Carrier, Rheem, Trane to Increase Line Charges of R-454B During Assembly

HVACR equipment manufacturers Carrier and Trane have announced plans to improve HVACR contractors’ access to R-454B refrigerant.

Carrier sources reported during the week of May 11 that the company is going to obtain additional refrigerant volume to improve lead times, redirect product shipments from internal use to distribution, and partner with distributors to prioritize Carrier’s needs and manage allocations.

Carrier also reported it will increase the amount of refrigerant that is pre-charged in its residential ducted split HVAC systems, from a standard 15-ft line set to 30-ft on most units, with no incremental surcharges for the increased refrigerant.

“Carrier’s objective throughout this transition is to offer equitable allocation based on equipment sales and proactive coordination, without any cost increases,” said Nick Arch, Vice President and General Manager, Residential HVAC Solutions at Carrier. “We remain dedicated to demonstrating industry leadership and building customer confidence through bold measures and quick, strategic actions.”

Carrier’s Replacement Components division is continuing to take orders for R-454B to maintain a consistent refrigerant supply. It is using OEM refrigerant supply to support the Carrier distribution network and is onboarding new down packers to enhance supply capabilities and mitigate the effects shortages have had on its business partners.

Trane announced during the week of May 11 it will temporarily increase the amount of pre-charge in all vertical discharge split air conditioner and heat pump models (Premium and Value).

“The increased refrigerant levels will accommodate common system matches with a 25-ft. line set and 3/8-in. liquid line. Sources products and packaged units will not be affected by this change.

Trane will apply a $50 charge to each unit produced on and after the implementation date of May 7, 2025. The $50 charge will be tracked and invoiced via serial numbers of shipped units.

Rheem announced on May 22 that it will temporarily increase the factory pre-charge of R-454B refrigerant in all 13.4 and 14.3 SEER2 air conditioners and 14.3 SEER2 heat pumps across all brands. The temporary increased refrigerant charge will not raise the price of units.

As with Carrier and Trane, due to the increased factory charge, the system now supports matches with a 30-foot line set and a 3/8-inch liquid line, resulting in an increase from the previous 15-foot standard.

“At Rheem, our partners play a central role in every decision we make. In light of current R-454B refrigerant cylinder supply challenges, we are temporarily increasing the factory pre-charge in our units—without any price increase—to ensure continued performance, reliability, and minimal disruption for our contractors and distribution partners,” said Kevin Ruppelt, senior vice president and general manager, US Air Division, Rheem.

Rheem sources said Rheem is fully committed to providing reliable support during this period of industry transition and maintaining the highest standards of safety, performance, and compliance of its products.

Manufacturer websites can be found at www.carrier.com, www.rheem.com and www.trane.com.