R449A Refrigerant UK: Opteon XP40 Guide for Commercial Refrigeration

R449A (Opteon XP40) is a low-GWP HFO/HFC blend with a GWP of about 1,397 – roughly 65% lower than R404A. It is a leading R404A and R22 replacement for UK commercial refrigeration, performing closely to R448A across low and medium temperature. This guide explains its properties and how to choose between R449A and R448A.

What is R449A?

R449A is a blend of R32, R125, R134a and R1234yf. Like R448A, it uses HFO components to cut GWP sharply while keeping the capacity and efficiency needed for supermarket and cold-storage refrigeration.

R449A key properties

Property	Value
Composition	R32 24.3% / R125 24.7% / R134a 25.7% / R1234yf 25.3%
GWP	~1,397
Safety class	A1 (non-flammable)
Temperature glide	Moderate (~5K)
Replaces	R404A, R507A, R22

R449A vs R448A

R449A and R448A are very close in GWP, efficiency and application. R448A contains a small amount of R1234ze in addition to R1234yf, giving marginally different glide and capacity, but in practice both are excellent R404A replacements and the choice often comes down to availability and compressor manufacturer approval. We compare them in detail in our R404A replacements guide.

Retrofit and handling notes

• Change oil to POE when retrofitting from R404A.
• Moderate glide – charge as liquid and recover/recharge fully after a leak.
• Replace the filter-drier and verify expansion device sizing.
• Recover all existing refrigerant first; never mix.

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 R449A used for?

R449A is used in low and medium temperature commercial refrigeration as a low-GWP replacement for R404A, R507A and R22.

Is R449A better than R448A?

R449A and R448A are very similar in GWP and performance. Neither is clearly better; the choice usually depends on compressor manufacturer approval and availability.

What is the GWP of R449A?

R449A has a GWP of about 1,397, around 65% lower than R404A.

Is R449A a drop-in for R404A?

R449A is a recognised R404A retrofit, but it usually requires an oil change to POE, a new filter-drier and component checks. Follow manufacturer guidance.