Trane Temporarily Increases Pre-Charge in R-454B Units
An additional fee per unit will apply to account for increased refrigerant volume
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WORKAROUND: Trane is temporarily increasing the factory pre-charge of all vertical-discharge split air conditioner and heat pump models that use R-454B refrigerant because of the limited availability of R-454B to contractors. (Courtesy of Trane Technologies)
Trane recently sent customers a notice stating that, beginning May 7, it will temporarily increase the factory pre-charge of refrigerant in all vertical-discharge split air conditioner and heat pump models, in both the premium and the value lines, that use R-454B.
The adjustment is in response to a supply constraint affecting valves for 20-pound cylinders, which is limiting the availability of aftermarket R-454B. The notice went on to state that the increase from the standard factory charge will eliminate the need to add refrigerant, or reduce the amount of additional refrigerant needed, at the time of installation.
The increased refrigerant levels will accommodate common system matches with a 25-foot line set and a 3/8-inch liquid line. Trane noted that sourced products and packaged units will remain unaffected by this change.
To account for the additional refrigerant, Trane stated that a $50 charge will be applied to each unit. This charge will apply only to units produced on or after the implementation date and that include the additional refrigerant. It will also be tracked and invoiced via the serial numbers of shipped units. The additional unit cost will appear as a separate line item on customer invoices and will not be reflected on quotes.
Trane added that to expedite the change, there will be no changes to model numbers for these units, and initial shipments may include units with and without the added refrigerant.
The notice stated that the additional refrigerant in pre-charged units is one of the ways Trane will support customers facing challenges with R-454B refrigerant.
“This action is designed to enhance successful installations for both our dealers and homeowners and is expected until refrigerant availability sufficiently improves,” said the notice.
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