Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are the latest generation of refrigerants developed to replace older, more harmful AC refrigerants.
By Anne Fonda
An HFO is an efficient refrigerant with very low global warming potential (GWP) and no ozone-depleting potential (ODP). As a result, HFOs are more environmentally sustainable refrigerants for use in refrigeration and air conditioning systems (ACs), as well as heat pumps (HPs). HFOs can also be used as a blowing agent for insulation foam.
Many common refrigerants, such as R-22 (Freon(™)) have a high global warming potential (GWP) and may have a high ozone depletion potential (ODP). R-410A is a commonly used hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that has no ODP but has high GWP.
These refrigerants contribute to global warming/climate change. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated that HVAC manufacturers transition to a more environmentally friendly refrigerant. The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 directed EPA to phase down the use of higher GWP HFCs.
HFOs have many benefits over HFCs, including:
As a homeowner, you will also benefit from the energy efficiency of HFO refrigerants.
Recognizing that the future of refrigeration lies in adopting sustainable solutions without compromising on performance, Trane will transition to new refrigerants in residential and commercial cooling products. Most residential products will utilize R-454B. R-454B is an HFO/HFC mixture with zero ODP and a low GWP of 466, which is a much lower GWP than R-22(GWP 1810) or R-410A (GWP 2088).
If you have an older HVAC system using R-410A refrigerant, you do not have to replace it. HVAC technicians can still service and maintain using the older refrigerant and compatible components. The new regulations only affect new systems.
If you need to replace your air conditioning unit or heat pump after January 1, 2025, your new, more energy-efficient system will be designed to use the new refrigerant, R-454B. Trane dealers and HVAC technicians are undergoing training now to be prepared to install and maintain the new equipment.
R-454B is the new HVAC industry standard refrigerant. Various HFO refrigerants will become the standard for commercial refrigeration as well, including cooling units in grocery stores, computer rooms, refrigerated trucks, etc.
By designing efficient equipment with R-454B and other lower GWP HFO refrigerants and blends, Trane is exceeding the requirements set forth by the EPA so that another transition doesn’t come too quickly.
For example, the EPA requirement is to transition to a refrigerant with a GWP of 700 or less. R-454B has a GWP of 466 which is well below this limit. This is one of many reasons that R-454B has become the new HVAC industry standard for residential equipment. Rest assured, we will continue to lead the way in product development for a more sustainable future.
Questions about HFOs and how they will affect your HVAC system? Check out our resources guide, or contact a Trane Comfort Specialist.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Steve Kujak, Director Next Generation Refrigerant Research
Refrigerant is a chemical cooling compound that absorbs and releases heat at different points in the heat exchange cycle as it runs throughout an HVAC system.
AC refrigerants and global warming potential are in the news because the HVAC industry is undergoing a major transition to slow the effects of climate change.
R-454B is a blend of R-32, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and R-1234yf a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). R-454B has a lower GWP than previous refrigerants.
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