Stationary air-conditioning

As the HVAC industry transitions away from high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A, driven by the U.S. AIM Act and global climate regulations, system designers and contractors are looking for efficient, compliant, and future-ready alternatives. Two refrigerants stand out as the best options for new air conditioning and chiller systems: Forane® 454B and Forane® 32.

Forane^® 454B (R-454B): The Industry’s Preferred Forane® 410A Replacement

Forane^® 454B (R-454B) is a next-generation refrigerant designed specifically to replace R-410A in new air conditioning and heat pump systems. It offers:

Significantly lower GWP: Just 466, compared to R-410A’s 2,088
Excellent performance: Nearly identical capacity and improved efficiency
Minimal design changes: Compatible with many existing R-410A components, reducing OEM transition time
Broad application range: Ideal for ducted splits, VRF systems, DX chillers, mini-splits, and packaged units

Forane^® 454B (R-454B) is already widely adopted by major OEMs and available for global distribution

Forane® 454B Product Page

Forane® 32 (R-32): High Efficiency and Compact System Design

Forane^® 32 is a pure, single-component refrigerant that offers high performance and energy efficiency, making it a strong choice for OEMs focused on compact, high-efficiency systems.

GWP of 675: Lower than R-410A and meets many regulatory thresholds

Higher efficiency: Delivers better heat transfer and lower charge requirements

Widely used globally: Especially in Asia and Europe for residential and light commercial systems.

Ideal for: manufacturers looking to design smaller, lighter systems with fewer components and lower refrigerant charges.

Forane® 32 Product Page

What About Existing R-410A Systems?

For legacy systems that still use R-410A, there is no viable, drop-in replacement for Forane^® 410A. You will need to continue to use R-410A to avoid damage to the system.

Can I still use R-22 and Forane® 427A in my system?

While the industry moves toward lower-GWP refrigerants, Forane^® 427A remains a reliable retrofit option for existing R-22 systems. It offers a practical solution for extending the life of older equipment without major system modifications.

However, it's important to note that refrigerants like Forane^® 410A and 427A are subject to future phase-downs under the AIM Act and international climate agreements. As such, they are best used as transitional solutions until full system upgrades can be implemented.

Looking Ahead

Whether you're designing new systems or planning for long-term refrigerant strategy, Forane^® 454B and Forane^® 32 offer the best combination of performance, compliance, and future readiness. Forane® 427A provides a bridge for existing systems, but the future of air conditioning is clearly moving toward low-GWP, high-efficiency refrigerants.

For more information or technical support, contact the Forane^® team.