R-454A Refrigerant: 2026 Guide, R-454A vs R-454B and R-404A

R-454A is one of the low-GWP refrigerants built to take R-404A’s place in new commercial refrigeration, and it’s easy to confuse with R-454B. They share most of a name and the same two ingredients, but they’re built for different equipment. This guide covers what R-454A is, how it performs against R-404A, how it differs from R-454B and R-454C, where EPA allows it, and how to buy it by the pallet.

What R-454A is

• Chemistry: 35% R-32 (an HFC) and 65% R-1234yf (an HFO) by weight. No chlorine, so its ozone depletion potential is zero.
• Safety class: A2L under ASHRAE 34. “A” means lower toxicity; “2L” means mildly flammable, with a burning velocity under 10 cm/s.
• GWP: 239 using IPCC AR4 values and 238 using AR5, per Chemours. That’s a 94% cut from R-404A. EPA’s SNAP tables list it at 237 to 240, depending on the table.
• Glide: about 9°F (5 K). It’s a zeotropic blend, so charge it as a liquid and use bubble and dew points correctly when you read superheat and subcooling.
• Oil: compatible with POE lubricants.

What R-454A is used for

Chemours designed R-454A for positive-displacement, direct-expansion low- and medium-temperature refrigeration that would otherwise have used R-404A: supermarket distributed systems, walk-in coolers and freezers, prep rooms, condensing units (for example in food service) and cold stores. Chemours also lists it as a replacement for R-507A, R-407A and R-407F designs. In every case that means new equipment built and rated for R-454A. Go by the nameplate.

R-454A properties

Sources: Chemours Opteon™ XL40 product information and Opteon™ XL safety bulletin; EPA SNAP substitutes lists.

How R-454A performs against R-404A

Chemours publishes model-cycle numbers comparing R-454A with R-404A at standard low- and medium-temperature conditions:

Source: Chemours Opteon™ XL40 product information. Model conditions: 105°F condensing, −20°F (low temp) or 20°F (medium temp) evaporating, 30°F superheat, 10°F subcooling, 75% compressor efficiency. Values relative to R-404A = 1.00. Pressures are absolute (psia), not gauge.

• Pressures are close to R-404A. Suction runs slightly lower and discharge slightly higher. Chemours says R-404A designs convert to R-454A with minimal equipment sizing differences.
• More capacity and efficiency. About 6-7% more capacity and 3-5% better COP than R-404A in Chemours’ models.
• Less mass flow. Roughly 26-28% less refrigerant mass flow than R-404A in the same models.
• Hotter discharge. About 38°F hotter at low temperature and about 25°F hotter at medium temperature in these models, so compressor limits matter. Follow the equipment and compressor maker’s data.

R-454A vs R-454B (and R-454C)

All three are Chemours Opteon™ XL blends of R-32 and R-1234yf, all are A2L, and all three names start the same way. The ratio of R-32 changes everything: GWP, pressure and the equipment they belong in.

Sources: Chemours Opteon™ XL40, XL41 and XL20 product information and XL safety bulletin (AR4 GWP, composition, glide, cycle pressures); EPA SNAP lists (R-404A). R-454C pressures from the XL20 model cycle (233.8 psia discharge vs 267.8 for R-404A).

• R-454A is the R-404A replacement for new refrigeration equipment, with similar pressures and a GWP of 239.
• R-454B (Opteon™ XL41, also sold as Puron Advance) is the R-410A replacement in new residential and light-commercial AC and heat pumps. Its pressures are close to, and slightly below, R-410A’s, and its glide is only about 2°F. For scale, Chemours’ pressure-temperature guide puts R-410A at about 319 psig at 100°F versus about 237 psig for R-404A, the pressure class R-454A belongs to.
• R-454C (Opteon™ XL20) is another refrigeration blend with even more R-1234yf. Its AR4 GWP of 148 is under 150, a limit that matters for some EPA end uses. It runs at lower pressure than R-404A and has slightly less capacity.

Never substitute one for another or mix them in a system. A unit rated for R-454B takes R-454B, and a cooler rated for R-454A takes R-454A. Comparing with the other main R-410A replacement? See our R-32 guide.

Where EPA allows R-454A

Under EPA’s SNAP program, R-454A is listed as acceptable, subject to use conditions, for new equipment only. EPA’s June 2024 rule (effective July 15, 2024) lists it for:

• Supermarket systems, remote condensing units and cold storage warehouses, in equipment with a refrigerant charge capacity under 200 lb or on the high-temperature side of a cascade system.
• Commercial ice machines with a remote compressor, or large self-contained machines (batch type over 1,000 lb of ice per 24 hours, continuous type over 1,200 lb).
• Industrial process refrigeration, within limits on charge size and evaporator temperature.

EPA also lists R-454A for new residential and light-commercial AC and heat pumps, but Chemours positions R-454B, not R-454A, for R-410A-type AC and heat pump equipment.

The AIM Act Technology Transitions rule (40 CFR 84.54) explains why R-454A fits. New supermarket systems with refrigerants of GWP 1,400 or more are prohibited from January 1, 2027, and new remote condensing units from July 27, 2026. From January 1, 2032, new systems under 200 lb and the high side of new cascade systems must use refrigerants under 300 GWP, and larger new systems must be under 150. The same 2032 limits apply to new cold storage warehouse systems. R-454A meets the 300 limit, and R-454C meets the 150 limit. Read the rule text on eCFR or EPA’s SNAP list for supermarket systems, and see our EPA guidelines page.

Can you convert an R-404A system to R-454A?

No. EPA’s SNAP listings for R-454A are for new equipment only, and Chemours states that its Opteon™ XL refrigerants were developed for new equipment design. An existing R-404A system can keep running on R-404A. If it needs a lower-GWP refrigerant, the common nonflammable (A1) retrofit choices are R-448A and R-449A. Our R-404A buying guide covers those retrofits step by step.

Working with R-454A safely

R-454A is mildly flammable, so a few things change compared with R-404A. Follow the equipment maker’s instructions, the SDS and local codes. The basics:

• Cylinders look different. AHRI Guideline N calls for a red band on the shoulder or top of containers holding flammable refrigerants, A2Ls included. A2L cylinders also use a left-hand-thread valve port (CGA 166 instead of CGA 165), so you may need A2L hoses or adapters. Always identify the refrigerant by the label, not the paint.
• Use A2L-rated tools. Chemours’ A2L safety bulletin calls for 2L-certified recovery machines, leak detectors and gas detectors, flammable-rated recovery cylinders, and a vacuum pump with its switch away from the work zone.
• Charge liquid. Take liquid from the cylinder. Flash it to vapor through the manifold if needed, and never charge to the discharge side of the compressor.
• No air for leak tests. Chemours warns never to pressurize systems containing these refrigerants with air for leak testing or any other purpose.
• Before brazing, recover the refrigerant, evacuate and ventilate. Never vent R-454A: EPA’s rule notes that the Clean Air Act prohibits knowingly venting substitute refrigerants.
• Storage: never let a cylinder go above 125°F (52°C), and keep cylinders away from flames and heat sources.
• Leaks on bigger systems: since January 1, 2026, EPA’s leak repair rule (40 CFR 84.106) covers HFC-containing appliances with 15 lb or more of charge, and R-454A contains HFC R-32.

Cleaning line sets on a new install or after a compressor burnout? Our line set flush kit and Flush-It are made for refrigeration and AC line sets. Follow the product instructions and the equipment maker’s procedure.

Buying R-454A from Absolute Refrigerants

• R-454A, 25 lb cylinders: quarter pallet (10), half pallet (20) or full pallet (40). 100% virgin, factory sealed and insured. Cylinder branding can vary by stock.
• Price: live bulk pricing on the product page, no quote needed. The price per cylinder drops as you go from a quarter to a full pallet.
• Shipping: free truck freight to the lower 48, signature required, from the warehouse closest to you, with real-time tracking. Refrigerant ships ground only under DOT hazmat rules, and weekday orders placed before 1 PM MST usually ship the same day. See dispatching times.
• Mixed pallets: need R-454A with R-454B, R-454C or other refrigerants? Use our custom pallet request.
• At checkout: upload your EPA card or e-sign a waiver confirming the refrigerant goes to a certified HVAC technician. See Can I buy refrigerant without a license?

Also stocking A2Ls for AC work or lower-GWP refrigeration? See R-454B in 20 lb cylinders and R-454C in 25 lb cylinders, both by the pallet. Our bulk refrigerant pallet buying guide covers pallet sizes, freight and receiving. We sell refrigerant, line set flush products and leak sealant only. We don’t sell equipment, and we don’t do service calls or leak repairs.

Shop R-454A: live pallet pricing

R-454A FAQ

What is R-454A refrigerant used for?

R-454A (Chemours Opteon XL40) is a low-GWP refrigerant made to replace R-404A in new low- and medium-temperature commercial refrigeration: supermarket systems, walk-in coolers and freezers, condensing units and cold storage. Use it only in equipment designed and rated for R-454A.

What is the difference between R-454A and R-454B?

Both are A2L blends of R-32 and R-1234yf, but in different ratios. R-454A is 35% R-32 with a GWP of about 239 and works at pressures close to R-404A, for refrigeration. R-454B is 68.9% R-32 with a GWP of about 466 and works at pressures close to R-410A, for air conditioners and heat pumps. They are not interchangeable.

Can I put R-454A in an R-404A system?

No. EPA lists R-454A for new equipment only, and Chemours says its XL refrigerants were developed for new equipment design. An existing R-404A system should be serviced with R-404A or converted to an A1 retrofit refrigerant such as R-448A or R-449A, following the manufacturer's retrofit guide.

What is the GWP of R-454A?

Chemours lists R-454A at 239 using IPCC AR4 values and 238 using AR5. EPA's SNAP tables list it at about 237 to 240, depending on rounding. That is about 94% lower than R-404A.

Is R-454A flammable?

R-454A is classed A2L under ASHRAE 34: lower toxicity and mildly flammable. Class 2L refrigerants have a low burning velocity (under 10 cm/s) and lower heat of combustion, but R-454A is not a nonflammable A1 refrigerant like R-404A. Use A2L-rated recovery machines and leak detectors, keep ignition sources away and follow the equipment maker's instructions.

What oil does R-454A use?

Polyolester (POE) oil. Chemours lists R-454A as compatible with POE lubricants. Always use the oil the compressor maker specifies.

Can R-454A be topped off after a leak?

Chemours says R-454A can be topped off after leaks. It has a temperature glide of about 9°F, so always charge it as a liquid from the cylinder. Systems with 15 lb or more of charge also fall under EPA's leak repair rule.

Do I need an EPA card to buy R-454A?

At checkout you can upload your EPA card or e-sign a waiver confirming the refrigerant goes to a certified HVAC technician.