If you’ve had any HVAC work done recently—or even just spoken to your technician—you may have heard something about a refrigerant called R-454B. It’s becoming a big deal in the world of heating and air conditioning, and not just for the professionals. This change affects homeowners too, especially with summer right around the corner.
Imagine needing an urgent AC repair in 100° Texas heat, only to find out parts are backordered for months. Thanks to a nationwide refrigerant shortage, that’s the risk facing homeowners this summer
So, what’s really going on? Let’s break it down.
What Is R-454B Refrigerant?
R-454B is a next-generation refrigerant designed to replace R-410A, which has a higher Global Warming Potential (GWP). Because R-454B’s GWP is lower, it causes less environmental damage if it leaks.
Switching to R-454B isn’t as simple as swapping fluids. It’s slightly more flammable and requires equipment specifically designed for safe use. Proper handling requires technicians with specialized training and certification. The good news? Bacon’s HVAC technicians are fully prepared for the job.
While many companies are feeling the strain, Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric took early action to stay ahead.
Why Is There a Shortage?
The HVAC industry is switching to a more environmentally friendly refrigerant called R-454B. It’s part of a bigger plan to reduce the impact of climate change by replacing older refrigerants that harm the environment. But like most big changes, it hasn’t been smooth sailing.
Here’s why:
- There aren’t enough cylinders: The availability of R-454B cylinders is becoming a serious issue across many regions. Contractors and technicians face delays of up to 10 weeks to receive a single order. This backlog slows installations and repairs, strains businesses, and forces many companies to reschedule jobs or turn away new work.
- Everyone wants it: As the industry moves away from R-410A, R-454B has quickly become one of the most in-demand refrigerants on the market. Demand is surging nationwide as regulations tighten, and competition for inventory is fierce.
- Suppliers are struggling: The overwhelming demand has left many supply houses scrambling. Inventory is spoken for before it even arrives, leading to rationing, backorders, and uncertainty for contractors.
How This Might Affect You
- Longer repair times: If your technician can’t obtain parts or refrigerant right away, you may wait longer for service.
- Higher prices: Because R-454B is newer and costlier to produce, repairs or replacements might carry a bigger price tag.
- Trained technicians required: R-454B requires special certifications, which can affect how quickly and affordably your system is serviced.
How Bacon Stays Ahead of the Refrigerant Shortage
As HVAC contractors across the country wrestle with a sudden scarcity of the next-generation refrigerant R-454B, Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric has built a cushion against supply-chain shocks—and, by extension, against midsummer breakdowns in North Texas homes.
Joey Brown, HVAC operations leader at Bacon, underscored the company’s strategy:
“Although our team installs equipment using R-32, which is not currently experiencing shortages, we know the R-454B shortage will affect everyone. The demand for comfort does not stop, and our homes and businesses depend on HVAC systems every day.
We’re proud to say Bacon Nation is staying ahead of the curve. Our proactive planning, strong supplier relationships, and continued training ensure we can continue delivering the comfort and reliability you expect from us—even during supply disruptions.”
Those preparations include advance purchase agreements, daily inventory checks, and refresher courses that keep technicians certified on both R-32 and R-454B systems.
Regional wholesalers echo the assessment.
Jeremy Wade, Northeast Texas sales manager at Standard Supply, told us:
“The majority of manufacturers have adopted R-454B as their next-generation refrigerant. Unfortunately, it’s already in short supply and prices are soaring. Standard Supply, which carries Daikin, Amana, and Goodman equipment running on R-32, is fully stocked on both units and R-32 refrigerant. We can fill orders without delay and keep our dealers working.”
With distributors such as Standard Supply holding ample R-32 and Bacon technicians trained to install it, homeowners have a ready path around the industry bottleneck.
Stay Cool and Confident This Summer with Bacon
The HVAC world might be changing fast, but you can count on Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric to keep you comfortable, no matter what. Our team stays ahead of supply shortages, masters the latest refrigerants, and delivers fast, reliable service you can trust.
If your AC needs a tune-up—or if you’re thinking about upgrading to a more future-proof system—now’s the time to act. Summer heat waits for no one, and the last thing you want is a surprise breakdown when temperatures soar.
Here’s how we can help:
- Schedule a check-up now to make sure your system is ready.
- Explore new AC options that use refrigerants like R-32, available without delay.
- Talk to an expert about the best plan for your home’s comfort and budget.
Call Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric today at
or schedule your
AC tune up and enjoy a cool, worry-free summer.
