On May 16, Carrier shared a series of proactive initiatives designed to help ensure a steady and dependable supply of R-454B refrigerant. These efforts reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting distributors and their customers during a time of high demand and evolving supply dynamics. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

To increase availability and reduce delays, Carrier is securing additional volume to improve lead times, redirecting product shipments from internal use to distribution, and partnering with distributors to prioritize Carrier’s needs and manage allocations. These actions are focused on one goal: helping to provide critical access to refrigerant so partners can continue delivering.

To further stabilize the channel, the company is pulling all available levers during this short-term transition and will begin increasing the amount of refrigerant pre-charged in residential ducted splits from the standard 15 ft line set to 30 ft on most units. Light commercial splits and ductless units are not impacted. To better serve customers, Carrier will not apply incremental surcharges for the increased refrigerant.

“Carrier’s objective throughout this transition is to offer equitable allocation based on equipment sales and proactive coordination, without any cost increases,” said Nick Arch, vice president and general manager, Residential HVAC Solutions at Carrier. “We remain dedicated to demonstrating industry leadership and building customer confidence through bold measures and quick, strategic actions.”

Carrier’s Replacement Components (RC) division is providing exceptional aftermarket support and prioritizing supply into distribution in the following ways:

• Continuing to take orders for R-454B to maintain consistent supply of refrigerant.

• Using OEM refrigerant supply to support the distribution network.

• Onboarding new down packers to enhance supply capabilities and mitigate the effects of shortages on business partners.

“We recognize the supply concerns and are dedicated to supporting our channel partners throughout this refrigerant transition,” said Mary Milmoe, vice president and general manager, Replacement Components at Carrier. “Carrier’s Replacement Components division is taking proactive steps to help secure R-454B refrigerant collaboratively with suppliers to broaden availability.”

Carrier also emphasizes that R-454B and R-32 are not interchangeable. Due to differences in composition and system compatibility, only the refrigerant listed on the unit nameplate should be used, in accordance with the Refrigerant Final Ruling (Citation: Appendix W to Subpart G of Part 82, Title 40). Using the correct refrigerant is critical to comply with these standards and avoid inspection issues.

The transition to lower global-warming-potential refrigerants like R-454B is essential to both current and future planning. Carrier is pleased that organizations like HARDI, ACCA, and their members share this commitment to leading the way in adopting environmentally conscious refrigerants despite the challenges.