“Our partners play a central role in every decision we make. In light of current R-454B refrigerant cylinder supply challenges, we are temporarily increasing the factory pre-charge in our units — without any price increase — to ensure continued performance, reliability, and minimal disruption for our contractors and distribution partners,” said Kevin Ruppelt, senior vice president and general manager of the U.S. Air Division at Rheem.

“We’re taking practical steps to support our customers during the current R-454B cylinder shortage,” said Lennox Home Comfort Solutions president Sarah Martin. “This temporary charge increase, along with our decision not to raise prices, are adjustments designed to help our partners continue serving their customers without interruption.”

Both companies said the temporary factory pre-charge per unit will be for a 30-foot lineset rather than the standard 15 feet.

Rheem said it would increase the pre-charge in its 13.4 SEER2 and 14.3 SEER2 a/c units and its 14.3 SEER2 heat pumps, across all brands. Lennox said the increased pre-charge will also apply to all its brands. Light commercial and ductless units are not affected, Lennox said.