R-454B Heat Pumps: What to Know and Which to Buy

Need something different?

• 

  Best R-454B on a 115-volt circuit (12,000 BTU)

  Perfect Aire Quick Connect 12,000 BTU 115V

  22 SEER2, 9.5 HSPF2 (AHRI). Quick-connect DIY kit; the listing names R-454B.

  $1,719.99 on Amazon
• 

  Best R-454B for a large space (24,000 BTU class)

  Klimaire DIY 24,000 BTU 230V

  23 SEER2, 9.5 HSPF2 (AHRI). Quick-connect DIY kit; the listing names R-454B.

  $1,869 on Amazon

R-454B DIY mini-splits on Amazon

Of the 33 mini-split listings on Amazon that call themselves DIY, 21 name R-454B and 5 name R-32; the rest say R-410A or nothing. Every listing and the refrigerant it states is on DIY mini-splits by refrigerant, with the federal rule on older R-410A units.

1. Read the listing's spec table, not the brand page. Many listings name the refrigerant only there.
2. Match the model number to its AHRI certificate. It lists the refrigerant and the certified SEER2 and HSPF2.
3. Check the circuit. The kits here run on 230 volts or 115 volts; the listing says which, and an electrician adds the circuit.

Central systems on R-454B

About 4 in 10 R-454B heat pumps certified are ducted, central systems. Carrier, Trane, Midea and Bryant have the most certified. They are sold and fitted by installers; if one quotes you an R-454B system, find it in the certified list below to check its efficiency and its heat at 5°F.

Questions buyers ask

Do R-454B DIY kits need a vacuum pump?

Not the quick-connect kits here. Their listings say the lines come pre-charged and click together. You still need an electrician for the circuit.

Which brands use R-454B?

In central systems, Carrier, Trane, Midea and Bryant have the most certified. Among DIY mini-splits on Amazon, most listings now name R-454B. Each AHRI certificate lists the refrigerant.

Is R-454B better than R-32?

Neither is clearly better for a homeowner; both are mildly flammable (A2L) replacements for R-410A. See R-32 heat pumps for the ducted Goodman systems that use R-32.

Can I add R-454B to my old R-410A unit?

No. A system is built for one refrigerant, so moving to R-454B means a new outdoor unit and a matched indoor unit.