Refrigerant Update – What Homeowners Need to Know About R-32 and R-454B

No, It’s Not Propane: Understanding the New Refrigerants in Your HVAC System

If you’ve heard talk about “that new propane refrigerant,” you’re not alone — but you’re not quite right either. The R-32 R-454B refrigerant is actually what people are referring to.

Here at Yarbrough & Sons Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we’ve had a lot of customers ask us if the new refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B are propane-based. We get it — the tanks look similar, and you might have even heard propane is used in some appliances now. But let’s clear the air: these are not propane-based refrigerants.

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🔧 What Are the New Refrigerants?

There are two major refrigerants being used in residential HVAC systems as we move away from R-410A, such as R-32 and R-454B refrigerant:

• R-32 – A single-component refrigerant used widely in Europe for years.
• R-454B – A newer blend refrigerant made to be even more environmentally friendly than R-32.

Both fall under the A2L classification, which means they are mildly flammable — but they’ve passed rigorous safety testing and are used safely worldwide.

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🌎 Why the Change?

The push for new refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B is all about reducing the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of HVAC systems. R-32 already has a lower GWP than R-410A, but R-454B goes even further — which is why many manufacturers are adopting it now.

And don’t worry — the U.S. isn’t doing a hard “phase-out” of R-410A like we saw with R-22. It’s a phase-down, meaning production will gradually reduce but not disappear overnight.

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🔍 What Homeowners Need to Know

If you currently have a system using R-410A, you’re fine — there’s no rush to replace it. But when the time does come for a new unit, here’s what to keep in mind:

✅ New tools and gauges are required to safely work with A2L refrigerants.
✅ HVAC professionals must be trained in handling, charging, and servicing units with R-32 or R-454B.
✅ Sensors and safety protocols are built into new systems to protect your home from leaks.
✅ Efficiency ratings are the same — no drop in performance or comfort.

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💡 Why It Matters Who Services Your System

Because of the new safety classifications, not every technician is prepared to handle these refrigerants. Make sure your HVAC company is experienced, certified, and properly equipped to work on your system.

At Yarbrough & Sons, our techs are fully trained and equipped to handle these changes, and we’ve made the investment in tools, knowledge, and safety practices so that you don’t have to worry about R-32 R-454B refrigerant.

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🧊 Bonus Tip: Say Goodbye to the Pink Jug

One thing you might notice — the days of color-coded refrigerant tanks are over. No more green for R-22 or pink for R-410A. Now, tanks look almost identical. So double-check your labels, because the color isn’t the clue anymore.

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🏠 Final Thoughts for Homeowners

The bottom line? These new refrigerants are safe, efficient, and environmentally smarter. For most homeowners, the only real difference is making sure you hire the right people to work on your system, especially when it involves R-32 R-454B refrigerant.

If you have any questions about your HVAC system, refrigerant type, or what your options are in 2025, give Yarbrough & Sons a call. We’re happy to help.

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HVAC Average Price Range by Tonnage:

• 1.5 Ton: $8,000 – $16,000
• 2 Ton: $8,000 – $16,000
• 2.5 Ton: $8,500 – $18,000
• 3 Ton: $9,000 – $18,500
• 3.5 Ton: $9,500 – $21,000
• 4 Ton: $10,500 – $21,500
• 5 Ton: $11,500 – $23,000
• View financing options

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📍 Yarbrough & Sons Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

Serving the Oklahoma City metro since 1988
📍 122 S Main Ave, Blanchard, OK 73010
📍 3601 S Broadway #300, Edmond, OK 73013
📞 (405) 309-3470
🌐 https://yarbroughandsons.com