As the HVAC industry continues transitioning to more sustainable refrigerant options, many facility managers are now facing an unexpected challenge: a nationwide shortage of 454B refrigerant. This low-GWP refrigerant, often used in newer commercial HVAC systems, was intended to lead the industry into a more environmentally responsible future. Instead, limited supply is creating uncertainty for commercial and industrial property owners trying to maintain critical systems.
If your facility operates with HVAC equipment that uses 454B refrigerant, it’s important to understand how this shortage may affect your systems, your maintenance plans, and your bottom line. At AirLogix, we’re working closely with suppliers, technicians, and clients to help navigate these disruptions and keep systems operational.
Why 454B Refrigerant Matters
454B refrigerant was developed as a replacement for R-410A, a common refrigerant in both commercial and residential HVAC systems. The switch to 454B was prompted by federal regulations and global initiatives focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With a global warming potential (GWP) approximately 78% lower than R-410A, 454B aligns with sustainability goals while offering comparable or better system efficiency in many applications.
Many equipment manufacturers began phasing in 454B refrigerant in response to the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020, which targets the gradual reduction of high-GWP refrigerants. As a result, systems using 454B refrigerant quickly gained traction across the commercial market, especially in new installations and energy-efficient retrofits.
What’s Causing the Shortage?
The current shortage is not due to a lack of demand—it’s the opposite. The quick adoption of 454B refrigerant has put pressure on manufacturing and distribution channels. At the same time, supply chain issues—particularly with the availability of tank components required to store and ship the refrigerant—have stalled production at major chemical plants.
This has led to a mismatch between what the market needs and what suppliers can deliver. Warehouses across the U.S. are reporting delays, and distributors are rationing supply to meet only the most critical repair needs. The shortage is especially frustrating for facility managers who invested in equipment based on long-term efficiency and environmental planning, only to find the required refrigerant is now hard to get.
How the Shortage Impacts Commercial HVAC Systems
The effects of the 454B refrigerant shortage extend beyond inconvenience. For many commercial and industrial facilities, HVAC systems are mission-critical. Cooling capacity isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting equipment, ensuring air quality, and keeping tenants or employees safe. If a system goes down and requires refrigerant recharge, the shortage can mean extended downtime or forced system modifications.
Here are several specific impacts that commercial building operators may encounter:
1. Delayed Repairs
If your HVAC unit experiences a leak or needs a refrigerant-based repair, and it runs on 454B refrigerant, you may face longer wait times to get the system back online. This is especially true during peak summer months when demand is already high.
2. Temporary Workarounds
In some situations, technicians may implement temporary operational fixes that allow systems to continue running without immediate access to 454B. These are stopgap solutions and aren’t meant to last long-term, but they can help maintain basic cooling needs while supply issues persist.
3. Equipment Modifications
In facilities where downtime is unacceptable, some HVAC units may be evaluated for conversion to use an alternate refrigerant like R-32. This involves changing the oil and verifying system compatibility. While this approach can help avoid prolonged outages, it’s not always possible depending on system design.
4. Higher Maintenance Urgency
Routine maintenance becomes even more important during a refrigerant shortage. Preventing leaks and catching performance issues early can save facility managers from emergency scenarios where refrigerant is needed but unavailable.
Exploring Technical Alternatives
At AirLogix, our technicians are trained to evaluate a range of solutions when 454B refrigerant is not immediately available. These strategies are designed to keep your systems functional while minimizing disruption:
R-32 Refrigerant Conversion
This is often a viable option for units originally designed to use 454B refrigerant. R-32 has similar performance characteristics and is more widely available. To convert a system:
- The oil must be changed to a compatible alternative
- System components and refrigerant lines must be evaluated for compatibility
- Performance metrics are documented before and after the conversion
- Clients are informed of any efficiency or operational differences
- New labels are applied to identify the system’s refrigerant
R-410A Equipment Substitution
For larger retrofits or equipment replacement projects, AirLogix can source “dry” R-410A units that are shipped without refrigerant and charged onsite. While R-410A has a higher GWP than 454B, the supply is currently more stable. In time-sensitive scenarios, this can be the fastest way to restore full HVAC functionality.
Regardless of the option chosen, our team follows a strict procedural checklist to confirm safety, performance, and compliance.
What Facility Managers Can Do Now
With the market still facing volatility, the most effective strategy for building operators is to be proactive. If your HVAC system uses 454B refrigerant, now is the time to take action—even if everything is working fine today.
We recommend scheduling a preventative maintenance inspection to:
- Check for potential leaks
- Verify system pressures and refrigerant levels
- Identify any worn or at-risk components
- Discuss available alternatives if refrigerant replenishment becomes necessary
It’s also a good time to review your HVAC inventory and determine which units may be affected. Not all equipment uses 454B refrigerant, and some may already be suitable for conversion.
The Bigger Picture
The transition to low-GWP refrigerants is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s part of a broader shift in how buildings are designed and operated. Facility managers are now expected to balance performance, sustainability, and risk management.
As highlighted in a recent article by Facility Executive, even small differences in refrigerant selection can significantly impact lifecycle emissions and energy costs. Choosing the right refrigerant is about more than environmental scores; it also affects operating efficiency and future service flexibility.
The current shortage is a reminder that even well-planned transitions can face unexpected obstacles. But with the right technical support and planning, building operators can stay ahead of these challenges and avoid costly system failures.
Partner with AirLogix for Strategic HVAC Support
At AirLogix, we understand how important it is to keep your HVAC systems running smoothly, especially when supply chains are strained. Our team is monitoring the 454B refrigerant situation daily, coordinating with manufacturers and suppliers to secure available inventory, and providing clients with practical solutions that minimize risk and maximize performance.
If your building uses 454B refrigerant or if you’re unsure what’s in your system, now is the time to act. Contact us today to schedule a system assessment and explore your options. We’re here to help keep your facility cool, efficient, and compliant—no matter what the supply chain throws your way.
As CEO of Airlogix, I lead a company focused on delivering reliable, scalable, and responsive commercial HVAC-R solutions. With over 15 years of industry leadership, I have built Airlogix into a trusted service provider for clients in commercial real estate, education, healthcare, retail, and public sector organizations across the NY Metro area.
Our approach is driven by accountability, consistency, and results. I work closely with our teams to ensure that each client engagement is handled with urgency, precision, and professionalism—whether for ongoing maintenance contracts, emergency service, or full-scale construction projects.