Solutions Focused. Dealing with the R-454B Availability Shortage

R‑454B Supply Chain Woes: What HVAC Techs and Business Owners Need to Know

The HVAC industry is in the midst of a major refrigerant transition—and with it, another supply chain bottleneck. As of 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that all new residential and light commercial air conditioning systems must use low-GWP refrigerants like R‑454B, in place of older options like R‑410A.

However, despite manufacturers preparing for the change, a surprising problem has emerged: a shortage not of the refrigerant itself, but of the cylinders used to package and distribute it.

According to HVAC wholesalers and trade reports, there is plenty of R‑454B in bulk supply—but it’s sitting in tanks, unable to ship due to a shortfall of DOT 39-rated A2L cylinders, which are required to legally transport and sell the mildly flammable gas.
This shortage has already triggered steep price hikes and long lead times for new systems and replacement refrigerant.

ACHR News reports that contractors are facing delays and pricing uncertainty in sourcing R‑454B-equipped systems, while HVAC Distributors, Inc. confirmed supply delays were primarily “due to lack of approved cylinder packaging.”

➤ ACHR News, “Navigating the Transition to A2L Refrigerants,” March 2024
➤ HVAC Distributors News Post, “A2L Refrigerants and Cylinder Supply Chain,” Jan 2024

For contractors and techs on the frontlines, this has immediate consequences:
Clients can’t afford new systems. Inventory is thin and techs are left with little choice but to extend the life of existing equipment wherever possible.

Meeting the Moment: How SolderWeld Supports Field Professionals

At SolderWeld, we recognize this challenge isn’t just logistical—it’s financial. Families need heating and cooling now, not six months from now. And contractors need solutions they can trust to get customers up and running without the burden of high-cost system replacements.

Our mission has always been to support the trades, and right now, that means giving techs the tools to keep systems operational, safe, and compliant.

• Aluminum Coil Repairs: With tools such as  Alloy Sol & Flux, and Al-Cop, techs can make strong, leak-resistant repairs on aluminum or copper coils—often avoiding total replacement.

• Durable Brazing in the Field: Our Sil Sol 15% silver solder allows for dependable high-pressure connections, even in older units that weren’t designed for modern refrigerants.

• On-the-Go Heat Protection: Our 100% reusable Hot Block Heat Absorption Putty now comes in a Pocket Block version—small enough to fit in a pouch, effective enough to protect your client's equipment and space. 

We know what it’s like out there. You don’t always have the luxury of waiting on new equipment or explaining ballooning estimates to clients. SolderWeld products are designed with you in mind—to keep jobs moving, systems working, and customers happy.

Final Thoughts

As R‑454B continues to roll out, growing pains in the supply chain are inevitable. But HVAC professionals are resourceful by nature. You’ve always found ways to get the job done—and we’re here to make sure you’ve got the right tools to do it.

It is always our aim to get through difficult times together—one repair at a time.