Industry Insights

R-454B Is Here: The HVAC Contractor's 2026 Refrigerant Transition Guide

Starting January 1, 2026, the EPA AIM Act Technology Transitions Rule bans the installation of new residential and light commercial HVAC systems using high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A.[1] The primary replacement for ducted unitary heat pumps in the North American market is R-454B—an A2L-class refrigerant with a global warming potential of approximately 466, roughly 78% lower than R-410A.[2]

This guide covers everything HVAC contractors need to know to work with R-454B safely and legally in 2026.

What Is R-454B and Why Is It Replacing R-410A?

R-454B is an HFC blend primarily composed of R-32 and R-1234yf. It is classified as an A2L refrigerant under ASHRAE standard 34—meaning it is mildly flammable, but with a very low burning velocity compared to conventional flammable gases.[3]

The EPA AIM Act (American Innovation and Manufacturing Act) gave the EPA authority to phase down high-GWP HFCs. Under the resulting Technology Transitions Rule:

  • January 1, 2025: Manufacturers can no longer produce or import new residential/light commercial HVAC equipment using R-410A (GWP 2,088).[1]
  • January 1, 2026: New installations of residential and light commercial HVAC systems using high-GWP refrigerants are prohibited. All new system installations must use refrigerants with GWP ≤700.[1][4]

R-454B's GWP of 466 satisfies this requirement.[2] It is the refrigerant used in the majority of new ducted unitary heat pump systems entering the North American market in 2026, including the entire Midea Comfort 2026 product lineup.

R-454B vs. R-32: What's the Difference?

Contractors will encounter two A2L refrigerants in 2026 systems:

R-454B R-32
GWP ~466 ~675
Classification A2L (mildly flammable) A2L (mildly flammable)
Primary use Ducted unitary split systems Ductless mini-splits
EPA compliant? Yes (GWP <700) Yes (GWP <700)

Both refrigerants are A2L class and require the same category of service tools.[3] Neither is interchangeable—always confirm the refrigerant type on the equipment nameplate before servicing.

What Contractors Need for A2L Installations

The 2025 Contractor of the Future Study—a survey of 1,000 HVAC contractors conducted in Fall 2025 in partnership with ACCA—found that A2L readiness ranked as the #1 product technical training need among contractors nationally.[5] The top concerns cited were: lack of clarity on rules and codes, need to purchase new tools, ease of install, and flammability.[5]
Here is the practical checklist for R-454B readiness:

Service Equipment

  • Recovery equipment certified for A2L refrigerants
  • A2L-compatible manifold gauges and hoses
  • A2L-compatible leak detection equipment
  • Ensure recovery cylinders are rated for A2L use

Training

  • Complete A2L safety and handling training through ACCA, RSES, or manufacturer programs — A2L training is ranked the #1 technical training priority for HVAC contractors in 2025[5]
  • Confirm your EPA 608 certification is current (still required for all refrigerant work) Installation Practices
  • Review local jurisdiction installation codes updated for A2L refrigerants — some states and municipalities have adopted A2L-specific requirements beyond the federal baseline
  • Confirm ventilation requirements for the installation space per manufacturer instructions and local code

Installation Practices

  • Review local jurisdiction installation codes updated for A2L refrigerants — some states and municipalities have adopted A2L-specific requirements beyond the federal baseline
  • Confirm ventilation requirements for the installation space per manufacturer instructions and local code

Existing Systems

  • You may continue to purchase R-410A for maintenance and service of existing installed systems — the EPA AIM Act ban applies to new equipment, not to servicing legacy installations.[1]

Can You Still Service R-410A Systems?

Yes. The EPA AIM Act does not prohibit servicing existing R-410A equipment already in the field.[1] Contractors can continue to purchase R-410A refrigerant for maintenance of systems already installed. The mandate affects new equipment manufacturing and new installations only.

This is an important practical point: the majority of installed HVAC equipment will continue to use R-410A for years. A2L training prepares contractors for new system installations, but does not require abandoning service work on the existing installed base.

Midea Comfort and R-454B

All 2026 Midea Comfort products—the EVOX G³ ducted heat pump, the Pancake AHU, and the PTHP—ship factory-charged with R-454B and are fully compliant with the EPA AIM Act January 2026 installation mandate.[6] All SEER2 and HSPF2 efficiency ratings are certified for R-454B operation.

For A2L installation training resources or to find a Midea Comfort regional training contact, please email infohvac.na@midea.com for inquiries.

References