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Common Refrigerants Spec Sheet

Tech Data Sheet Equipment Updated Jun 19, 2026 ยท HVAC

Identification

Quick-reference data sheet for the four refrigerants you'll encounter on residential and light-commercial service calls in 2026. Use this to verify cylinder labeling before recovery or charging - wrong refrigerant in a system is a contamination event that requires full evacuation + line set replacement.

Specifications

R-410A (Puron - being phased down)

  • Composition: 50 % R-32 / 50 % R-125 (zeotropic blend)
  • ASHRAE safety class: A1 (non-flammable, low toxicity)
  • GWP: 2,088
  • Cylinder color: Rose / Pink (PMS 507)
  • Typical operating pressure: 250 - 400 psi suction / 800 - 1100 psi liquid
  • Status: production phase-down under AIM Act; service supplies through ~2030

R-32 (Difluoromethane)

  • Composition: 100 % pure (single-component)
  • ASHRAE safety class: A2L (mildly flammable, low toxicity)
  • GWP: 675
  • Cylinder color: Pantone Blue 2226
  • Typical operating pressure: similar to R-410A, slightly lower discharge
  • Status: dominant in new residential systems 2025 onward

R-454B (Opteon XL41 / Solstice 454B)

  • Composition: 68.9 % R-32 / 31.1 % R-1234yf (zeotropic blend)
  • ASHRAE safety class: A2L (mildly flammable, low toxicity)
  • GWP: 466
  • Cylinder color: Pantone Red 7421
  • Typical operating pressure: close to R-410A; lower-GWP drop-in for new equipment
  • Status: common in new commercial + premium residential

R-22 (legacy)

  • Composition: Chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC, single-component)
  • ASHRAE safety class: A1
  • GWP: 1,810; ODP non-zero (the reason for the phase-out)
  • Cylinder color: Light green
  • Typical operating pressure: lower than R-410A (200 - 300 psi suction / 200 - 400 psi liquid)
  • Status: production banned since 2020. Service supply is dwindling reclaim. Don't recommend a recharge - recommend a system replacement.

Materials

A2L refrigerants (R-32, R-454B) require:

  • Brazed joints only - no flares on the high-pressure side
  • POE oil compatibility verified before service
  • Leak detection sensors per code when used in confined indoor spaces (varies by jurisdiction; check local AHJ)

Performance

Suction and discharge pressures are NOT directly comparable across refrigerants. Always reference the pressure-temperature chart for the specific refrigerant in front of you. A "normal-looking" R-410A pressure is often a flag for an undercharged R-22 system.

Safety

A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable. Open flame, electric arc welders, and high-temperature brazing torches can ignite a leak. Ventilate the work area and check the room concentration with a detector before brazing on a known A2L system.

A1 refrigerants displace oxygen in confined spaces - a refrigerant leak in a closet or crawlspace can cause asphyxiation before any "smell" cue. Always carry a personal CO2 / O2 monitor when working in tight spaces.

Notes

The cylinder color codes above are AHRI standard - but the secondary market sometimes sells incorrectly-painted cylinders. Verify the label and the refrigerant identifier (a digital refrigerant analyzer like the Bacharach H-25 IR catches the rare mis-fill before it ruins a customer's system).

References

  • AHRI Guideline N (Refrigerant Cylinder Identification by Color)
  • ASHRAE Standard 34 (Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants)
  • AIM Act (American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020)
  • Manuall internal: Heat Pump Refrigerant Charge Reference

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