Quote:
Originally Posted by jrref
So, R-454B is a blend of R-32 and R-1234yf just as R410A is a blend of R-32 and R-125. Both R-454B, R-32 and R410A are mildly flamable. What mildly flamable means is if there is a leak and you hold a flame at the leak it will ignite but when the flame is removed the ignition will stop. So, unless you are holding a match around your HVAC equipment that's leaking badly there is nothing to worry about. And if there is a leak it's not going to blow your house up because there is not enough freon in your HVAC to do that. R-32 has been used overseas for over a decade so it's what they call "battle hardened". R-454B has been extensively tested so no one expects any surprises.
As far as getting a old unit that used R410A, I don't think anyone is allowed to sell that after January 1, 2025 so it's probably not an option. Although the newer R-454B and R-32 systems are about 5% more expensive than the R410A systems they are slightly more efficient so the added expense may be a wash when you consider the energy savings.
I just purchased a new Carrier Infinity system that uses R-454B and they are replacing the line set. From what I understand, that's not an option. Given copper doesn't last forever I would think replacing the lineset is something you want to do otherwise you might have a leak down the line with reusing the old line set.
There is a lot of misinformation out there on the new freon used in the new HVAC equipment creating a lot of fear so, it's best to do more research on the subject to get the facts not believe the media.
At the end of the day freon has been changed for decades over and over so this time is no different and there is nothing you or anyone else can do about it.
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Thank you for the response. Very good information. I forgot or never knew that R410A was regarded as flammable. But I researched it and it is considered "non-flammable" where R454b is considered Low flammability.
🔥 Flammability Precaution Differences:
Precaution Area R-410A (A1 - Non-Flammable) R-454B (A2L - Low Flammability)
I also found some more info:
R-454B: Pros, Cons, & Comparisons to R-410A | Super Radiator Coils
EPA has imposed a deadline of January 1, 2025, after which the manufacture and import of many types of self-contained R-410A systems is prohibited. Consequently, unit manufacturers have been evaluating and deciding on a replacement since the phasedown’s announcement, with several of the largest domestic manufacturers settling on R-454B.
Our test data indicates that R-454B coils will require 10 – 20% additional heat transfer surface to meet the same capacity as and R-410A design.
R410A will be available for many years to come. They are only stopping the manufacturing of R410A equipment and recovered R410A will be mostly recycled. But R410A will experience gradual inflation and may become very expensive in a decade or two.