A New Era of Environmental Responsibility
At Carrier, we believe in building a better future—for people and our planet. That’s why we led the industry by introducing Puron Advance, our innovative refrigerant designed to meet the next generation of environmental standards. It’s the latest milestone in our long history of pioneering responsible, forward-thinking solutions. So, what is Puron Advance, and why is it the right choice for your home?
Global leaders have taken decisive action to protect our planet, including stricter regulations on refrigerants. In 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limited the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of refrigerants to a maximum of 700. This marked a significant shift away from higher GWP refrigerants, including the former industry standard, R-410A (also known as Puron™).
Carrier didn’t just meet these new standards—we exceeded them. Puron Advance (also known as R-454B) has a GWP of just 466, which is a 75% reduction compared to R-410A. This commitment ensures our products are not only compliant but also at the forefront of sustainable innovation.
The world of refrigerants is one of constant progress. In the past, transitions from refrigerants like R-12 to R-22, and then to Puron (R-410A), focused on eliminating ozone depletion. This time, the challenge was different. The goal was to dramatically lower GWP while maintaining zero ozone impact. To achieve this ambitious goal, the industry embraced a new classification of refrigerant: A2L. While previous refrigerants were classified as A1 (no flame propagation), A2L refrigerants like Puron Advance are classified as "mildly flammable."
The term "mildly flammable" might sound concerning, but it’s important to understand what it means in a real-world context. A2L refrigerants have been rigorously tested and are proven to be safe for residential use. Igniting an A2L refrigerant requires a significant energy source and a high concentration of the refrigerant itself. Even if ignition were to occur, the flame is unsustainable and would spread at an extremely slow speed—less than half a mile per hour. For homeowners, installers, and service technicians, Puron Advance poses no significant risk.
Your peace of mind is our top priority. That’s why all Carrier products containing Puron Advance are engineered with an innovative dissipation system. This built-in mechanism includes a sensor that continuously monitors for leaks. If a leak is detected, it activates a fan to safely dissipate the refrigerant, ensuring the system remains secure at all times. With Carrier, you can be confident that you’re investing in a solution that is not only efficient and eco-friendly but also designed with the highest standards of safety in mind.