Commercial refrigeration — from cold rooms to display cabinets — has specific demands, and the refrigerant phase-down has reshaped which gases are used. Here’s how to navigate the options.
The shift away from R404A
R404A was the workhorse of commercial refrigeration, but its very high GWP (~3922) means it’s heavily restricted under the F-Gas Regulation and increasingly expensive. Most operators are now moving to lower-GWP alternatives.
Common modern choices
- R448A / R449A — popular lower-GWP replacements for R404A (GWP ~1390)
- R452A — used in transport refrigeration
- CO2 (R744) — increasingly used in larger and supermarket systems
- Hydrocarbons (R290) — for self-contained units
How to choose
Consider the temperature application (low or medium), the size and type of system, GWP and quota implications, and whether you’re retrofitting or specifying new. Future-proofing against the phase-down points towards the lowest practical GWP.
FAQ
What is replacing R404A in commercial refrigeration? R448A and R449A for retrofits and many new systems, with CO2 and hydrocarbons growing for new builds.
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