R-454B Shortage & Price Hikes: 2025 HVAC Impact
R-454B Shortage Alert: What Facility Managers Need to Know
SSI Services | Commercial HVAC, Refrigeration & Cooking Equipment Experts
The HVAC and refrigeration industry is entering a challenging phase in 2025 with shortages and surging prices for R-454B refrigerant. As R-454B becomes the mandated replacement for phased-out R-410A under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, supply constraints and cost increases are having a significant impact across the commercial sector.
At SSI Services, we want our customers to understand the situation, its implications, and how we’re planning ahead to minimize disruptions.
Why Is There a Shortage of R-454B?
R-454B is a next-generation, low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerant classified as an A2L (mildly flammable) refrigerant. The transition away from R-410A was meant to support environmental goals, but the infrastructure to support R-454B hasn’t kept pace with demand.
The current shortage stems from:
- A national shortage of approved A2L-rated storage cylinders.
- Production shortfalls by U.S. manufacturers.
- Additional delays sourcing supply from international markets.
Major manufacturers, including Honeywell and Chemours, have already reported supply chain bottlenecks that are slowing deliveries nationwide.
What’s Driving the Price Increases?
- Alongside the shortage, significant price increases have been announced:
- Honeywell implemented a 42% surcharge on all R-454B orders after February 15, 2025, plus a $4/lb price hike as of April 9, 2025.
- Chemours added a $2.85/lb increase effective May 1, 2025.
- New tariffs on imported refrigerants, especially from China, are raising costs by as much as 145% on certain products.
Pricing volatility is expected to continue until supply stabilizes later this year.
How This Affects Commercial Facilities
- Project Delays: Longer lead times for new equipment installations and repairs.
- Higher Maintenance Costs: Rising refrigerant costs will affect routine service and emergency repairs.
- System Availability: Some suppliers are limiting refrigerant sales only to customers purchasing complete system replacements, restricting options for simple repairs.
- Currently, R-454B cylinders are trading between $700 and $2,000 each, depending on availability. Lead times can stretch several months, making proactive planning critical.
Exploring Alternative Options
Some facilities may consider alternatives like R-32, another A2L refrigerant that remains more available and cost-effective (around $250–$300 per 20-lb cylinder).
However, switching refrigerants requires careful review:
- Equipment compatibility must be confirmed.
- Building code and safety requirements for A2L refrigerants must be met.
- Manufacturer warranties and guidelines must be followed.
At SSI Services, we can help evaluate whether transitioning to alternative refrigerants is appropriate for your facility.
How SSI Services Is Supporting Our Clients
We are actively working with our suppliers to secure inventory ahead of demand, minimize supply interruptions, and ensure you stay operational.
Here’s how we are preparing:
- Early stockpiling of R-454B and approved alternatives.
- Close monitoring of lead times and pricing to optimize project scheduling.
- Clear communication with our customers about timelines, pricing, and options.
If you are planning major HVAC or refrigeration upgrades this year, or if your current system is aging, now is the time to have us review your equipment.
Request your equipment review and stay ahead of the 2025 refrigerant challenges. Proactive planning now can save time, reduce costs, and prevent downtime later.
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