipated changes could slightly ameliorate demand for R-454B and allow industry partners to focus on private sector solutions to the current crisis, but any effect will be modest.

ACCA has engaged with manufacturers, distributors, and EPA itself to explore options for more substantial and timely regulatory relief. The fundamental challenge is that major manufacturers have switched over their production lines to A2L equipment and believe R-454B supply issues will be resolved before regulatory or legislative changes could be enacted.

When the November 2023 Technology Transitions Rule proposed banning installation of residential and light commercial R-410A equipment on 1/1/2025, manufacturers, distributors, and contractors united to secure a “Good Cause Finding” that cleared the way for emergency relief. No such consensus exists today and EPA points to ample supply of R-32 in arguing that “Good Cause” criteria have not been met. Any proposed regulatory changes would thus need to run through a standard rulemaking process that could take a year or more.

Given the timing constraints on regulatory relief, ACCA has focused on private sector solutions. For example, we’ve had some success encouraging partners to repackage their industrial supplies of R-454B for use in the field. Meanwhile, our Government Relations Committee is focused on using this crisis to secure federal preemption that will help prevent the next crisis.

As written, the AIM Act does nothing to prevent states like California and New York from accelerating the refrigerant transition. In fact, New York recently attempted to ban some refrigerants on just 30-days-notice! Providing regulatory certainty around the national phase down schedule rather than a patchwork of state rules could provide some modest demand-side relief from the current crisis.

More importantly, this crisis provides a stark illustration of what’s at stake if Congress fails to prevent the next crisis. Just as state restrictions on R-410A made the AIM Act inevitable, California, New York, Washington, and other states are moving forward with a transition to highly-flammable A3 refrigerants that will surely build pressure for a national mandate. New York’s Part 494 regulation bans even the latest residential and light commercial A2L equipment effective January 1, 2034. While monoblock air-to-water heat pumps show promise in certain applications, the industry is nowhere near ready for such a rushed transition. This year, ACCA will call on Congress to amend the AIM Act to prevent states from restricting interstate commerce with a patchwork of refrigerant rules.

ACCA is currently meeting with Congressional allies to finalize a legislative strategy for federal preemption. In the meantime, you can help by building relationships with your members of Congress. Reach out to their nearest district office and invite them to come visit your shop over the August recess. You’ll be able to show them the real-world impact of Federal regulations and build momentum for regulatory relief. Email govt@acca.org as we’ll be glad to discuss strategy and share your success.

We also hope you’ll make plans to join us in Washington, D.C. for the 2025 ACCA Advocacy Day on September 9-10. Click here to learn more and register today.

Finally, you can help ensure that ACCA has the resources and political muscle to advance this and other contractor priorities by getting involved in ACCA-PAC and upgrading your membership today.