Advice
The refrigerant change: what R-454B means for you
The industry is phasing out R-410A. Here is what that changes if you are buying new — and what it changes if you are keeping what you have.
What is happening
North American regulation is phasing down production of high global-warming-potential hydrofluorocarbons. R-410A, the industry standard for roughly two decades, is among them.
New equipment is therefore moving to lower-impact refrigerants, chiefly R-454B. Lennox has made the transition across its newer lines.
If you are buying new
You will get R-454B equipment, and now is a good moment to do it. Two things worth knowing:
Performance loses nothing. R-454B models reach the same efficiency levels — the highest-performing new units in the Lennox range run on it.
R-454B is mildly flammable (classified A2L). That is not a reason for concern, but it does impose specific installation and handling requirements, and the right tooling. This is the kind of transition where a dealer’s technical training genuinely matters — one of the things Lennox Premier Dealer status requires maintaining.
If you are keeping what you have
There is nothing you need to do. R-410A equipment keeps running and keeps being serviced normally. There is no replacement requirement and no prohibition on use.
What changes over time: as R-410A production falls, its price rises. A recharge will progressively cost more than it does today.
Where this becomes a real argument
This factor enters one specific decision: repairing versus replacing equipment over fifteen years old with a refrigerant leak.
A leak means finding the leak, fixing it, and recharging. On older equipment the repair often already costs half of new — and the rising cost of R-410A pushes that arithmetic a little further in the same direction.
It is not a reason to replace equipment that is working. It is one more reason not to pay for a major repair on something at the end of its life.
What we will tell you
If your R-410A system is running well, keep it. We will maintain it.
If it has a leak and it is fifteen years old or more, we will give you both numbers — repair and replacement — accounting for refrigerant cost, and tell you what we would do in your position.
Read next
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to replace my R-410A equipment?
No. Existing R-410A equipment keeps running and keeps being serviced normally. R-410A is not banned from use — its production is being phased down. The refrigerant will simply get more expensive over the years.
Can existing equipment be converted to R-454B?
No. Refrigerants are not interchangeable: operating pressures, oils and components all differ. Equipment is designed around one refrigerant.
Let’s talk about your project
One of our advisors comes to your home, measures what needs measuring and walks you through your options — free, and with no pressure.
Monday to Friday · 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Outside business hours, our 24-hour emergency service is reachable at the same number.