A nationwide shortage of refrigerant cylinders is putting pressure on heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractors and homeowners alike, causing delays, price increases and increased anxiety as summer approaches. While there is no shortage of refrigerant itself, the specialized 20-pound cylinders, which are essential for transporting and storing the new refrigerants, are in critically short supply.

Stephanie Marquard, owner of The Original Kingwood Air Conditioning and Heating, describes the situation as a “perfect storm” of supply chain disruptions, manufacturing delays and regulatory changes.

“The manufacturers have known this was coming for a while,” Marquard said. “At first, it was just a 10 to 12-week delay. Then we started hearing it would last until June. Now, it looks like the shortage could stretch through the entire summer.”



A key contributor to the disruption is a shortage of cylinders for R-454B, one of the primary new refrigerants replacing R-410A under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Technology Transition Rule. This rule mandates a phasedown of refrigerants with high global warming potential and a shift to more climate-friendly alternatives. This has spurred increased demand for R-454B, but the lack of available cylinders is slowing adoption and straining HVAC supply chains.

Rising costs ahead

The cylinder shortage is driving up demand, which in turn is raising refrigerant prices, and that cost is being passed on to homeowners.

“The price of a 20-pound cylinder has jumped from $300 to $800,” Marquard said. “All our manufacturers have told us that they’re starting with a 5% increase, but as demand rises, prices are expected to keep going up.”

A temporary solution to this problem is reverting back to installing R410-A refrigerant. However, this also poses a problem due to limited availability.

“We have some R-410A equipment in our warehouse, but the supply is limited,” Marquard said. “Under the EPA’s Technology Transition Rule, R-410A systems can still be purchased until 2026, but they are no longer being produced by manufacturers.”

As the shortage continues, homeowners will inevitably see these price increases reflected in the cost of HVAC services and system replacements.

Concerns of flammability

One concern in the transition to newer refrigerants like R-454B and R-32 is their classification as A2L, meaning they are mildly flammable. However, these refrigerants are also non-toxic and have a low burning velocity, making them difficult to ignite under typical conditions.

Why A2L refrigerants are not considered a significant safety concern:

• High ignition threshold: A2Ls require a strong ignition source, far greater than everyday electrical sparks, to catch fire.
• Narrow flammability range: The concentration of refrigerant in the air must be within a precise range to pose a flammability hazard, which is rare in ventilated or properly installed systems.
• Low burning velocity: Even if a leak were to ignite, A2Ls burn very slowly, limiting the risk of flash fires or explosions.
• Leak detection sensors: Equipment using A2Ls must include built-in sensors that can detect leaks and send alerts, adding another layer of protection.

While the safety labels and sensors might raise eyebrows for some customers, these systems are designed to be safe when installed and maintained according to industry standards.

What Homeowners Can Do to Stay Ahead of the Shortage

As the HVAC industry grapples with new regulations and ongoing supply issues, Marquard remains focused on a single goal: keeping her community cool and comfortable.

To help ease the burden and avoid costly emergency repairs, Marquard recommends the following proactive steps:

• Schedule preventive maintenance: maintenance should be done twice a year by HVAC professionals to increase the longevity and efficiency of systems
• Replace air filters regularly: clogged filters make systems work harder, reducing efficiency and increasing wear
• Keep the outdoor unit clear: remove debris such as leaves, grass or mulch from around the condenser using a water hose to ensure proper airflow
• Maintenance plans: a 21-point inspection is performed twice a year to help catch small issues before they become larger and more costly

“The more informed and prepared homeowners are, the better we can work together to keep everyone cool, safe and stress-free,” Marquard said.

To learn more about how the refrigerant cylinder shortage could impact your home, or to schedule an appointment and explore the services offered by The Original Kingwood Air Conditioning and Heating, call 281-358-0955 or visit https://kingwoodac.com.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.