In response to the industry shortage of R-454B cylinders, Rheem to increase the factory charge to minimize disruptions

ATLANTA (May 22, 2025) – Rheem®, a leader in the HVAC/R and water heating industry, announced it will temporarily increase the factory pre-charge of R-454B refrigerant in all 13.4 and 14.3 SEER2 air conditioners and 14.3 SEER2 heat pumps across all brands. The temporary increased refrigerant charge will not raise the price of units. 

 This announcement comes on the heels of the current industry shortage of R-454B cylinders. Rheem is increasing the factory charge to minimize the need for its customers to acquire additional refrigerant for installation. Due to the increased factory charge, the system now supports matches with a 30-foot line set and a 3/8-inch liquid line, resulting in an increase from the previous 15-foot standard.

 “At Rheem, 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, US Air Division, Rheem.

 Rheem is fully committed to providing reliable support during this period of industry transition and maintaining the highest standards of safety, performance, and compliance of its products.

 For more information on Rheem, visit www.rheem.com.

 About Rheem®

Founded in 1925, Rheem Manufacturing is a global leader committed to delivering innovative products that save energy and support a more sustainable future for heating, cooling, water heating, pool & spa heating and commercial refrigeration products and solutions. Rheem is America’s #1 water-heating brand with products available in more than 80 countries. Paloma Co., Ltd. of Nagoya, Japan, acquired the iconic Rheem brand in 1988, and today the company’s portfolio of premium brands include Rheem®, Ruud®, Friedrich®, Raypak®, Nordyne®, Sure Comfort®, WeatherKing®, Eemax®, Richmond®, IBC™, Intergas®, Splendid®, Solahart®, EverHot®, and MHG™, as well as commercial refrigeration brands Russell®, Witt®, ColdZone® and Kramer®, which are part of the Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG®) division.