Energy Efficiency in the Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Sector
← Refrigerants and substitutes
R-404A
HFC blend
Composition: blend: R-125 / R-143a / R-134a
A near-azeotropic blend for low- and medium-temperature commercial refrigeration. It has the highest GWP of any refrigerant in wide use and is therefore first in line for replacement.
What this means for you
This refrigerant is subject to an annual import quota that shrinks on a set schedule. Equipment may continue to operate, but topping it up will become more expensive over the years.
Commercial refrigeration and cold rooms.
Handling
Class A1. Low toxicity, non-flammable. The widest application, without special restrictions.
What replaces it
blend
GWP lower by 64%Medium-temperature commercial refrigeration
R-290propane
GWP lower by 99.9%Small plug-in cabinets and vending machines
R-744carbon dioxide
GWP lower by 100.0%Transcritical systems, supermarkets
R-455Alow-GWP blend
GWP lower by 96%Low-temperature commercial refrigeration
Replacement must be carried out by a licensed technician. Class A2L and A3 refrigerants are flammable and require specific installation conditions.
Where to go next
Data source: Manual §1.3.2, §2.5.1, §2.5.2