R410A Replacement Guide 2026: R32 vs R454B for UK Installers

The two leading R410A replacements in 2026 are R32 and R454B. R32 (GWP 675) is the default for residential and light-commercial split systems, while R454B (GWP 466) is the closer match for larger commercial equipment. Both are A2L mildly flammable refrigerants, and the right choice depends on equipment design, capacity and your installation environment. This guide compares them head to head for UK installers.

Why R410A is being replaced

R410A has a GWP of 2,088. While it escapes the 2026 GWP 2,500 service ban, the wider HFC phase-down keeps squeezing quota, pushing prices up and availability down. Equipment manufacturers – Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic – have already moved most new ranges to lower-GWP gases, so R410A is now effectively a legacy refrigerant for servicing rather than new installs. See our R32 vs R410A comparison for the background.

R32 vs R454B at a glance

Property	R32	R454B
GWP	675	466
Reduction vs R410A	~68%	~78%
Composition	Single component (pure R32)	R32 68.9% / R1234yf 31.1%
Temperature glide	Negligible	Low (~1.5K)
Safety class	A2L	A2L
Capacity vs R410A	Slightly higher	Very close match
Discharge temperature	Higher than R410A	Similar to R410A
Recharge after leak	Single component – top-up possible	Blend – best fully recovered and recharged

Where R32 wins

R32 is a single-component refrigerant, so it can be topped up after a small leak without composition shift, and it is easy to recover and reuse. It delivers slightly higher volumetric capacity than R410A, which can mean smaller charge sizes. Because it is so widely adopted in splits and small heat pumps, parts, tools and training are mature. The trade-off is a higher compressor discharge temperature, which manufacturers manage in equipment designed for it.

Where R454B wins

R454B offers a lower GWP (466) and an operating profile that closely mirrors R410A – similar capacity and discharge temperature – which makes it attractive for larger commercial systems and chillers where designers want minimal redesign. Being a blend with low glide, it is best handled by full recovery and recharge after a leak rather than topping up.

Which should a UK installer choose?

• Residential and light commercial splits / heat pumps: R32 – it is the manufacturer default and the supply chain is deepest.
• Larger commercial AC and chillers: R454B – the closest drop-in feel to R410A with a lower GWP.
• Servicing existing R410A kit: continue with R410A while it remains available; plan replacement at end of life.

Whichever you specify, both are A2L refrigerants and require A2L-rated tools, leak detection and charge-limit calculations. We cover this in our complete R32 guide.

Buying R32 and R410A in the UK

Refrigerant Gas Supplies Ltd stocks F-Gas compliant R32 refrigerant gas and R410A refrigerant gas for certified UK engineers, with the full range in our refrigerant gas category. F-Gas certification is required at point of purchase.

Frequently asked questions

Is R32 or R454B a better R410A replacement?

R32 is best for residential and light-commercial splits and heat pumps because it is the manufacturer default with the deepest supply chain. R454B suits larger commercial systems because its capacity and discharge temperature closely match R410A while offering a lower GWP.

Can I drop R32 or R454B into an existing R410A system?

No. Neither is a like-for-like drop-in for R410A equipment. They are used in systems specifically designed and rated for A2L refrigerants. Retrofitting requires manufacturer approval and appropriate safety measures.

Are R32 and R454B flammable?

Both are classified A2L – mildly flammable with low burning velocity. They require A2L-rated tools, leak detection, and charge-limit and ventilation calculations per the relevant standards.

What is the GWP of R32 and R454B?

R32 has a GWP of 675 (about 68% lower than R410A). R454B has a GWP of 466 (about 78% lower than R410A).