With new refrigerant regulations taking effect, many homeowners who want to get new air conditioners need to understand: R-454B vs R-32, which refrigerant should I choose? Both refrigerants were developed to replace R410A, which is gradually being eliminated because of the harm it causes the environment. 

Whether you plan to shop for a new mini split air conditioner or are trying to understand how the rules affect your future choices, this guide will help you learn the basic facts. We will also compare the performance of these two refrigerants, as well as their availability and long-term use.

What are R-454B and R-32 refrigerants?

The first thing to take into consideration is how to assess the damage that refrigerants cause to the atmosphere and the environment. That is where GWP comes to the forefront. 

What Is GWP and Why Does It Matter?

GWP (Global Warming Potential) quantifies how much a refrigerant contributes to climate change. The higher the GWP, the more it harms the environment. Because of newer environmental rules, many air conditioners now use refrigerants with lower GWP, like R-454B and R-32.

What Is R-32 Refrigerant?

R-32 is a single-component refrigerant with a GWP of 675. It’s been widely used in air conditioners for several years and is known for its energy efficiency and stable supply.  It’s also worth mentioning that R-32 refrigerant still complies with most environmental regulations at present. Hence, because of its availability, R-32 remains a popular option for residential AC units, especially for those who need a mature maintenance system. It remains the main choice in the market.

What Is R-454B Refrigerant?

R-454B is a lower GWP refrigerant with a GWP of only 466, lower than R-32. This makes it the best choice in the push for more climate-friendly HVAC systems. R-454B refrigerant is gradually stepping into commercial and residential markets, especially in those newer, more efficient systems. While it's relatively new to the scene, manufacturers are quickly adopting it as a long-term solution for regulatory compliance.

R-454B vs R-32: Comparison Table

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you understand the key differences between R-32 and R-454B:

Both refrigerants are environmentally friendlier than R410A, but R-454B has a clear advantage in terms of GWP. However, they all comply with current environmental regulations, so you can choose both of them.

R-32 and R-454B Refrigerant Units Recommendation

DELLA offers dependable AC units using both R-32 and R-454B refrigerants, giving customers the flexibility to choose the most suitable AC units for all-year-round comfort.

1. DELLA Umbra Series Mini Split AC R-32 Refrigerant

The DELLA Umbra Series mini split heater AC delivers powerful cooling air for spaces ranging from 400 to 1,000 sq ft. With a high 20 SEER2 efficiency, it can reduce energy usage by around 43% compared to standard units, helping you save on electricity bills. Plus, operating at noise levels as low as 25 dB, it’s ultra quiet, great for any space where peace and quiet matter.

Key Features

• Low‑GWP Refrigerant (R‑32)
  Eco‑friendly R‑32 refrigerant reduces environmental impact and aligns with 2025 regulations.
• High Energy Efficiency (20 SEER2)
  Cuts energy consumption by up to 43% compared to traditional mini‑splits.
• Ultra‑Quiet Operation (25 dB)
  So quiet it’s comparable to a library, perfect for restful environments.
• Multiple Choice

          12,000 BTU: up to 350 sq. ft. (small bedroom)

          17,000 BTU: up to 550 sq. ft. (standard bedroom or office)

           20,000 BTU: up to 850 sq. ft. (large room or apartment)

• Heating & Cooling All‑Year
  Includes a heat pump. You can use it for both heating in winter and cooling in summer.

2. DELLA Motto Series Mini Split AC R-32 Refrigerant

The DELLA Motto Series 9,000 BTU mini-split is a high-value solution for cooling or heating spaces up to 400 sq ft, perfect for bedrooms, offices, or small living areas. With its 19 SEER2 efficiency, it consistently delivers energy savings while keeping noise levels as low as 29 dB. You won't even notice that it's running. This unit brings smart comfort without compromising quality or affordability.

Key Features

• Eco-friendly R-32 Refrigerant
  Uses low-GWP R-32 refrigerant, supporting environmental goals and easing regulatory compliance
• Excellent Value
  Offers high energy performance and smart features at a competitive price. It’s absolutely a solid investment for your spaces.
• High-Efficiency Inverter (19 SEER2)
  Helps reduce monthly electricity consumption—smart savings for year-round use.
• Dual-Mode for Year-Round Comfort
  Includes a heat pump function for both cooling and heating, ensuring reliable performance across seasons.

3. DELLA Vario Series Mini-Split AC R-454B Refrigerant

The DELLA Vario Series mini-split delivers industry-leading 23 SEER2 efficiency, saving up to 65% on energy costs. Perfect for environments up to 550 sq ft, this system runs efficiently even in extreme temperatures, thanks to intelligent inverter technology and automatic defrost. It is charged with eco-friendly R‑454B refrigerant, ensuring you get a powerful and silent solution. 

Key Features

• Eco-Friendly Refrigerant (R‑454B)
  Pre-charged with low-GWP R‑454B, aligning with upcoming environmental standards.
• Ultra-High Efficiency (23 SEER2)
  Drastically lowers energy use, up to 65% savings on utility bills.
• Quiet Operation (28 dB)
  Quiet enough for bedrooms or offices, maintaining comfort without disruption.
• Year-Round Performance
  Includes heat pump function and works reliably down to –4 °F, with auto-defrost and self-clean system.
• Easy Install & Coverage
  Compact and easy install. It comes with a 16 ft installation kit and requires no additional refrigerant.

4. DELLA Optima Series Mini-Split AC R-454B Refrigerant

The DELLA Optima 9,000 BTU Mini‑Split delivers top-tier performance with a 24 SEER2 rating, vastly surpassing typical units to provide up to 72% energy savings. Designed for rooms up to 400 sq ft, it features Ultra‑Heat technology capable of heating efficiently even in temperatures as low as –25 °C (–13 °F). With smart Wi‑Fi/Alexa control and Energy Star certification, this unit combines cutting-edge efficiency with peace and comfort. 

Key Features

• Eco-Conscious R‑454B Refrigerant
  Comes pre-filled with R‑454B, a future refrigerant with low GWP, supporting greener cooling.
• Extreme Efficiency (24 SEER2)
  Outstanding energy savings by cutting power usage by around 72% with Energy Star certification
• Smart Connectivity
  Control from anywhere via the DELLA+ app or Alexa-enabled voice commands. 
• All‑Season Comfort
  Offers full cooling, heating, auto-dry, fan, and eco modes with four fan speeds, sleep timer, and built-in defrosting.

Refrigerant Maintenance: What You Should Know

Refrigerants like R-32, R-454B, or others are designed to stay sealed in a closed system. Normally, they don’t need to be replaced regularly. However, leaks, poor installation, or long-term use can lead to refrigerant loss. Here are a few basic maintenance tips:

Don’t attempt to replenish refrigerant yourself. Only licensed technicians and professionals can operate it legally and safely.

Monitor cooling performance. If your unit is not blowing cooling air or takes longer to cool, just call a technician to check the refrigerant level.

Don’t mix R-32 and R-454B refrigerants together, or it can damage your system and void the warranty.

If your system was properly installed and shows no signs of leaks, it may run for years without needing a recharge, especially when you choose a trusted and professional air conditioning brand like DELLA. For service, always choose certified technicians familiar with newer refrigerants.

Extra Tips: New AC Refrigerant Regulations

Global: Kigali Amendment

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aims to phase down high-GWP refrigerants worldwide. Over 150 countries have signed on to gradually reduce their use of substances like R410A. This move supports refrigerants such as R-32 and R-454B that offer lower environmental impact.

United States: EPA SNAP Rules and AIM Act

The EPA’s SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) program has approved both R-32 and R-454B as acceptable substitutes for R410A. The AIM Act, passed in 2020, sets a clear path to reduce HFC consumption by 85% over the next 15 years. These rules are already reshaping the AC market.

European Union: F-Gas Regulations

In the EU, F-Gas regulations prohibit high-GWP refrigerants in new AC systems starting in 2025. The new limits effectively ban the sale of many R410A units. R-32 and R-454B systems meet these future requirements, making them safer long-term investments.

Together, these rules explain why split system HVAC brands, including DELLA, are shifting toward low-GWP refrigerants. Choosing a compliant refrigerant now helps avoid costly upgrades later.

Conclusion

Coming back to the previous question, R-454B vs R-32: Which AC refrigerant should you choose? Now you know it depends. R-32 and R-454B are both strong alternatives to R410A; however, they serve slightly different needs. R-32 offers wide availability and consistent performance, while R-454B aligns more closely with the environmental direction of future regulations.

DELLA makes the decision easier by offering efficient, reliable air conditioners using both refrigerants. No matter if you choose current savings or long-term compliance, you’ll find an option that matches your needs. Head over to our selection of mini split ACs with R-454B and R-32 refrigerants, and experience the best cooling possible. Get dialed in today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is R-454B replacing R410A?
Yes. Many manufacturers are now using R-454B to replace R410A because it has a lower GWP, which means less environmental harm.

How much does R-454B cost?
Prices vary depending on the region. Due to growing demand and limited supply, the price of R-454B is normally higher than R-32.

Is R-454B refrigerant flammable?
R-454B is mildly flammable (A2L), similar to R-32. It is safe for use as long as the system is properly installed.

What is DELLA’s return and replacement policy for mini split units?
DELLA offers a 100-day satisfaction guarantee for mini split units purchased from DELLAhome.com. If you find a product has defects, DELLA will provide replacement parts free of charge and cover all related shipping costs.

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