R-410A vs R-454B and R-32

Name: HVAC Contractor
Brand: Oliver Heating & Cooling
Rating: 4.6 (2043 reviews)

Which Refrigerant is Better for the Environment and Energy Efficiency?

Refrigerants have become a hot topic as the HVAC industry moves toward more energy-efficient and ecologically friendly solutions. Although R-410A has long been the industry standard for HVAC systems in homes and businesses, more recent models such as R-454B and R-32 are starting to show promise as alternatives. When upgrading their HVAC systems, companies and households can make more educated decisions if they are aware of the differences between R-410A vs R-454B and R-32 refrigerants and how they affect the environment and energy efficiency.

R-410A: The Most Recent Standard

R-410A has been widely used since the phaseout of R-22 due to its zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and improved efficiency compared to its predecessor. However, R-410A has a high global warming potential (GWP) of 2,088, meaning it contributes significantly to climate change when released into the atmosphere. While it remains an effective refrigerant, its environmental impact has led to regulatory actions pushing for lower-GWP alternatives, taking effect at the start of 2025.

R-454B: A Low-GWP Alternative

R-454B is one of the newer refrigerants designed to replace R-410A in HVAC systems. It has a GWP of 466, which is approximately 78% lower than that of R-410A. This significant reduction in GWP makes it a more environmentally friendly choice. Also, R-454B offers similar or improved energy efficiency compared to R-410A, ensuring that homeowners and businesses do not have to compromise on performance.

One of the advantages of R-454B is its compatibility with existing R-410A systems, requiring minimal modifications for manufacturers and installers. However, it is classified as an A2L refrigerant, meaning it has a slight flammability risk. While this does not pose a major concern under normal operating conditions, proper handling and installation practices are essential.

R-32: A High-Efficiency, Low-GWP Option

R-32 is another alternative gaining traction in the HVAC industry. With a GWP of 675, it has a much lower environmental impact than R-410A, though slightly higher than R-454B. However, R-32 has been found to be highly energy-efficient, often outperforming R-410A in terms of cooling capacity and system performance.

A key benefit of R-32 is that it is a pure refrigerant, whereas R-410A and R-454B are blends. This purity allows for easier recycling and reduces refrigerant loss during servicing. Like R-454B, R-32 is also classified as an A2L refrigerant, meaning it carries a mild flammability risk that requires appropriate safety measures during installation and maintenance.

Which Refrigerant is the Best Choice?

When comparing R-410A, R-454B, and R-32, both R-454B and R-32 stand out as better options for the environment and energy efficiency due to their lower GWP and improved performance. R-454B has the lowest GWP of the three, making it the most environmentally friendly option. However, R-32 is widely used in many new systems and offers excellent efficiency benefits, making it a strong contender.

For homeowners and businesses looking to replace their HVAC systems, transitioning to a system that uses R-454B or R-32 can result in lower environmental impact and potential energy savings. The best choice will ultimately depend on the specific application, manufacturer availability, and system compatibility.

Talk to Oliver About Your HVAC System Upgrade

Choosing the right refrigerant for your HVAC system is an important decision that can impact your energy bills and environmental footprint. If you’re considering an HVAC system replacement and live in southeastern Pennsylvania, contact Oliver today. Our experts can help you understand your options and select the best solution for your home or business. Give us a call at (888) 810-2681 to learn more about the latest energy-efficient and eco-friendly HVAC systems.

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Ed T.

Crystal Clean Cleaners is hands down the best cleaning service I’ve used! They’re always on time, professional, and leave everything spotless. The attention to detail is amazing, and their customer service is top-notch. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and high-quality cleaning. You can tell they really care about their work and their clients!

Lori M.

Perry has very nice & professional. Oliver has great technicians!

Lori C.

David the plumber was awesome! Very kind, and helpful. When we replace our system it will be with him

Gregory F.

Mr. Miller and Anthony rate 5 stats for professionalism and great customer communication.

darius C.

Had the yearly inspection done service tech Perry was amazing answered all of my questions explained everything that was needed and why 10/10

James M.

Perry Robinson - awesome service! Thank you!!

Barry M.

Very satisfied with service.

Kirk M.

Oliver replaced our HVAC system. They installed the original system when house was new and it lasted 30 years! The crew arrived on time. Clint, Thomas & Anthony were courteous and technically proficient. They were able to answer all our questions succinctly & helped explain how to use the new equipment, such as the thermostat. You can tell they know what they're doing and gave us substantial confidence in our new system. Dan, our project manager was informed about their products and equipment plans. He worked with us to put together a plan we were excited about and got us scheduled before he left. No pressure tactics here, just informed and helpful. It was the same great service we've gotten from Oliver in the past. We recommend them for your HVAC needs.Updated 4/22/25: our technician Perry arrived on time and was very professional. He did a thorough job checking out our AC system and even made some recommendations about cleaning that could prolong the life of the system.

doug D.

Perry came today to do maintenance on my air conditioner. He did an excellent job. Very professional and knowledgeable.

Deirdre O.

Had another positive experience ,today with Tech Ryan ,for an a/ c inspect.

Jim D.

Just had David Miller here working on our oil furnace. The guy really knows his stuff. He’s been here before and I requested he come out again for our annual maintenance. Oliver is lucky to have such a conscientious worker.

Frank D.

My furnace was not generating any heat and within one day, a new unit was installed. the previous unit was about 18 years old. I was very pleased with the service and professionalism.

Diane S.

Excellent service; came prepared to make a recommendation appropriate to our needs and budget; timely installation; pleasant personality; not pushy.

Robert K.

Replaced oil furnace, central air, and hot water heater in a timely and professional manner. Old heater failed me in the coldest days of January. My regular service company could not in a timely manor repair or replace equipment after evaluating the problem. Oliver arrived the same day to give me a quote and replaced the system the next business day. Workers were professional, thorough, and courteous and had the system replaced and running during one visit. They also quickly followed up to take care of some miscellaneous items.

Steven N.

Our experience with Oliver over the past decade - customer focused, incredibly high quality and high integrity. Highly recommended.

Kathryn S.

I’m very glad that I contracted with Oliver Heating and Cooling. The staff have really been effective in servicing my 75 year old home and its maintenance needs. They are response, on time, and make sure things are right, even if they have to come back for a rare repeat visit. The staff are very professional and always offer reasonable solutions. I know that I can depend on the Oliver team and they are cordial and respectful.

Brian T.

Had Javier come to look at ac today he was very knowledgeable and professional highly recommend

Christin B.

Am very grateful for Anthony from Oliver! We realized this cold weekend morning, with a storm on the way, our thermostat panel was blank and the heat wasn't working. He was able to quickly confirm the problem was with the thermostat and not our heater, install a temporary thermostat while we wait for a replacement, and explained that if we download an app with the new thermostat we will be able to navigate even if the thermostat gives out again. Prompt, quality service.

Dominick E.

Oliver is my Go-To HVAC company, and here's why. I have learned that a company is part product (equipment) and part people, (office staff, process managers and field-service technicians). Well, Oliver uses top quality equipment and friendly, knowledgeable and helpful employees. Even the best equipment wears to a point where problems arise, in fact, sooner or later there will be a problem of some sort over the life-cycle of any machine. Every company sells machinery, so this is a constant amongst companies, but the difference between companies is the people. So, when you think about it, it is the people and company policy that matters most. Here's where Oliver is the best; I had an issue, the Technician came out, trouble shot the cause of the problem, got me up and running and recommended additional work to improve of my system. He said the Service Manager would call me to discuss this further. The next day, the SM called and scheduled a second call to make the improvement that the Technician had suggested. The Technician was Walter. Walter checked my system up one side and down the other. He found areas that needed attention and corrected them immediately. The SM ordered that second visit with all the necessary items to address every detail discovered by Walt, which even included re-leveling my outdoor unit! So, I found Walt to be the best Service Technician I had ever met as he described what he had done and why. As an engineer myself, I could tell that Walter is a dedicated, talented and masterful HVAC Technician. In the end, my system is running perfectly again, and in fact, it almost seems like it is now better than when it was brand new. But maybe this is my mind being so delighted with Walt’s work and the proper business policy and treatment from the Oliver’s SM, that I am imagining this? Maybe so, but my wife is no longer complaining about being cold and my system is humming like new. No second-guessing, rest assured and choose Oliver. You will be glad you did. (DE-Feb. 2025)

Chris G

Oliver’s friendly, trustworthy and professional service team quickly completed a high quality installation of our new boiler on an emergency basis - I’m glad we called Oliver!

Tom P.

Very professional and knowledgable

Jerry N.

Brandon was just a great guy and and great employee for you company

Lou M.

Samuel was very professional and diligent

moth M.

Jason Stouch was an absolute delight. incredibly kind and fun to talk to. he explained everything he was doing and every issue we had with our heater very simply. i was very exhausted after a long day and honestly i’m dumb on a good day but he made me feel a lot less anxious about my questions/ignorance/fears. he even helped me realize that some of our vents were blocked/dirty and therefore part of the problems we were having. just all around great service.

Jaynette A.

Excellent service

Larry Y.

Katheryn understood our problem and schedule a tech right a way . The tech , Tymir , listened to our concerns and checked out our problem and found the issue and made the necessary repairs . He was very polite and professional .

Gordon W.

William did a good professional job servicing my HVAC system.

Jessica D.

I highly recommend Oliver heating and cooling. Their company did a “heat for the holidays” giveaway and my father was chosen as one of the families to be blessed with not only a new heater but water heater too as he hasn’t heat in quite a few years. The team was very professional and nice. Even the owner stopped by as well. We are forever grateful for them and all their hard work and kindness to our father.

Joseph D.

Absolutely so grateful that heater for the holidays exists. I was nominated and was one of the chosen customers to receive a new free heater from the company, as well as a hot water heater which was beyond unexpected and I am absolutely grateful for Oliver and the entire technician team that came out on an early Saturday morning to do the work as well as the owner himself who came to introduce himself. My family and myself will be forever grateful for you guys and truly cannot thank you enough.