We have mentioned Puron Advance or 454b in our Fall Service Updates and in past newsletters. This newsletter will be more information about this refrigerant. So just what is Puron Advance? Puron Advance is Bryant/Carrier’s solution refrigerant for meeting the EPAs anticipated global warming potential (GWP) limits for refrigerants and the scheduled phasedown of higher GWP refrigerants like Puron (please do not get Puron which is refrigerant 410a confused with Puron Advance which is refrigerant 454b). It is this refrigerant we will be transitioning to for our ducted and ductless residential and light commercial products. We plan to start this transition in late 2023 to be ready for the 2025 deadline. The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, is implementing a phasedown of existing higher GWP refrigerants, including Puron. All of you remember the R 22 phase out and how the supply issues and hefty price increases caused havoc for a while during the phase down period. This transition will not be anything like the previous transition.
So why the big explanations? Because this is the refrigerant that Carrier and Bryant products have selected for the immediate future. Also, 80 % of the industry is also using R 454b. Puron Advance performs very well in normal and high ambient conditions. It also has similar operating temperatures, pressures, and oil compatibility to Puron, meaning technicians will have less of a learning curve compared to the alternative. Please remember as mentioned earlier, this transition will not be anything like the transition from R-22 to R- 410a.
AIM Act Impact: Transitioning Away from R-410a Towards Puron Advance (454b)
The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, has passed the AIM Act, or American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, in which the phase down of the supply of R 410a refrigerant will total 40 % starting in 2024, along with other amendments. This reduction in production of 40% of R410a is of great concern to our industry.
Also, by January 1, 2025, R- 410a, will no longer be allowed in newly manufactured residential and rooftop light commercial HVAC products. Also, of great importance, please note that as of January 1, 2025, HVAC equipment manufacturers will not be allowed to build equipment using the current R-410a refrigerant.
So, with all this legislation taking place, Carrier/Bryant Products has been working towards creating a more GWP friendly refrigerant for over 10 years. Now, after years of research, development and with products currently in field trials, we anticipate beginning to start the transition to Puron Advance in late 2023. With the 40 % reduction in 410A in 2024, we will probably see price increases in this refrigerant beginning in January 2024. Below is the chart of anticipation of production of equipment in the next 3 years of refrigerant 454b
Preparation for Transition: Resources and Updates for the Shift to Refrigerant 454b
So, let’s get ready and get ourselves prepared, our customers prepared, get all of our technicians prepared, and when the transition takes place, it won’t be new information. Much of this information is also printed in HVAC Partners. This information is also talked about on our podcast by Jenny Brown and Deanna Lassiter entitled “Caffeine and Coils”. Much of this information is in our newest website, heatcool.com. As mentioned earlier, all technical service managers include much of this information in our Fall 2023 service updates. In the next newsletter, we will get all prepared with what we now know and include the changes since the first newsletter when we introduced refrigerant 454b. But remember, change is inevitable, and even new information could change with continued R and D, or research and development as we use new products.
