AC and Heating
A Practical Guide for Portable Spot Cooling (Airrex & OceanAire)
The HVAC industry is undergoing a major refrigerant transition. Beginning in 2025, new equipment must move to low-GWP refrigerants, with full compliance requirements taking effect on January 1, 2026 under the EPA’s AIM Act. As a result, long-standing refrigerants like R-410A are being phased out in favor of more environmentally responsible alternatives.
For businesses planning equipment upgrades or temporary cooling solutions, R-454B has emerged as one of the most practical and future-ready refrigerants available today.
Why R-410A Is Being Phased Out
R-410A has been widely used for years, but it carries a global warming potential of approximately 2,088, which is significantly higher than what current regulations allow for new equipment moving forward.
As the phaseout progresses:
- Availability of R-410A equipment will decline
- Refrigerant supply will tighten
- Long-term service and replacement costs may increase
Choosing equipment that still relies on R-410A in 2026 introduces unnecessary regulatory and operational risk.
What Makes R-454B a Smart Choice in 2026
R-454B was developed as a next-generation replacement for R-410A, offering a balance of environmental responsibility, performance, and system compatibility.
Key Benefits of R-454B
Substantially Lower Environmental Impact
R-454B has a GWP of 466, representing roughly a 78 percent reduction compared to R-410A, while maintaining zero ozone depletion potential.
Regulatory Compliance
Equipment using R-454B aligns with current and upcoming EPA regulations, helping facilities avoid compliance issues, refrigerant shortages, and future retrofits.
Comparable System Performance
R-454B operates at pressures and temperatures similar to R-410A, allowing manufacturers to deliver reliable cooling without major design compromises. In optimized systems, efficiency can match or exceed older refrigerants.
Long-Term Cost Stability
Lower environmental impact, improved regulatory alignment, and consistent performance contribute to more predictable operating and service costs over the equipment’s life cycle.
Airrex HSC Series: R-454B Portable Spot Cooling
The Airrex HSC Series portable spot coolers have been updated to use R-454B, making them well-suited for businesses preparing for 2026 and beyond. These units are commonly used in environments where targeted cooling is critical.
Common Airrex Applications
- Server rooms and IT spaces
- Manufacturing and industrial areas
- Commercial spot cooling
- Temporary or supplemental cooling needs
Popular Airrex R-454B Models
- HSC-14R: 13,600 BTU, compact design for smaller server rooms and spot cooling
- HSC-18R and larger models: Scaled solutions for higher heat loads
Airrex R-454B models also feature washable air filters, built-in safety protections, and compliance with California and future U.S. refrigerant regulations.
OceanAire Deluxe Spot Coolers Using R-454B
In addition to Airrex, OceanAire has transitioned its Deluxe Spot Cooler lineup to R-454B, reinforcing its long-standing focus on commercial and industrial cooling solutions.
OceanAire spot coolers are commonly used in:
- Data centers and critical infrastructure
- Industrial and manufacturing facilities
- Large commercial spaces
- Continuous-duty spot cooling applications
OceanAire R-454B Deluxe Spot Cooler Models
| Model | Capacity | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| 2OAC1211 | 1 Ton | 115V / 1-Phase |
| 2OAC1811 | 1.5 Ton | 115V / 1-Phase |
| 2OAC2412 | 2 Ton | 208–230V / 1-Phase |
| 2OAC3612 | 3 Ton | 208–230V / 1-Phase |
| 2OAC3632 | 3 Ton | 208–230V / 3-Phase |
| 2OAC3634 | 3 Ton | 460V / 3-Phase |
| 2OAC6012 | 5 Ton | 208–230V / 1-Phase |
| 2OAC6032 | 5 Ton | 208–230V / 3-Phase |
This range allows facilities to select the appropriate cooling capacity and electrical configuration while remaining compliant with low-GWP refrigerant requirements.
When Should You Transition to R-454B Equipment?
Upgrading to R-454B-based cooling equipment makes sense if you are:
- Replacing aging R-410A units
- Adding new spot cooling capacity
- Planning for regulatory compliance beyond 2026
- Looking to reduce long-term refrigerant risk
Making the switch now can help avoid future supply constraints and last-minute equipment changes.
Final Thoughts
The transition to low-GWP refrigerants is well underway, and R-454B stands out as one of the most balanced and future-ready options available. For portable spot cooling applications, both the Airrex HSC Series and OceanAire Deluxe Spot Coolers provide compliant, reliable solutions designed for demanding environments.
Planning ahead for 2026 allows businesses to maintain cooling performance while reducing regulatory and operational uncertainty.
If you need help selecting the right R-454B spot cooler or transitioning away from older refrigerants, Climate Control Solutions can assist with sizing, application guidance, and availability.
