Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), representing over 500 HVACR wholesale distributor members, commends Lennox International Inc. for its recent decision to temporarily increase the factory pre-charge levels of R-454B refrigerant in select residential and light commercial air conditioners and heat pumps in both its Lennox and Allied brands. This action joins a chorus of industry actions aimed at alleviating current supply shortages of packaged R-454B refrigerant used for installation, providing essential support to contractors and distributors during this critical transition period.

The rapid adoption of R-454B has led to supply chain challenges regarding the availability of packaged refrigerant cylinders for installing equipment in consumers’ homes and businesses. By increasing the factory pre-charge, Lennox is helping to reduce the need for additional field refrigerant, easing pressure on the distribution channel.

“HARDI is actively collaborating with manufacturers, distributors, and contractors to find innovative solutions to the current R-454B supply constraints and highlighting these actions to help educate the channel,” said HARDI CEO Talbot Gee. “Lennox and Allied’s decision to increase the pre-charge in their equipment is a commendable step that demonstrates their commitment to supporting the HVACR community during this pivotal time.”

Lennox’s initiative aligns with the industry’s broader efforts to ensure a smooth transition to environmentally friendly refrigerants while maintaining the reliability and efficiency that contractors and end-users expect. HARDI continues to encourage wholesale distributors to educate and train their customers on best practices for installing A2L equipment. Understanding how much refrigerant is needed before arriving at the job site can help contractors better plan for refrigerant requirements.