Carrier’s strategy seeks to ease R454B supply

USA: In a further move to ease US R454B shortages, Carrier has announced it will convert its excess bulk R454B refrigerant into 20lb cylinders for use by distributors and contractor.

The decision, which will apply across all Carrier’s brands, including Carrier, Bryant, Payne and ICP, has been applauded by the distributors group HARDI.

“HARDI is pleased to see more manufacturers stepping up with creative solutions to this short-term but serious shortage,” said HARDI CEO Talbot Gee. “Our ongoing collaboration with Carrier has been incredibly productive and focused on real-world outcomes. This move will make a meaningful difference in getting equipment installed and projects completed on schedule.”

With R454B refrigerant in high demand and a limited supply of service refrigerants causing installation delays, HARDI says that Carrier’s decision to repurpose bulk refrigerant into accessible packaging offers a practical and immediate solution. 

“It demonstrates a clear commitment to helping distributors and contractors in continuing to serve their customers during this critical time,” the group said.

Carrier is one of a number of US air conditioning manufacturers taking steps to help alleviate R454B refrigerant supply shortages in the USA. 

The lower GWP A2L refrigerant replacement for R410A has been suffering shortages and subsequent rising costs as US industry struggles to comply with the HFC phase out under the US AIM Act. The shortage is said to have been exacerbated by a lack of cylinders equipped with pressure relief valves with the left-handed threads required for A2L refrigerants, raw material shortages and limited production capacity. There are also claims of hoarding by contractors.