Carrier launches WeatherFlex R-454C rooftop heat pump ahead of 2027 EU F-Gas rules

France – Carrier has launched an R-454C rooftop heat pump for commercial applications ahead of tighter EU F-Gas restrictions taking effect from January 2027.

The WeatherFlex 50FC is a packaged reversible air-to-air unit offering nominal cooling capacities from 23kW to 49kW and heating capacities from 22kW to 50kW. It uses A2L refrigerant R-454C, with a GWP below 150.

From 1 January 2027, the EU F-Gas Regulation prohibits the placing on the market of monoblock and other self-contained air-conditioning equipment and heat pumps above 12kW and up to 50kW containing fluorinated greenhouse gases with a GWP of 150 or more, subject to an exception where required to meet safety requirements.

The 2027 restriction applies in the EU and Northern Ireland. Great Britain remains under a separate F-Gas regime and currently has no equivalent GWP 150 product ban scheduled for this category, although its HFC quota phase-down tightens from 2027.

Rooftop platform for new-build and retrofit

Designed for new-build and retrofit projects, the WeatherFlex 50FC uses variable-speed scroll compressors and fans, with Carrier reporting improved SEER and SCOP performance compared with its previous 50FC R-454B range.

The operating envelope extends to +50°C in cooling and down to -18°C wet bulb in heating at part load, with heating operation to -15°C at full load.

Customers are looking for HVAC solutions that make the transition to lower-GWP technology easier, without adding complexity to their projects

Natividad Molero, Marketing Product Manager, Rooftop & Packaged, Carrier

Ventilation and heat recovery options

Available configurations include free cooling, energy recovery, fresh-air management, CO₂-based ventilation, filtration, humidity control and multi-zone operation.

Auxiliary options include electric, hot-water or burner heating, alongside energy metering, smoke detection and anti-corrosion packages.

Factory-programmed controls support commissioning, while RS485 and Ethernet connections provide BMS integration through Modbus and BACnet protocols.

The units can also connect to Carrier’s Abound HVAC Performance platform for remote monitoring, alerts and performance data.

Carrier lists retail, logistics, industrial and light-commercial buildings among the applications for the WeatherFlex 50FC.