By Total Air & Plumbing
The HVAC industry is currently facing a significant challenge: a widespread shortage of R-454B refrigerant. This shortage is creating ripple effects across the country, especially in warmer climates like Conroe, Texas, where reliable cooling is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. At Total Air & Plumbing, we believe in keeping our customers informed and prepared, so here’s what you need to know.
What Is R-454B and Why Is It Important?
R-454B is a next-generation refrigerant developed to replace R-410A, which is being phased out due to its high Global Warming Potential (GWP). With a much lower GWP, R-454B is a more environmentally friendly option and has been adopted by major HVAC manufacturers to meet 2025 federal regulations.
However, despite its benefits, the transition to R-454B hasn’t been smooth.
What’s Causing the Shortage?
Several factors are fueling the R-454B supply crunch:
- Surge in Demand: The rush to phase out R-410A has created overwhelming demand for R-454B, straining production capacity.
- Cylinder Constraints: R-454B must be stored in specialized cylinders due to its mildly flammable nature. Unfortunately, there’s a bottleneck in manufacturing and distributing these containers.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Global logistical challenges are delaying refrigerant shipments, adding to the scarcity.
- Panic Buying: Contractors and distributors are stockpiling R-454B whenever it’s available, causing erratic availability and skyrocketing prices.
What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
- Installation Delays: HVAC installations that require R-454B refrigerant may face delays of 2–4 weeks or more.
- Rising Costs: As R-454B becomes harder to find, prices have surged from under $10 per pound to over $70 in some cases.
- Service Challenges: Repairs and system startups could be affected if refrigerant is unavailable, especially in peak summer heat.
Total Air’s Secure Alternative: R-32 Amana Systems
At Total Air & Plumbing, we’ve taken proactive steps to keep your comfort on track. We proudly install Amana systems that use R-32 refrigerant, a secure and proven alternative to R-454B.
Why choose R-32?
- Stable Supply: R-32 is readily available and not facing the same shortage issues.
- Environmentally Friendly: With a GWP of 675, it’s still much more eco-conscious than R-410A.
- Proven Performance: R-32 is a high-efficiency, single-component refrigerant that performs reliably in Texas heat.
- Future-Ready: R-32 has been widely adopted around the world and is fully compliant with current and future refrigerant regulations.
By choosing a new Amana system from Total Air, you’ll avoid the uncertainty and expense of the R-454B shortage and enjoy peace of mind with a durable, efficient, and readily supported HVAC solution.
What Should You Do Now?
- If your system is over 10 years old, it’s a great time to consider a replacement—before summer stress hits your equipment.
- Ask about R-32 systems when getting a quote—we’ll walk you through the benefits and make sure you’re getting the best long-term value.
- Trust certified professionals—Total Air’s technicians are fully trained in modern refrigerant technologies and installations.
Final Thoughts
The R-454B shortage is real—but it doesn’t have to derail your comfort or your budget. At Total Air & Plumbing, we’re staying ahead of the curve so you don’t have to worry. With reliable R-32 Amana systems and a commitment to transparency and service, we’re here to keep your home cool, efficient, and future-ready.