R454B Freon 20 lb. Jug for AC Mini Split Systems & Central HVAC

R454B FREON SDS SHEET

• Purpose: Primarily replaces R-410A in residential, commercial air conditioning, and heat pumps.
• Safety Class: ASHRAE Class A2L (Lower toxicity, "mildly flammable").
• Performance: Features higher energy efficiency and capacity compared to R-410A.
• Physical Properties: Requires POE oil, is a zeotropic blend with a small (~2.1°F) temperature glide.
• Handling: Requires specialized tools (e.g., ignition-proof vacuum pumps) and, in the U.S., features left-hand thread valves on containers to prevent accidental misuse.
• Mandate: Phased in due to the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which restricts high-GWP refrigerants. 

• Lower GWP: 466 vs 2088 for R-410A.
• Safety: R-410A is A1 (non-flammable), while R-454B is A2L (mildly flammable).
• Components: R-454B is a blend, making it necessary to charge as a liquid to prevent component separation.
• Equipment Changes: New systems require updated, compatible components (like sensors for leaks). 

• Low Climate Impact: It has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 466, which is approximately 78% lower than R-410A (~2,088).
• Ozone Safety: It has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of zero.
• Energy Efficiency: Systems designed for R454B are estimated to be 2–3% more efficient than their R-410A predecessors.
• Performance: It operates at similar temperatures and pressures to R-410A, allowing manufacturers to adapt equipment designs with minimal modifications. 

• Safety and Handling
  
• Flammability Class: Classified as A2L (mildly flammable). While it is more flammable than the non-flammable R-410A (A1), it is difficult to ignite and has a slow flame spread.
• Equipment Features: New R454B systems often include leak detection sensors and mitigation systems (like automatic fans) to safely dissipate refrigerant in the event of a leak.
• Container Identification: In the U.S., R454B cylinders are typically identified by a red band or are painted red to signal flammability, and they use left-hand thread valves to prevent accidental cross-contamination with other refrigerants. 

• Mandates: The shift is driven by the EPA's AIM Act, which mandates a phasedown of high-GWP HFCs. As of January 1, 2025, manufacturers are generally prohibited from building new residential systems using R-410A.
• Compatibility: R454B is not a drop-in replacement. You cannot put R454B into an existing R-410A system; the equipment must be specifically designed for it.