R32 vs. R454B: Which will win and why? As of 1/1/25, R410a will start heading into history.

[@billm.2677]

I wouldn’t worry too much about a lower GWP yet. Do a web search on R454B and the PFAS ‘forever chemical’ toxins. Don’t worry, I am sure that DuPont will have a new replacement for R454b just in time for the impending R454B phase out and new equipment requirements.

[@averyalexander2303]

To me, R32 seems to be the better option. It's cheaper and not patented and from what I can find, it's generally more efficient than R454b. I haven't found any data on whether R32 or R454b is more flammable, they seem about equal from what I can tell. Single component refrigerants are easier to work with and recycle since they won't fractionate. Other than the somewhat lower GWP, I'm just not seeing the benefit of R454b. The lower GWP isn't even a benefit if it's less efficient and results in higher power consumption.

[@casualwcs8236]

How flammable is R32 really: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYapdqqdbKZ3q8k

[@airspool]

Yes, right, if you don't have the energy source there, it won't burn. The danger is that if you have a big fire in your house or something, then you do have the energy source there and then it torches. But by that time, lots of other drama has already ensued. And we all, are most of us, have something which is much much more flammable coming into our house, and that's natural gas. But no one seems to be afraid?!

[@casualwcs8236]

@@airspool - I'm writing an editorial on this exact subject. It is written to the average joe homeowner (including grandma and grandpa) here in Florida with the hopes of giving the homeowner enough knowledge to ward off the comfort pirates. Those are the guys the push scare tactics and get you to bend over for a new system. Nothing really makes sense other than Honeywell owns the patent on 454B and manufacturers have to pay patent rights to use it in their systems. Where is the video of the guy who did a flammability test??