Thermal Edge Transitions to R-454B Refrigerant: Boosting Sustainability and Performance in Electrical Enclosure Air Conditioners.

Thermal Edge is dedicated to innovation and sustainability. In line with this commitment, the company will transition its air conditioners from R410A refrigerant to the new, more environmentally friendly R454B refrigerant. This change, set to be completed by January 1, 2025, highlights Thermal Edge’s efforts to reduce its climate impact while enhancing product performance.

Unveiling R-454B Refrigerant

R454B is a state-of-the-art refrigerant designed to replace R410A. Its primary advantage is its significantly lower Global Warming Potential (GWP), which measures the heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over 100 years. With a GWP of 466, R454B is a much greener alternative to R410A, which has a GWP of 2088. This significant reduction makes R454B a more sustainable environmental choice.

R-454B and R-410A refrigerant canisters at the Thermal Edge facility in Irving, Texas, showcasing the transition to environmentally friendly refrigerants.
Thermal Edge Manufacturing Facility in Irving, Texas.

Impact on Thermal Edge Products

Transitioning to R454B refrigerant will require updates to various components of Thermal Edge products. Key elements such as compressors, motors, TXVs, and sheet metal parts will be upgraded to ensure compatibility with the new refrigerant. These upgrades are essential to maintaining the high efficiency and reliability standards expected from Thermal Edge products.

Benefits of Transitioning to R-454B Refrigerant

Environmental Sustainability: Switching to R454B reflects a proactive approach to reducing the environmental footprint. The lower GWP of R454B translates to fewer greenhouse gas emissions, significantly contributing to global efforts against climate change. This transition supports long-term environmental sustainability, benefiting both the planet and future generations.

Comparison of Global Warming Potential (GWP) for R-22, R-410A, and R-454B refrigerants, illustrating Thermal Edge's transition to more sustainable refrigerants.
The Evolution of Refrigerants: Lowering GWP and ODP in Electrical Enclosure Air Conditioners with R-454B.

Enhanced Customer Safety and Compliance: R454B air conditioners will have improved safety features, ensuring better compliance with safety standards. This enhances safety in industrial settings, particularly in Hazardous Locations. The refrigerant ensures compliance with safety standards such as compliance with safety standards such as AHRI, UL, EPA, ISO, ASHRAE ANSI/ISA-12.12.01-2015 and CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 213-15 for Nonincendive Electrical Equipment.  

Improved Efficiency and Cost Savings: The new refrigerant enhances the efficiency of cooling systems, leading to potential energy savings for customers. Efficient cooling is crucial in industrial settings, where maintaining optimal temperatures is vital for operational stability. This improved efficiency can result in lower operational costs and increased equipment longevity.

Future-Proofing Investments: By adopting R454B, Thermal Edge ensures that its products are aligned with future regulatory standards and environmental goals. Customers investing in Thermal Edge products will benefit from a refrigerant that meets upcoming environmental regulations, securing their investments against potential future compliance costs.

Customer Questions Answered

Thermal Edge understands that customers who have purchased units with R410A refrigerant may have questions about this transition. Here’s what they need to know:

Service Continuity: Thermal Edge will continue to provide service and support for units purchased before January 1, 2025, until the end of their warranty period. This ensures uninterrupted support for current customers.

Upgrading to New Refrigerants: Customers wishing to upgrade to the new refrigerants will need to purchase new units, as the necessary component changes for compatibility with R454B cannot be retrofitted into older models. This transition offers an opportunity to invest in the latest, most efficient technology.

Advancing Towards Sustainable Cooling Solutions

The transition to R454B refrigerant is a significant milestone in Thermal Edge’s journey towards greater sustainability and enhanced product performance. By adopting this new refrigerant, Thermal Edge is reducing its climate impact and offering customers more efficient, reliable, and future-proof cooling solutions. Customers are encouraged to reach out for more information on how this change may affect their specific needs and how they can benefit from the new and improved products.

For further details, please contact Thermal Edge tech support.