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R454 B- The More ECO Friendly Refrigerant

In order to keep up with new innovations and the latest technology, it is important to attend trainings to keep us up to date and able to learn about new and upcoming innovations in the field of heating and cooling. I got to take trainings in marketing profit and loss, as well as leadership. Joshua took classes about marketing, Pillars of HVAC success and R454 B. Later, we discussed classes as we mingled with other people in the business.  The R454B was a great interest to Joshua because it helps us in a world where everything seems to be going green.  Please keep in mind that this class was for owners and techs. I will do my best to explain it as we have compared notes and I have done some research. However, I am not very techy so I will do my best to explain. Let’s start by speaking about Refrigerant Regulation History. In the 1950’s R-22 refrigerant was used and scored in the red because while It was low in ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential but it was still high in GWP which is Global Warming Potential. ODP measures how chemical compounds in refrigerant degrade the ozone layer. Global warming potential measures how harmful and destructive the refrigerant is to the climate. In the 1990’s there was R410- A which had no ODP but was still high in GWP. This one scored a yellow rating. It appears in 2025 they finally got it right as we move into the world of R454- B. This one scored a green because it has no ODP and a low GWP.

R454- B is mildly flammable and can be used in air conditioners and heat pumps because it is safer, has a low toxicity and more environmentally friendly. This refrigerant has even less Ozone Depletion than its predecessor R410-A. Joshua said that the example used in class was having people raise their hands if they used a gas barbecue that used a propane tank. Often, these are found on our decks or even in a garage in our house. Propane tanks are much more dangerous and flammable, yet people use them safely every day.  In the past, refrigerants were extremely dangerous as they were flammable, toxic and caused accidents. These accidents were caused by leaks and explosions. They posed asphyxiation (problems breathing where your airways become restricted.) They also caused injury and other physical hazards. Presently, technicians have more training which leads to less accidents and injuries. We must abide by EPA refrigerant management compliance programs and schedule regular compliance date trainings. The Clean Air Act of 1990 put specific procedures in place, and had techs maintain safe service by repairing and disposing of air conditioning equipment and refrigerant. Using top quality extension cords, wearing gloves and safety goggles and having proper ventilation are some of the ways to prevent injury and ensure safety. R454-B is replacing 410 A because it is nontoxic and is not ignited by static electricity.  The chance of it leaking are slim because of the very low dissipation system. Dissipation is breaking apart or scattering to the point of disappearing. The dissipation system dilutes refrigerant in the case of a leak. The dissipation system is able to detect, circulate and dilute refrigerant.

Another feature of R454-B is the label. Additional labels are required by safety standards to indicate the use of flammable refrigerant. Charging labels are important and required allowing home inspectors information to verify that installing technicians confirmed the residence has enough dissipation area required for the total system charge. Labels are accurate legible, and techs are required to use non-smearing permanent marker.  Remember the example of the propane tank? With R454-B the chance of it igniting or being flammable is extremely rare but safety first. The label is red for identification purposes and there are 2 warning labels, one for compressed gas and the other for flammability. The cylinders use pressure relief values for safety instead of ruptured disc threads. This also helps there be a low chance of the refrigerant being harmful to the environment.

We have spoken about how R454-B relates to your air conditioner but now let’s talk about how it relates to furnaces. Sometimes a tech might have to relocate the sensor. The dissipation board will be supplied with the evaporator coil to be mounted in the field to the outside furnace cabinet. Unfortunately, 3rd party evaporator coils are not compatible with the dissipation system and techs must pay attention and follow all instructions. The dissipation board must be mounted as close as possible to the furnace control box. It must be mounted in a vertical position and be easily accessible for the indicator light to be clearly visible. It is important that the system is not mounted where it is close to water or can come into contact with water. It also needs to be away from the evaporator coil, furnace and ductwork.

If something goes wrong with the equipment or installation the dissipation board sends out faulty codes. There is a yellow communication sensor and if it is solid, it is working well. If the sensor flashes, there is something wrong with it. It is possible to test the equipment by establishing a thermostat call and pressing the test button on the dissipation board. After doing this the unit will enter the dissipation mode for 60 seconds to make sure it is operating correctly. If it is the sensor will be solid. Finally, R454-B is compatible with electronic air cleaners or purifiers however an air flow sensor is required for this accessory.

I hope you find this information about the up and coming refrigerant. I sure enjoyed learning about how this can help keep you and the environment safe and works more efficiently. If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about R454 B, please give us a call. We will continue to keep up with the new technology and innovations with air conditioners and furnaces to keep you cool .

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