Why Are We Transitioning?

The Global Warming Potential (GWP) established an initial phase-down of high GWP refrigerants as part of the Kigali Amendment. The proposed regulations, which set limits on GWPs for refrigerants used in HVAC applications, have created a demand for not only new refrigerants but also new technologies, systems, and processes to meet the HVAC needs of dealers and their customers.

A Cutting Edge Solutions

Puron Advance R-454B Refrigerant
R-454B Refrigerant, Opteon XL41

New Refrigerant

Carrier has developed Puron Advance to address the concerns of climate change and the transition to non-ozone-depleting refrigerants due to meeting the 2023 GWP requirements and the EPA’s 2025 deadline. This page will address topics such as refrigerant transition, tooling, storage requirements, product launch dates, and training opportunities to support our HVAC industry partners in ensuring a seamless transition.

Minnesota Air’s partnerships and customers have been at the forefront of our minds during this transitional period. Our experts are working to ensure that you get the products, information, support and training you need to make this as smooth as possible for our dealers, technicians, and their customers.

A Total System Approach

Carrier has been working for over the last 10 years to create a more GWP-friendly refrigerant. With replacing R-410A with their primary lower GWP solution in all of their ducted and ductless residential and light commercial packaged solutions sold in North America.

Puron Advance represents a 75% Reduction in GWP compared to Puron!

How This Impacts HVAC Dealers & Technicians?

How This Impacts HVAC Dealers & Technicians?

Carrier Ductless, Heat Pumps and NFC Technology
PRODUCT LAUNCH DATES
DESIGN & SERVICING CHANGES
EQUIPMENT & REFRIGERATION
HVAC Icon Heat
STORAGE & SAFETY
NFT Technology Control Board
TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS
HVAC Technician Icon
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
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Our Commitment During the Transition

Minnesota Air is devoted to delivering outstanding service in our partnerships, ensuring robust support for the HVAC/R industry. Our focus on continuous improvement not only fosters a successful future but also strengthens our commitment to our clients.

Our team of experts is committed to staying at the forefront of the latest technological advancements and industry innovations. This enables us to provide comprehensive assistance tailored to your business needs at every stage of your journey. We offer a wide range of services, including technical assistance, warranty services, sales support, and in-depth training programs. Our goal is to empower you and your business, keeping you well-informed and competitive in an ever-evolving market.

Stocking R-410A Refrigerant

Puron Advance R-454B Carrier Product Grouping

PRODUCT LAUNCHE DATES

PRODUCT LAUNCHE DATES

Minnesota Air aims to supply R-410A models through the 1st Quarter of 2025 or until our inventory depletes. Subsequently, we will shift to Puron Advance models with R-454B starting in the 2nd Quarter of 2025 allowing for a smooth transition to our partners and dealers throughout the HVAC industry.

All newly manufactured or imported HVAC indoor units, outdoor units, SPP, Mini-VRF systems, and light commercial products must be designed solely for low GWP refrigerants. It’s essential to consider important dates and timelines mandated by the DOE and the AIM Act when purchasing products, components, compatible parts, and refrigeration equipment for your clients and projects. If you have any questions about equipment configurations, please contact our customer support center for assistance.

Residential, Light Commercial Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Systems

Residential, Light Commercial Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Systems

700 MAX GWP LIMIT - Starting January 1, 2025

HVAC Systems

One-year sell-through for split systems: Technicians will still be able to install existing inventory of pre-2025 R-410A Split Systems until December 31, 2025.

Packaged Products Small Packaged Products - Minnesota Air

HVAC Products

Three-year sell-through for Light Commercial Rooftops: Technicians will still be able to install existing inventory of pre-2025 R-410ASplit Systems until December 31, 2027.​

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Tempstar Logo
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System Design and Servicing Changes

System Design and Servicing Changes

Indoor Units

  • Factory-installed leak detection
  • Active Dissipation System
  • Ignition Source Isolation
  • No Competent Ignition Sources
  • New Metering Devices for Different Pressures
  • Straight Liquid and Vapor Lines on All Tiers to allow for Brazing or Press Fitting use  

Outdoor Units

  • New Metering Devices for Different Pressures
  • New Compressors
  • Straight Liquid and Vapor Lines on All Tiers to allow for Brazing or Pressure Fitting Use

Servicing

  • Charging/Servicing Techniques will remain similar with this switch since the refrigerants are both negatable glide blends.
  • Charging Limits are based on the home’s Square Footage and other Design Criteria.
  • R-454B Systems should be properly leak-checked.
  • Evacuation and Purge Lines BEFORE Brazing.
  • Reclaiming Equipment and other servicing tools need to be A2L Certified for R-454B. 
  • No Cross Contamination Allowed!

Regulation & Processe Changes

  • Flammability
  • Charge Limits
  • Mitigation Requirements
  • Ignition Source Isolation
  • Storage

Indoor Units

  • Factory-installed leak detection
  • Active Dissipation System
  • Ignition Source Isolation
  • No Competent Ignition Sources
  • New Metering Devices for Different Pressures
  • Straight Liquid and Vapor Lines on All Tiers to allow for Brazing or Press Fitting use  

Outdoor Units

  • New Metering Devices for Different Pressures
  • New Compressors
  • Straight Liquid and Vapor Lines on All Tiers to allow for Brazing or Pressure Fitting Use

Servicing

  • Charging/Servicing Techniques will remain similar with this switch since the refrigerants are both negatable glide blends.
  • Charging Limits are based on the home’s Square Footage and other Design Criteria.
  • R-454B Systems should be properly leak-checked.
  • Evacuation and Purge Lines BEFORE Brazing.
  • Reclaiming Equipment and other servicing tools need to be A2L Certified for R-454B. 
  • No Cross Contamination Allowed!

Regulation & Processe Changes

  • Flammability
  • Charge Limits
  • Mitigation Requirements
  • Ignition Source Isolation
  • Storage

Changes in Equipment

R-454B offers similar operating temperatures, pressures, and oil compatibility as R-410A making the transition to the New Refrigerant easier. Some difference that you need to watch for are the following:

  • R-454B and R-410A (or any refrigerant) CANNOT be mixed or cross-contaminated.
  • R-454B, with its A2L classification is mildly flammable.
  • Tooling that does not generate a spark.

In order to ensure the safety of everyone involved, it is necessary to implement additional measures when servicing units that contain the new refrigerant. It is imperative to avoid cross-contamination and utilize specialized tools that do not generate sparks. This approach will help to maintain a safe and secure environment for both technicians and customers alike.

PURCHASE YOUR PARTS, PRODUCT & EQUIPMENT

Partner with Minnesota Air for all your equipment and tooling needs. We strive to stay ahead of industry changes so that we have what you need in stock when you need it. Visit one of our City Desk locations today or sign in to request an account with us!

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Safety & Storage

Safety & Storage

Puron Advance is a mildly flammable A2L refrigerant with minimal risk. It has safe charge limits based on home size and includes leak detection systems and ignition safeguards. Additionally, compliance labels on all Puron Advance products ensure transparency between dealers and technicians, promoting safety for both you and your customers.

NEW REQUIRED LABELS

This label warns of potential flammable content. It will be on all cylinders, equipment or when transporting anything that will contain A2L refrigerants. It will show on the units themselves or packaging. 

This label may be located near the low voltage connection on the equipment. Reference the wiring diagram and instructions for visual instructions. This label also indicates warnings to inspect pinch points on wires to prevent arcing.

Tracking and verification of the total unit charge starts at our manufactures. You will find on all our R-454B equipment will have a label with the current charge the unit is at. Allowing for verification of the total charge of the unit upon installation or recharging.

This label warns of high-pressure gas that could explode when heated. Use in storage or transportation areas that contain A2L refrigerants.

This symbol may be used to have you reference the instruction manuals for further details where components can be new or require additional attention to understand.

R-454B Hang Tag on Service Valves
Hang Tag for Service Valves
Red Caps for R-454B Service Ports
Puron Advance R-454B Service Port Covers - Red Caps
Product Tags
Outside Packaging Label

Additional Changes

FLAMMABILITY

The new refrigerant has an ASHRAE classification of A2l, indicating it is mildly flammable, difficult to ignite, and has a low flame speed. Puron Advance does not pose any significant risk to installers, service technicians, or homeowners.

CHARGE LIMITS

The total system charge amounts must reflect the home’s square footage. Properly maintaining and tracking this with required charging labels is essential to ensure the unit functions correctly and meets regulation guidelines.

MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS

Active mitigation systems have been integrated into units that use Puron Advance. These systems enable clear detection, circulation, and dilution in the event of a leak. They must be incorporated into the indoor unit to ensure effective dissipation into the air stream.

IGNITION SOURCE ISOLATION

Electrical ignition points have been evaluated at the factory, and protective measures have been implemented for the wiring. It is important to note that the electric heater on the units is not considered an ignition source. Our equipment is designed to ensure that ignition cannot occur under normal operating conditions.

STORAGE

Created to meet the needs of the EPA’s GWP limits for refrigerants and the scheduled phasedown of higher GWP refrigerants like Puron.

Technology Updates

With Minnesota Air’s extensive inventory of product lines, parts, training, and service assistance, we provide everything you need to thrive in these changing conditions. We are dedicated to ensuring compliance with the new GWP regulations and A2L refrigerants, paving the way for a brighter future in HVAC. Our approach guarantees high quality while adapting to regulatory changes for years to come.

In addition to addressing GWP requirements, Carrier has adopted a holistic systems approach to embrace new technological advancements. This includes innovations such as Vertex, Gas Furnace NFC technology, and InteliSence technology, all of which enhance product efficiency and drive innovation. Our goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your customers and your business.

Vertex Technology Carrier V-Coil

VERTEX

This new technology offers your customers the flexibility to maintain the increased demand for efficiency without increasing the height needed to fit the application. Making sure their equipment is running at optimal efficiency for years to come.

INTELISENCE

The latest in the Performance Series product line, InteliSense technology allows for remote access to your clients systems. So that you and your team are able to diagnose the system's operation health, giving a know before you go approach to your toolkit of recourses to enhance your maintenance routine, replacements or new system setup.

NFT Technology Control Board

NFC

Near Field Communication, NFC technology enables communication between the furnace control and Carriers Technician app. Connecting you remotely to determine initial diognostics. This innovative furnace control board will streamline installation and service making setup and adjustments faster and more accurate.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

3 WAYS TO LEARN

Stay informed about the latest news and training opportunities.

CARRIER MY LEARNING CENTER

Carrier offers training modules explaining technical transitions due to GWP regulation changes and conducting the purging process using virtual simulation. These courses provide field-specific data in a flexible format to suit your schedule.

This course will focus on how Carrier’s equipment is designed to comply with safe operation when R-454B is used. 

This course dived deeper into the specifics surrounding safe handling of A2L Refrigerants.

Focusing on practical considerations for how installation and servicing will be impacted by R-454B.

This 3D lead walkthrough of the evacuation and charging processes to a Puron Advance system will have you prepared for the 2025 changeover.

  • Installation and Service (Ductless)
  • Dissipation System Troubleshooting (3D/VR Simulations)
  • Fan and Furnace Coil Components and Functionality

 

MINNESOTA AIR IN-PERSON TRAINING

Our in-person training brings you a hands-on account of HVAC/r with our technical support team as our trainers. Brining real live data and experience from the field to utilize in our trainings that will keep you at the top of your profession. 

This seminar will cover the rules and regulations necessary for EPA Certification as required by the US EPA for HVAC technicians working with refrigerants. The course will cover the core, Type I, Type II, Type III, and Universal certification (Type II or Universal certification is required to work on R410a and R22 HVAC systems). A study guide will be emailed prior to the class date.  This is a 6-hour seminar, and an examination will follow afterward.

This class is an introduction to Low GWP refrigerants, including those that are categorized as A2L, and mildly flammable. This will cover the terminology and acronyms, both current and new-to-HVAC terms regarding flammable refrigerants. Also, equipment changes and installation requirements that will be required including mitigation systems.

This two-part training is designed for HVAC technician’s transitioning to the use of A2L refrigerants. It offers essential knowledge and practical skills for safely and effectively working with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants.

AIR ACADEMY E-LEARNING

Our e-learning platform takes our most popular in-person trainings and brings them to you in a digital platform. Allowing you to train wherever you want, while still giving you the HVAC training you need by Minnesota Air industry professionals.

Though the Core course you will learn fundamental information regarding the Clean Bill Act. Going in depth into refrigerants and their global warming potential, safety, characteristics & identification along with other requirements to use this chemical safely.

EPA Type II goes more into the properties of refrigerants themselves, going over refrigerant oils, system classifications, determining the system charge needed, and leak repair requirements.

Any technician that maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of small appliances that are charged with 5 lbs. or less refrigerant must be certified as a Type I Technician. If the units contain more than 5 lbs. of refrigerant or if the unit requires refrigerant charging, the technician must be certified as a Type II Technician. Type II certification does not include small appliances or motor vehicle a/c systems. If disposing of low-pressure appliances, such as centrifugal and chillers, technicians must be certified as Type III Technicians.

This class is an introduction to Low GWP refrigerants, including those that are categorized as A2L, and mildly flammable. This will cover the terminology and acronyms, both current and new-to-HVAC terms regarding flammable refrigerants. Also, equipment changes and installation requirements that will be required including mitigation systems.

This two-part training is designed for HVAC technician’s transitioning to the use of A2L refrigerants. It offers essential knowledge and practical skills for safely and effectively working with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants.

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