United States. In response to growing demand and changes in the refrigerant supply chain, Carrier announced a series of strategic measures to ensure the availability of R-454B refrigerant without applying additional surcharges to its customers.
The company, part of Carrier Global Corporation, will implement actions to improve delivery times, such as the acquisition of additional volumes, the redirection of shipments originally intended for internal use and coordination with distributors to prioritize the needs of the brand and manage assignments efficiently.
During this short-term transition, Carrier will also increase the amount of precharged refrigerant in ducted split-type residential systems, moving from the standard of 15 feet to 30 feet of line in most units. This modification will not affect light commercial equipment or ductless systems. The company stressed that this measure will not imply additional charges for customers.
"Carrier's goal during this transition is to provide equitable allocation based on equipment sales and proactive coordination, without cost increases," said Nick Arch, vice president and general manager of Residential HVAC Solutions at Carrier. "We remain committed to demonstrating industry leadership and building trust with our customers through bold action and swift strategic action."
The Replacement Components (RC) division will also strengthen aftermarket support, prioritizing supply to distributors through the continuous taking of orders for R-454B, the use of OEM refrigerant to support the distribution network, and the addition of new secondary packers to expand supply capacity and mitigate potential shortages.
"We recognize supply concerns and are committed to supporting our channel partners throughout this refrigerant transition," said Mary Milmoe, vice president and general manager of Replacement Components at Carrier. "Carrier's Replacement Components division is taking proactive steps to help secure R-454B refrigerant in collaboration with suppliers to expand its availability."
The company recalled that R-454B and R-32 refrigerants are not interchangeable due to differences in their composition and compatibility with the systems. Therefore, it stressed that only the refrigerant specified on the equipment's data plate should be used, in accordance with the final refrigerant regulations (Appendix W of Subpart G of Part 82, Title 40). Correct use is essential to comply with regulatory standards and avoid problems during inspections.
Carrier reiterated that transitioning to refrigerants with lower global warming potential, such as R-454B, is a key part of its current and future strategy. He also stressed that organizations such as HARDI, ACCA and their members share the commitment to the adoption of more sustainable refrigerants, despite the challenges that this implies.
