Let’s Set the Record Straight on the Trane Recall and R-32
When the voluntary recall from Trane Technologies hit the wires in early 2024, it rattled a lot of homeowners—and understandably so. Over 19,000 packaged gas-electric HVAC units were pulled due to a serious fire risk during propane conversions, leaving customers and contractors scrambling to figure out what went wrong.
The confusion quickly spilled over into refrigerant conversations, with many people mistakenly associating the recall with R-32, a refrigerant labeled as “mildly flammable.” But here’s the truth: the Trane systems didn’t even use R-32. They used R-410A—the same refrigerant that’s been the industry standard for the past two decades.
So what went wrong? And why does this recall actually strengthen the case for R-32, not weaken it?
What the Trane Recall Was Really About
In ACHR News’ coverage of the recall, Trane and American Standard recalled gas-electric packaged units because of improper orifices installed during LP (liquid propane) conversions. These faulty conversions caused combustion systems to run dangerously hot—leading to real fire hazards inside customers’ homes.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission confirmed that the recall affected:
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Units manufactured between 2022 and 2023
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Models converted from natural gas to propane
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Installations where incorrect parts caused overheating or ignition
It wasn’t the refrigerant. It was:
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Complex combo unit design
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Misapplied LP conversion kits
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Combustion risks tied to propane miscalibration
And that’s the point most people missed. The danger wasn’t a new refrigerant like R-32—it was outdated system design, poor combustion control, and rushed installs.
Understanding R-32: Not the Firestarter You Think It Is
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Yes, R-32 is mildly flammable. It’s classified as A2L under the ASHRAE safety scale, which means:
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A = Not toxic
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2L = Low flammability, with slow flame propagation
But that’s a long way from dangerous. In fact, you'd need an exact air-refrigerant ratio, a concentrated leak, and an open flame or strong spark to even have a shot at ignition. The reality is, R-32 is far more stable than the propane that caused the actual fires in the Trane units.
And unlike propane, R-32 is only used on the cooling side of the system—not for combustion. It doesn’t ignite inside burners, it doesn’t need conversion kits, and it doesn’t require oxygen-rich ignition chambers. It simply moves heat around.
In fact, as Daikin outlines in its global R-32 report, this refrigerant is used safely in more than 100 million systems worldwide—with an excellent safety track record.
Why R-410A Poses Its Own Set of Risks
The refrigerant used in the recalled Trane units was R-410A, which is:
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Non-flammable (A1 rating)
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But has extremely high pressure
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And a global warming potential (GWP) over 2,000
While it won’t ignite, R-410A is actually more hazardous under system failure conditions due to:
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Higher line stress
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More frequent leaks under pressure
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Overheating risks if refrigerant is overcharged
By contrast, R-32 operates at lower pressures, needs 30% less charge, and has a GWP of only 675, making it far better aligned with EPA’s HFC phasedown requirements.
So no—R-32 isn’t more dangerous than R-410A. In fact, it’s better in almost every way that matters to long-term system safety and sustainability.
The Real Problem: Outdated Packaged Systems and LP Conversions
If the Trane recall proved anything, it’s this: dual-fuel, all-in-one rooftop or backyard systems are flawed by design. They’re compact, but also prone to:
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Installation errors
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Ventilation issues
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Fuel type confusion
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LP orifice mistakes
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Wiring overloads during dual-mode operation
When these systems require LP conversion kits, the risks multiply. Even experienced contractors can make small mistakes that lead to catastrophic outcomes—like incorrect gas pressure, flame rollout, or overheating igniters.
Systems built for separate AC and furnace operation, like the R-32 units paired with dedicated natural gas furnaces, are much safer and simpler. There’s no conversion, no propane combustion, and no unnecessary fire risk.
R-32 Is Already Widely Accepted—And For Good Reason
Across the world, R-32 is the go-to residential refrigerant. It’s already:
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Widely adopted in Japan, Australia, and across Europe
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Recommended by the International Energy Agency for its environmental and energy benefits
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Approved by the EPA’s SNAP program for residential HVAC use in the U.S.
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Supported by global manufacturers like Daikin, Mitsubishi, and Panasonic
So the narrative that “R-32 is dangerous” simply doesn’t hold up. It’s not new. It’s not untested. And it’s not what caused the fires in the Trane recall.
The Safer Setup: Separate Furnace + R-32 AC
When you separate combustion and cooling, you eliminate a major risk factor. R-32 split systems like the ones sold by The Furnace Outlet are:
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Factory-set for natural gas or LP—no conversion kits needed
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Free from propane + refrigerant mixing
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Rated for SEER2 standards
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Designed to minimize refrigerant charge and pressure
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Built for simplified, safe installs—without rooftop burners and combo logic boards
Final Take: The Recall Was a Wake-Up Call—Not a Reason to Panic About R-32
The Trane recall didn’t happen because of new refrigerants. It happened because of old-school system designs, rushed propane conversions, and avoidable installation errors. That’s what started the fires—not R-32.
If anything, this recall is a reminder of why it’s time to move forward—not backward. R-32 isn’t experimental or risky. It’s globally proven, EPA-approved, and already cooling homes more efficiently and safely than its predecessors.
Want to avoid the next recall? Skip the complex LP kits, ditch the combo boxes, and choose a system designed from the ground up to be clean, simple, and smart—like a split system with R-32 refrigerant and a high-efficiency furnace.
Because real peace of mind doesn’t come from sticking with what’s familiar. It comes from upgrading to what works better.
And that starts with choosing the right system:
👉 Explore R-32 AC and Gas Heater Systems at The Furnace Outlet
Curious about how to talk to your HVAC contractor about R-32 and dangerous installation? Visit my guide: After the Trane Recall.
See You Later,
- Mark, your go-to HVAC guide!
