R-454B is the refrigerant going into most new residential and light-commercial air conditioners and heat pumps that used to be built for R-410A. If you’re a tech or contractor installing that new equipment, this guide covers what R-454B is, what changes on the job because it’s an A2L, how it compares with R-410A and R-32, and how to buy it by the pallet.
Quick answer: R-454B is a blend of R-32 and R-1234yf with a GWP of about 466, roughly 78% lower than R-410A. It’s classed A2L (lower toxicity, mildly flammable). It is not a drop-in for R-410A or R-22 systems. Use it only in equipment designed and rated for R-454B. Absolute Refrigerants sells virgin, factory-sealed R-454B in 20 lb cylinders by the quarter, half, or full pallet, with free pallet freight. Bulk pricing drops as you buy more, so a full pallet has the lowest price per cylinder. See live R-454B pallet pricing
What R-454B is
- Composition: R-32 (68.9%) and R-1234yf (31.1%).
- Trade names: Opteon XL41 (Chemours) and Puron Advance (Carrier). The cylinder label should read R-454B.
- GWP: about 466, versus about 2,088 for R-410A.
- Safety class: A2L under ASHRAE 34.
- Pressures: close to R-410A, slightly lower, so it runs in similar equipment designs, but the equipment itself has to be built and listed for it.
Why the industry is moving to R-454B
Under the AIM Act, EPA’s Technology Transitions rule limits new residential and light-commercial AC and heat pump systems to refrigerants under 700 GWP. Manufacturers moved new equipment to R-454B or R-32 starting in 2025. R-410A is being phased down, not banned for service: existing R-410A systems can still be repaired and recharged with R-410A. Buying R-410A for an R-410A unit? See our R-410A buying guide.
What changes on the job with an A2L
A2L means mildly flammable. It’s hard to ignite and burns slowly, but it is not the same as handling R-410A. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions and current codes. The basics most techs run into:
- Cylinders look different. A2L cylinders carry a red band or marking and use a left-hand-thread valve connection, so you’ll need A2L-compatible hoses or adapters.
- Tools must be rated for A2L. Recovery machines, vacuum pumps, and leak detectors should be listed for A2L refrigerants (spark-proof motors and switches).
- Charge as a liquid. R-454B is a blend, so charge from the liquid side.
- Ventilation and no ignition sources near the work area while the system is open.
- Recover, don’t vent. Venting is prohibited, the same as with HFCs.
- Never mix refrigerants or top off an R-410A system with R-454B.
R-454B vs R-410A vs R-32
| R-454B | R-410A | R-32 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Blend (R-32 + R-1234yf) | Blend (R-32 + R-125) | Single component |
| GWP (approx.) | 466 | 2,088 | 675 |
| Safety class | A2L | A1 | A2L |
| Used in | New AC and heat pumps built for R-454B | Existing R-410A systems | New equipment built for R-32, many ductless units |
| Drop-in for each other? | No | No | No |
The nameplate decides. If it says R-454B, buy R-454B. If it says R-410A, the system still takes R-410A. More on R-32 in R-32 refrigerant explained.
R-454B vs R-454A and R-454C
The names look alike, but they’re different blends for different jobs. R-454A and R-454C are aimed mainly at commercial refrigeration, not residential AC. Don’t substitute one for another. We carry R-454A and R-454C in 25 lb cylinders as well.
Buying R-454B from Absolute Refrigerants
- Sizes: 20 lb cylinders, sold in a quarter pallet (10), half pallet (20), or full pallet (40). Live bulk pricing is on the product page, so there’s no quote to request.
- Price: bulk pricing drops as you buy more, so a full pallet (40) has the lowest price per cylinder. Prices change often, so see live pricing on the R-454B product page.
- Product: virgin R-454B in factory-sealed cylinders. Cylinder branding can vary by stock.
- Shipping: pallets ship by truck freight, free to the lower 48, with a signature required on delivery. Weekday orders placed before 1 PM MST usually ship the same day. See Dispatching Times.
- At checkout: upload your EPA card or e-sign a waiver confirming the refrigerant goes to a certified HVAC technician. See our EPA guidelines.
- Questions: call (480) 625-4214.
Bulk prices update throughout the day, so check the product page for the current price.
Buy R-454B 20 lb cylinders: live pallet pricing
R-454B FAQ
Is R-454B the same as Puron Advance?
Yes. Puron Advance is Carrier’s name for R-454B. Opteon XL41 is Chemours’ name for the same refrigerant.
Can I put R-454B in an R-410A system?
No. R-454B is not a drop-in. Only use it in equipment designed and rated for R-454B.
Is R-454B flammable?
R-454B is classed A2L, meaning lower toxicity and mildly flammable. Use A2L-rated tools and follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Can I still buy R-410A?
Yes. R-410A is still sold for servicing existing R-410A systems.
Do I need an EPA card to buy R-454B?
At checkout you can upload your EPA card or e-sign a waiver confirming the refrigerant goes to a certified HVAC technician.
How does R-454B ship?
R-454B is sold by the pallet, and pallets ship by truck freight at no charge to the lower 48, with a signature required on delivery. Weekday orders placed before 1 PM MST usually ship the same day.
