What do I need to know about R454c?
R454C is a lower-GWP refrigerant used within ATC’s current H Series recirculating chillers.
It has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of approximately 148, substantially lower than many refrigerants historically used in process cooling equipment. R454C is also classified as an A2L refrigerant, meaning that it has lower toxicity and mild flammability.
ATC uses R454C within equipment specifically designed for its characteristics, providing lower-GWP refrigerant option for higher-capacity process cooling applications.
What is R454C?
R454C is a refrigerant blend containing R32 and R1234yf.
It was developed as a lower-GWP alternative to refrigerants traditionally used across refrigeration and cooling applications.
With a GWP of approximately 148, R454C can significantly reduce the potential climate impact associated with a refrigerant release compared with many older, higher-GWP refrigerants.
Why does ATC use R454C?
R454C provides ATC with a lower-GWP refrigerant suitable for use within appropriately designed process cooling equipment.
It forms part of ATC’s current approach to reducing reliance on higher-GWP refrigerants while continuing to meet the cooling requirements of industrial, laboratory, and OEM applications.
Refrigerant choice is only one part of chiller design. ATC considers the refrigerant alongside factors including cooling capacity, operating temperature, equipment design, application requirements, and safety.
Which ATC chillers use R454C?
R454C is use within ATC’s current H Series recirculating chillers, including models designed for higher-capacity process cooling applications.
The exact refrigerant charge is model-specific, so always refer to the technical specification or rating plate for the particular chiller.
Is R454C flammable?
R454C is classified as an A2L refrigerant, meaning it has lower toxicity and mild flammability.
This is different from R290 (propane), which has an A3 classification and higher flammability.
An A2L classification still means that the characteristics of the refrigerant need to be considered within the design, installation, and servicing of the equipment.
Chillers using R454C are therefore designed specifically for the refrigerant they contain.
See “Are flammable refrigerants safe?” for more information.
Does R454C affect where a chiller can be installed?
Installation requirements for equipment using an A2L refrigerant can depend on factors including:
- Refrigerant charge
- Chiller design
- Installation environment
- Room size and ventilation
- Intended application
- Applicable local standards and regulations
The suitability of an installation should therefore be considered for the specific chiller and proposed location, rather than applying a general rule to all equipment using R454C.
ATC chillers are designed for indoor installation. Always follow the installation instructions provided for the particular model and contact ATC if you have any questions about proposed installations.
How does R454C relate to refrigerant regulations?
R454C’s substantially lower GWP makes it relevant to the ongoing transition away from higher-GWP refrigerants.
However, refrigerant regulations differ between markets and continue to develop. Requirements in the EU, Great Britain, and United States, for example, are not identical.
Whether a particular chiller meets the requirements for a market therefore depends on more than the refrigerant alone. The equipment, capacity, application, installation location, and applicable regulations must also be considered.
See “What is the F-Gas Regulation?” and “How do I know if my chiller is compliant with new refrigerant regulations?” for further information.
Is R454C more energy efficient?
The efficiency of a recirculating chiller cannot be determined by refrigerant choice alone.
Overall performance depends on the complete refrigeration system and the conditions under which the equipment operates, including:
- Required process fluid temperature
- Ambient temperature
- Cooling load
- Refrigeration system design
- Pump requirements
- Process fluid
- Installation and operating conditions
When comparing chillers, customers should therefore use the model-specific performance information at their required operating conditions, rather than assuming that a particular refrigerant automatically provides greater energy efficiency.
Can R454C replace the refrigerant in my existing chiller?
R454C should not be treated as a drop-in replacement for the refrigerant in an existing chiller.
Refrigeration equipment needs to be specifically designed and specified for the refrigerant it contains.
If you have an older ATC, Thermal Exchange, or third-party chiller using a higher-GWP refrigerant, contact ATC with the model, serial number, and application requirements.
Our team can assess whether continued servicing, repair, or replacement with a current lower-GWP chiller is the most appropriate option.
Where can I find the R454C charge for my chiller?
Refrigerant charge is specific to the chiller model and configuration.
For an existing chiller, the refrigerant type and charge can be found on the rating plate attached to the equipment.
Current product specifications and technical documentation also provide refrigerant information for the relevant model.
See “What refrigerant is used in my chiller and how much is used?” for more information.
Is an R454C chiller right for my application?
R454C provides a lower-GWP refrigerant option within ATC’s current product range, but refrigerant should not be considered in isolation when selecting a chiller.
The appropriate solution depends on your required cooling capacity, operating temperature, coolant flow, process fluid, ambient conditions, electrical supply, and installation environment.
Contact ATC with your application requirements and our team can help identify the most appropriate cooling solution.
