R404A Replacements Compared: R448A, R449A, R452A and R407F

The main R404A replacements for UK commercial refrigeration are R448A, R449A, R452A and R407F. All four cut GWP significantly versus R404A’s 3,922, with R448A and R449A around GWP 1,300-1,400 and offering close performance for retrofit and new systems. This guide compares them so you can choose the right drop-in for your application.

Why R404A needs replacing

R404A has one of the highest GWPs in common use (3,922) and is hit by the 2026 virgin-gas service ban. Operators must either run on reclaimed gas to 2030 or move to a lower-GWP alternative – see our guide on whether you can still buy R404A in 2026.

The four leading alternatives

Refrigerant	GWP	Glide	Best fit
R448A (Solstice N40)	~1,387	Moderate	LT & MT retrofit and new
R449A (Opteon XP40)	~1,397	Moderate	LT & MT retrofit and new
R452A (Opteon XP44)	~2,140	Low	Transport refrigeration, low ambient
R407F (Performax LT)	~1,825	Higher	MT retrofit, supermarket racks

R448A and R449A

These two are the most popular R404A replacements for supermarket and commercial refrigeration. Both deliver large GWP reductions (around 65% versus R404A) and good energy efficiency across low and medium temperature. They have moderate glide, so they must be charged as liquid and fully recovered/recharged after a significant leak. A mineral-to-POE oil change is typically required when retrofitting from R404A.

R452A

R452A has a higher GWP (~2,140) but lower glide and a performance profile close to R404A, which makes it popular in transport refrigeration and low-ambient applications where reliability and easy handling matter. Note it still sits below the 2,500 service threshold, so it remains usable.

R407F

R407F offers a strong GWP cut and good capacity for medium-temperature supermarket racks, but it has higher glide and a higher discharge temperature, so it suits systems that can accommodate those characteristics.

Retrofit checklist

• Confirm compressor and component compatibility with the chosen blend.
• Change oil to POE where required and verify oil return.
• Replace the filter-drier and check expansion device sizing.
• Recover all R404A first – never mix refrigerants.
• Recalculate superheat and subcooling after charging – see our superheat guide.

Buying refrigerant in the UK

Refrigerant Gas Supplies Ltd supplies F-Gas compliant refrigerant to certified UK engineers, including R404A and R407C – browse the full refrigerant gas range. F-Gas certification is required to purchase.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best replacement for R404A?

R448A and R449A are the most popular R404A replacements for commercial refrigeration, cutting GWP by around 65% while delivering good efficiency across low and medium temperature applications.

Can I drop R448A straight into an R404A system?

R448A is a retrofit option, but it usually requires an oil change to POE, a new filter-drier and component checks. Always recover all R404A first and follow the manufacturer’s retrofit guidance.

Is R452A banned in 2026?

No. R452A has a GWP of about 2,140, below the 2,500 service-ban threshold, so it remains usable for servicing.

Do these blends have temperature glide?

Yes. R448A, R449A and especially R407F have temperature glide, so they must be charged as liquid and recovered/recharged fully rather than topped up after a leak.