Carrier Helps Ensure a Steady Supply of R-454B Refrigerant Without Surcharge

INDIANAPOLIS – Carrier shared a series of proactive initiatives designed to help ensure a steady and dependable supply of R-454B refrigerant. These efforts reflect the manufacturer's unwavering commitment to supporting its distributors and their customers during a time of high demand and evolving supply  dynamics.

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 its partners can continue delivering.  

To further stabilize the channel, Carrier 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 its standard 15 foot line set to 30 foot on most units. Light commercial splits and ductless units are not impacted. To better serve our 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 our distribution network; and 
• Onboarding new down packers to enhance supply capabilities and mitigate the 
  effects shortages on our 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 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 Carrier's current and future planning. Carrier is pleased that organizations like HARDI, ACCA and their members share our commitment to leading the way in adopting environmentally conscious refrigerants despite the challenges.