R454B Refrigerant: Why Your Next Heat Pump Should Use It
Reading time: 6 minutes
If you're shopping for a heat pump, you may have noticed different types of refrigerants: R410A, R32, R454B. This isn't just a technical detail—the choice of refrigerant has an impact on the environment, efficiency, and the future of your system.
What is a refrigerant?
The refrigerant is the fluid that circulates in your heat pump. It absorbs heat in one place and releases it in another. Without refrigerant, there is no heating or cooling.
Think of it as the "blood" of your heat pump — it carries thermal energy from one point to another.
The problem with old refrigerants
R22 (Freon) — Banned
Used for decades, R22 has been progressively banned because it depletes the ozone layer. R22 systems can no longer be legally recharged in Canada.
R410A — Being replaced
R410A has replaced R22. It does not destroy the ozone layer, but it has a very high global warming potential (GWP) : 2088 .
This means that 1 kg of R410A released into the atmosphere has the same impact on global warming as 2088 kg of CO2.
Global regulations (including in Canada) require a transition to refrigerants with lower GWP.
R454B: The refrigerant of the future
Kanartic heat pumps use R454B , also known by the trade name Opteon XL41 .
Advantages of R454B
| Characteristic | R454B | R410A (old) |
|---|---|---|
| Global warming potential (GWP) | 466 | 2088 |
| Reduction of the GRP | -78% | Reference |
| Ozone layer destruction | 0 | 0 |
| Energy efficiency | Equivalent or superior | Reference |
| Compliant with future regulations | Yes | No (will be restricted) |
In summary: R454B has a 78% lower climate impact than R410A, while offering equivalent or better efficiency.
Comparison of common refrigerants
| Refrigerant | PRG | Status | Used by |
|---|---|---|---|
| R22 (Freon) | 1810 | Forbidden | Old systems |
| R410A | 2088 | In the withdrawal phase | MrCool, Senville, Pioneer |
| R32 | 675 | Transition | Some Asian brands |
| R454B | 466 | Future standard | Kanartic |
Why this is important to you
1. Future conformity guaranteed
Regulations on high-GWP refrigerants are becoming stricter. By purchasing an R454B heat pump today, you have a compliant system for the next 15-20 years.
Systems using R410A could become difficult to recharge or repair in the future, as is the case today with R22.
2. Reduced environmental impact
If you care about the environment (and you should!), the choice of refrigerant matters. Choosing R454B over R410A significantly reduces the carbon footprint of your heating/cooling system.
3. Maintained efficiency
Unlike some "green" refrigerants of the past that sacrificed efficiency, R454B offers performance equivalent to or better than R410A. You lose nothing by choosing the eco-friendly option.
4. Resale value
A heat pump with a modern refrigerant will have a better resale value. Savvy buyers know that R410A systems will be obsolete.
Regulations in Canada
Canada, in accordance with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, has committed to progressively reducing the use of high GWP (hydrofluorocarbon) HFCs.
Schedule
- 2024-2025: Increased restrictions on the production and import of R410A
- 2025-2030: Transition to low GWP refrigerants
- 2030+: Likely bans on high GWP refrigerants in new equipment
By choosing R454B now, you are ahead of the regulations.
Safety of R454B
A legitimate question: is R454B safe?
Yes. R454B is classified A2L (slightly flammable). This means:
- Low toxicity (like R410A)
- Slightly flammable under very specific conditions
- Approved for residential use by all relevant authorities.
In practice: The amount of refrigerant in a residential heat pump is small, and the systems are sealed. The risk is negligible and comparable to other modern refrigerants.
Major global brands (Carrier, Daikin, Trane) all adopt R454B or similar low GWP refrigerants.
Impact on the DIY system
For DIY systems like Kanartic, the choice of refrigerant is transparent to the user:
- The lines are pre-loaded at the factory
- You do not need to handle the refrigerant.
- The installation is identical regardless of the refrigerant.
- The maintenance is the same
The only difference: you have a more environmentally friendly system without any extra effort.
Refrigerant FAQ
Can I recharge my R454B heat pump myself?
No, and you'll probably never need to. Sealed systems don't lose refrigerant under normal use. If a recharge is required, it indicates a leak that should be repaired by a certified professional.
Is R454B more expensive?
The cost of the refrigerant is included in the price of the heat pump. For the end user, there is no significant price difference.
Will my current R410A heat pump become illegal?
No. The regulations concern the production and sale of new equipment and refrigerant. Your existing system can continue to operate. However, R410A refills may become more expensive and difficult to obtain over time.
Does R454B work as well in cold weather?
Yes! R454B has excellent thermodynamic properties, including good performance in cold weather. That's why Kanartic heat pumps using R454B operate efficiently down to -30°C.
Conclusion
The choice of refrigerant is not just a technical detail—it's an environmental and practical choice. By choosing an R454B heat pump like Kanartic, you are opting for:
- A 78% reduction in climate impact
- Future compliance guaranteed
- Equivalent or superior efficiency
- Cutting-edge technology
This is one of the many details that distinguish Kanartic from the competition.
