Kansas City homeowners are starting to hear about the transition to a new type of refrigerant, R454B. What they may not know is that this shift has caused supply shortages across the HVAC industry
and it is affecting both contractors and homeowners alike.
At Haha’s Heating & Cooling, we believe it’s important to explain why this shortage is happening and how we’re making sure our Kansas City customers stay protected.
How Did We Get Here? A Quick Look at the HVAC Refrigerant Shift
The HVAC industry has been navigating a series of changes over the last few years, all aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Here’s a quick timeline of what changed:
- 2019: Manufacturers stopped producing residential furnaces with PSC blower motors, switching to more efficient DC models.
- 2020: R22 refrigerant was fully phased out. R410A production also began its gradual reduction.
- 2023: The M1 efficiency standards went into effect, raising system requirements nationwide.
- 2025: The big one the A2L refrigerant transition. This ended the production of all residential R410A systems and introduced R454B as the main replacement refrigerant.
So Why the Shortage of R454B?
On the surface, it seems simple. R410A systems stopped production, so manufacturers needed R454B to take over. You’d expect the refrigerant producers Chemours and Honeywell to ramp up supply to meet the demand.
And they did plan for it.
The unexpected problem came down to something as small as a valve on the refrigerant bottles. There is only one global manufacturer of the spring valve used in these bottles, and it holds a worldwide patent. This bottleneck in production created a ripple effect across the industry.
Once contractors and distributors caught wind of a possible shortage, many stocked up draining inventory before supply chains could catch up.
Why Do New AC Systems Still Need Extra Refrigerant?
If systems come pre-charged, why is there still such a demand for extra refrigerant?
Every new system includes a refrigerant charge based on standard line set lengths. But in real-world Kansas City installations, those lines are often longer. That means additional refrigerant must be added to achieve proper operation.
Without the correct charge, your air conditioner can’t cool efficiently and may not work at all.
This has made R454B essential for both new installations and service calls.
What Are Distributors and Contractors Doing About the Shortage?
Most distributors are prioritizing existing customers who are purchasing new equipment, offering limited refrigerant supply with their orders. This means even long-standing contractor relationships may not guarantee access to R454B unless equipment is bought alongside it.
In response, some manufacturers have started pre-charging condensers with more refrigerant to offset supply limitations. While this solves short-term issues, it could raise questions about long-term equipment health.
The Industry’s Workarounds And What We Don’t Do at Haha’s
Some contractors have looked for risky or even illegal solutions, like:
- Switching manufacturers based on refrigerant availability
- Mixing recovered refrigerants from other installs
- Creating homemade blends or substituting with incompatible refrigerants
We want to be clear Haha’s Heating & Cooling does not engage in any of these practices. They can harm equipment, violate EPA regulations, and risk your home’s safety.
How Haha’s Heating & Cooling Prepared for This
We knew the refrigerant transition was coming, and we took steps to make sure our Kansas City customers wouldn’t be caught off guard.
- We secured a reserve of R410A products before the production ban. The phaseout applies to manufacturing, not installation, so these products are still available for now.
- We stocked up on R454B early to ensure we could meet customer needs without delay.
- We built strong relationships with multiple distributors so we’re never relying on just one supply source.
- We became refrigerant flexible, working with manufacturers like Daikin that offer R32 systems, giving our customers more choices in a challenging market.
This approach helps us pivot when others can’t making sure Kansas City homeowners aren’t left waiting for repairs or installations.
What This Means for Kansas City Homeowners
If your AC system needs service, maintenance, or replacement, you can trust that we’re ready. Our team stays on top of industry shifts, so you won’t face unnecessary delays or risky practices.
Whether you’re considering an upgrade or just want honest advice about your existing system, contact Haha’s Heating & Cooling.
We’ll make sure your comfort and your system is in good hands.
Check our Kansas City reviews on Google to see why local homeowners choose us when it matters most.
