When The NEWS recently posted a humorous cartoon on social media about the growing R-454B shortage, we expected a few laughs and light-hearted comments. Instead, we received hundreds of replies — some amusing, some frustrated, and others downright alarming. Among the most concerning were posts from HVAC contractors and technicians jumping into full MacGyver mode, offering workarounds to the shortage, such as:
- Top off with R-32 if needed. It’s 70% of R-454B anyway.
- Remove the R-454B charge and replace it with R-410A. That’s what our rep told us to do.
- Mix your own R-454B in the field using 70% R-32 and 30% R-1234yf.
While these DIY approaches may seem clever or convenient in the moment, they’re serious missteps that can damage systems, endanger safety, and void warranties. Topping off with a different refrigerant, even one that shares a component with R-454B, alters the chemical composition of the system charge, leading to unpredictable performance and potential damage to the system.
Field-mixing refrigerants is also a bad idea, as refrigerant blends such as R-454B are engineered to exact specifications, and altering their composition in the field compromises both safety and performance. And switching back to R-410A is neither backward-compatible nor recommended by OEMs, as system components and charge requirements are designed specifically for the properties of R-454B. In most cases, retrofitting to R-410A will also void warranties and could result in serious liability if something goes wrong.
So, what should contractors do when faced with equipment that needs R-454B and the shelves are empty? First, stay informed. Communicate with your suppliers early and often to understand inventory forecasts. Some distributors may have limited stock of aftermarket R-454B, but access could vary regionally — and by relationship. If you’re a long-term or preferred customer, don’t hesitate to lean on that relationship, as some wholesalers are prioritizing aftermarket R-454B availability for people just like you. If a critical shortage is impacting your ability to service or install equipment, reach out to manufacturer reps and ask for guidance — they may be able to offer alternatives or timeline updates.
Second, keep trying to secure the refrigerant, no matter how many times you strike out. One of the distributors responding to our social media post said, “Don’t stop trying to procure from everywhere if you do not have enough for the season. Our vendors haven’t given us specific dates (they are being very vague), however, we will be receiving 20 lb. cylinders throughout the summer. How many, not sure! This issue is nationwide and may not resolve itself till the fall, so we need to think outside the box and be prepared if you do not have any R-454B refrigerant at some point.”
Third, manage customer expectations. If an installation can’t proceed due to a refrigerant delay, be transparent. Explain the reasons behind the shortage, including the broader transition to A2Ls under the AIM Act and the phasedown of HFCs. Most customers will understand, especially if you emphasize the long-term benefits of using the correct refrigerant for their equipment.
Fourth, offer an alternative. HVAC equipment is available that uses R-32, which is another alternative to R-410A that does not currently appear to be in short supply. Or consider installing R-410A equipment where it’s still available. Although the use of R-410A is being phased down, it remains legal to install split systems through December 31, 2025, and packaged equipment can be installed until December 31, 2027. Most manufacturers have reported that their R-410A inventory is dwindling, but some distributors stocked up in advance, so availability may vary. Just be sure to discuss the long-term implications with customers, including potential serviceability and component replacement challenges down the road.
Finally, resist the temptation to “make it work.” Short-term solutions may seem harmless but can lead to major problems later — especially as more systems begin to run on mildly flammable A2Ls. Refrigerants like R-454B and R-32 require specific charge amounts, leak detection strategies, and ventilation considerations, all of which can be undermined by shortcuts in the field.
The HVAC industry is in a transitional period, and how the current challenges are handled will impact the trust customers place in contractors and the industry as a whole. The HVAC trade has a long history of resilience and innovation, but there’s a fine line between innovation and improvisation. Be sure to stay on the right side of that line.
