By Anne Fonda
Learn the science behind R-454B refrigerant and why the HVAC industry has transitioned to using it in newly manufactured cooling products.
In a nutshell, refrigerant is a fluid that runs through the refrigerant lines of your HVAC system to cool warm air. The refrigerant changes from liquid to gas during this process. The refrigerant gas is then condensed to a liquid to start the cycle again.
Refrigerants have traditionally contained hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases. As scientific research has shed light on the damage HCFCs can do to our ozone layer, stricter environmental regulations mean older refrigerants such as R-22 (also known as Freon or HCFC-22) were phased out and replaced by HFC R-410A. HFCs are now being phased down under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 because they have higher global warming potential (GWP) levels.
Because of our commitment to sustainability and a greener planet, Trane has led research to find alternative refrigerants with a lower GWP and no ozone depletion potential (ODP).
R-454B is the newest refrigerant, which has gradually replaced R-410A, the refrigerant used most recently in residential HVAC manufacturing. 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, meaning it has a much lower climate impact.
Trane transitioned to R-454B in 2024. As of January 1st, 2025, most of Trane’s residential products use R-454B. Some of our products use R-32, another refrigerant with lower GWP.
“As a global climate innovator, we’re continually on the leading edge of new, sustainable technologies, and have proudly led the industry in the transition to next-generation refrigerants.”
– Dwayne Cowan, president, Residential HVAC, Trane Technologies.
No. Freon is the brand name for R-22. Brand names for R-454B include Opteon™ XL41, Solstice® 454B, Forane® 454B, and others. That being said, many people refer to all AC refrigerants as Freon, in the same way many people refer to facial tissues by the brand name Kleenex.
R-454B condensing units are more energy efficient, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the use of electricity, and the refrigerant itself has a lower GWP.
R-454B refrigerant has become the new HVAC industry standard for use in residential air conditioners and heat pumps. Almost all manufacturers in North America have switched to this refrigerant.
Depending on the age of your system, you may have R-22 (HCFC-22) refrigerant (2010 or earlier) or R-410A refrigerant (2010 or newer). Your HVAC technician can tell you which one your system uses. You can also find the information in your system’s owner’s manual. If you don’t have a physical copy of your owner’s manual but you know the make and model of your AC unit, you will be able to look up the manual online.
You could also check the unit outside and look for the data plate. It is sometimes located on the back of the unit near the refrigerant lines or on the side of the unit. It will give you the model number, the type of refrigerant the system uses, and more information specific to your unit.
Even with the new regulations regarding refrigerants, you will still be able to get HVAC service on your AC unit that uses an older refrigerant. Your HVAC technician will have access to stockpiled supplies.
And when the time comes to replace your HVAC system, you will be able to choose one using the new, more sustainable, energy-efficient R-454B refrigerant.
Questions about the refrigerant transition and how it will affect your HVAC system? Check out our resources guide, or contact a Trane Comfort Specialist.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer at Trane Technologies
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: Jeff Stewart, Refrigeration Chief Engineer
R-22 is a chemical cooling compound used in older air conditioners and heat pumps. It is currently being phased out of production and use due to its harmful environmental impact.
R-410A is the refrigerant that replaced R-22 (Freon®) in air conditioning and heat pump systems manufactured after 2009.
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.
Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are the latest generation of refrigerants developed to replace older, more harmful AC refrigerants.
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.
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