With all the buzz around HVAC refrigerants changes lately, one question we’ve heard from several of our Massachusetts customers is:
“Can I still use R-410A in one of the new heat pump systems that runs on R-32 or R-454B?”
Short answer: No. Not even close. And here’s why that matters if you’re replacing your system in 2025.
R-32 and R-454B Aren’t Just “New Versions” of R-410A
These are entirely different refrigerants—not upgrades, not additives, and definitely not interchangeable with 410A. That means:
Different pressures
Different chemical properties
Different internal components
Different safety requirements
Basically, the guts of these systems are reengineered from the ground up. Trying to use R-410A in a system built for R-32 or R-454B would be like trying to put diesel into your sports car that needs high octane fuel!
What’s Behind the Change?
Let’s keep it simple: refrigerants like R-410A are being phased out because of their high Global Warming Potential (GWP). The new R-32 and R-454B models offer significantly lower GWP score (by that I mean 78% less!). Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Refrigerant | GWP Score | Flammability Rating | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-410A | 2,088 | A1 | Being phased out |
| R-32 | 675 | A2L | New standard |
| R-454B | 466 | A2L | New standard |
That’s why manufacturers like Mitsubishi and LG are already rolling out next-gen systems built specifically for them.
Why You Can’t Just “Top Off” a New System with R-410A
Here’s the part that most folks don’t realize:
The fittings are different. Many manufacturers changed valve sizes to physically prevent 410A from being connected. This includes the tanks the refrigerant comes in!
The pressures are different. Using the wrong refrigerant can damage the compressor or worse—create a safety issue. This will mean your system will not last anywhere near it’s warranty. Beyond that if it’s discovered that you put 410A into a 454B system (which horrifyingly our HVAC Manager hear that a peer contractor to us in Massachusetts is doing due to the 454B shortage), then you will completely void you manufacturer warranty!
The warranties won’t cover it. If it’s discovered that you put 410A into a 454B system (which horrifyingly our HVAC Manager hear that a peer contractor to us in Massachusetts is doing due to the 454B shortage), then you will completely void you manufacturer warranty! No manufacturer is going to back a system that’s been charged with the wrong refrigerant.
Bottom line: If your system is built for R-32 or R-454B, that’s the only refrigerant it can (and should) ever use.
What This Means for Massachusetts Homeowners
If you’re replacing your heat pump or central AC this year, chances are you’ll be getting a system that runs on one of the new refrigerants (a lot of the 410A inventory has been completely cleaned at this point). That’s a good thing—but it also means:
You can’t transfer or refill 410A into a new system
You can qualify for better Mass Save rebates with newer models – in fact they offer even great efficiency!
And you need a contractor who knows how to install these safely – Endless Energy has spent the past 6 months preparing for this transition!
Endless Energy Has Already Made the Switch
We’ve trained our install teams, updated our tools, and are fully EPA certified for R-32 and R-454B systems. Whether you’re replacing your heat pump, AC, or considering a Mass Save upgrade—we’ll make sure everything is done by the book.
Have questions about refrigerants or what’s changing with new systems?
📞 Give us a call at 508-456-8331
🖥️ Or book online at www.goendlessenergy.com
