What Is Puron Advance™?

A dealer servicing an AC unit with Puron Advance refrigerant

A New Era of Environmental Responsibility

Discover the Refrigerant of the Future, Here Today

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?

Why Carrier Transitioned to Puron Advance

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™).

A Carrier AC unit with Puron Advance refrigerant outside a brick home

Raising the Bar

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.

Timeline of refrigerant regulation. R-12 transitioned to R22 and then to R-410A in the early 2000s with R-454B in 2025 offering the lowest ozone depletion and low global warming potential

The Evolution of Refrigerants

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."

A chart showing the flammability levels of refrigerant classifications with A2L refrigerants being mildly flammable

Putting A2L Flammability into Perspective

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.

A Carrier talking to a homeowner about safety while standing next to an AC unit

Our Unwavering Commitment to Safety

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.

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