R454B vs R410A: What Oregon Homeowners Should Know About the New HVAC Refrigerant
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules put a stop to the manufacturing and importation of HVAC systems that require R410A refrigerant in December 2024. As of January 2026, new AC and heat pump installations, with exceptions for equipment imported or manufactured before January 2025, must be compatible with R454B. Learn more about R454B vs R410A, including:
- Why the HVAC industry is moving from R410A to R454B
- R454B vs R410A: Key differences homeowners should understand
- What the refrigerant transition means for older HVAC systems
- Buying a new heat pump or air conditioner in Oregon
- How Four Seasons can help homeowners navigate the change
Homeowners in Oregon who wonder what the change means for their HVAC unit and future indoor comfort can get answers from companies like Four Seasons. We provide a high-level overview of the topic below.
Key takeaways
- HVAC systems that rely on R410A refrigerant are being phased out and are no longer manufactured.
- R410A manufacturing will phase down over the next decade.
- The team at Four Seasons can help Oregon homeowners choose the right R454B system for an HVAC replacement or upgrade.
Contact Four Seasons for Help Choosing the Right R454B HVAC System
Get the right HVAC system for your home and comfort needs. Find out more about AC installation from Four Seasons.
Why the HVAC Industry Is Moving From R410A to R454B
Refrigerant is what’s used in AC and heat pump equipment to absorb and transfer heat. Without it, heating or cooling doesn’t happen. However, refrigerants aren’t ideal for the environment, especially in older forms.
One method of evaluating a refrigerant’s potential impact on the environment is Global Warming Potential, or GWP. This is a measure of how much heat a substance traps in the atmosphere relative to carbon dioxide. The higher a substance's GWP, the greater its potential to drive global warming.
- R410A has a GWP of 2,088
- R454B has a GWP of 466
Other low-GWP refrigerants do exist, but R454B is preferred by many manufacturers, who have retooled product lines to support it.
For Oregon homeowners working to reduce their carbon footprint or steward environmental resources, choosing an HVAC system that uses a more eco-friendly refrigerant may be important.
R454B vs R410A: Key Differences Homeowners Should Understand
Here are the main differences between R410A and R454B refrigerants.
| . | R410A | R454B |
|---|---|---|
Global Warming Potential (GWP) | 2,088 | 466 |
Refrigerant classification | A1 (non-flammable) | A2L (mildly flammable) |
Availability | Limited production continues to support existing equipment; a phase-down manufacturing approach will reduce availability through 2036 | Currently manufactured, with growing availability. |
Installation of equipment | R410A-dependent equipment manufactured or imported prior to January 2026 can still be installed. | Standard for new installs. |
Note that Oregon regulations address A2L flammability, requiring enhanced safety features to detect leaks and ventilate equipment and surrounding areas.
What the Refrigerant Transition Means for Older HVAC Systems
Oregon homeowners don’t have to transition to a low-GWP refrigerant HVAC system immediately or, perhaps, at all. The phase-down approach to R410A means the refrigerant should be available for years, though it may become less accessible or more expensive.
Even if you’re dealing with R410A, AC repair still often makes economic sense when your HVAC system is less than 10 years old and has an isolated issue. Replacement starts to make sense for systems that are near the end of their life, aren’t reliable, or need a major component replacement. When repair costs exceed the cost of replacement, homeowners will likely need to choose an R454B-reliant system.
Buying a New Heat Pump or Air Conditioner in Oregon
While some R410A systems may still be available in 2026 and the next few years, new systems are designed around R454B refrigerant. That’s true for ENERGY STAR cold climate heat pumps, which can be especially helpful for Oregon residents looking for year-round comfort and energy savings.
If you’re buying a new heat pump, consider talking to your HVAC professional about your options. Considerations may include:
- The size and design of your home, as you’ll need a system that’s powerful enough to warm or cool it
- Energy savings, such as high-efficiency equipment that aligns with current energy standards, can help you cut down on utility bills.
- Tax credits, like the 25C tax credit for HVAC systems, that can help you offset some of the cost of your new system
How Four Seasons Can Help Homeowners Navigate the Change
Four Seasons offers experienced, local service for Oregon homeowners who need HVAC repairs and installations. We keep up with evolving HVAC technology and provide clients with evaluations to help them understand the types of products that meet their needs, including those that protect the environment or reduce energy costs while maintaining indoor comfort.
Our certified technicians can help you select the right R454B refrigerant system for your home. We’re experienced with modern heat pumps and ENERGY STAR-qualified equipment. Our team can also help you understand the incentives available to maximize the value of your HVAC upgrade.
Schedule an HVAC Upgrade Consultation With Four Seasons Today
Have questions about your HVAC options? Our experienced and certified team can help. Schedule an AC installation evaluation today.
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Mike Hahn
Mike Hahn is a Co-owner of Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning. A true master of the craft, he is both a NATE certified HVAC technician and Journeyman Plumber. With 25+ years of residential mechanical expertise, Mike elevates those around him. Mike’s relentless approach to showing that “Best Service. Best Brands. Best Pricing.” is more than a slogan, but the standard we strive to deliver is what sets him apart. He feels that sharing practical advice, industry insights, and expert tips will help homeowners make confident decisions about their HVAC, electrical, and home comfort systems.