R-404A Refrigerant
HFC blend refrigerant widely used in commercial refrigeration. Subject to phase-down due to high GWP of 3922.
R-404A Phase-Down in Progress
EPA AIM Act and EU F-Gas regulations are phasing down R-404A due to its high GWP of 3922. Plan for transition to lower-GWP alternatives.
Blend Composition
Physical Properties
Common Applications
- Supermarket display cases
- Walk-in coolers and freezers
- Cold storage warehouses
- Refrigerated transport
- Ice machines
- Commercial freezers
R-404A Pressure-Temperature Chart
Zeotropic Blend: R-404A has minimal temperature glide (~0.7°F). Bubble point is shown for liquid, dew point for vapor.
| Temp °F | Temp °C | Bubble (psig) | Dew (psig) |
|---|---|---|---|
| -60°F | -51.1°C | -6.2 | -5.9 |
| -50°F | -45.6°C | -2.2 | -1.8 |
| -40°F | -40°C | 2.4 | 2.9 |
| -30°F | -34.4°C | 7.6 | 8.2 |
| -20°F | -28.9°C | 13.6 | 14.3 |
| -10°F | -23.3°C | 20.4 | 21.2 |
| 0°F | -17.8°C | 28.2 | 29.1 |
| 10°F | -12.2°C | 37 | 38 |
| 20°F | -6.7°C | 47 | 48.1 |
| 25°F | -3.9°C | 52.5 | 53.6 |
| 30°F | -1.1°C | 58.3 | 59.6 |
| 35°F | 1.7°C | 64.5 | 65.9 |
| 40°F | 4.4°C | 71.2 | 72.6 |
| 45°F | 7.2°C | 78.3 | 79.8 |
| 50°F | 10°C | 85.8 | 87.5 |
| 60°F | 15.6°C | 102.2 | 104.1 |
| 70°F | 21.1°C | 120.4 | 122.6 |
| 80°F | 26.7°C | 140.6 | 143.1 |
| 90°F | 32.2°C | 163 | 165.8 |
| 100°F | 37.8°C | 187.6 | 190.8 |
| 110°F | 43.3°C | 214.8 | 218.4 |
| 120°F | 48.9°C | 244.6 | 248.6 |
| 130°F | 54.4°C | 277.3 | 281.8 |
Lower-GWP Replacement Options
R-448A (Solstice N40)
GWP 1387HFO/HFC blend, A1 safety classification
- • 65% GWP reduction vs R-404A
- • Compatible with existing POE oil
- • Similar operating pressures
- • 5-10% capacity reduction typical
- • Non-flammable (A1)
R-449A (Opteon XP40)
GWP 1397HFO/HFC blend, A1 safety classification
- • 64% GWP reduction vs R-404A
- • Compatible with existing POE oil
- • Similar capacity to R-404A
- • Good efficiency performance
- • Non-flammable (A1)
R-407A
GWP 2107HFC blend for medium-temp applications
- • 46% GWP reduction vs R-404A
- • Higher temperature glide (12°F)
- • Lower capacity than R-404A
- • Better for medium-temp only
- • Non-flammable (A1)
R-407F (Performax LT)
GWP 1825HFC blend optimized for low-temp
- • 53% GWP reduction vs R-404A
- • Good low-temp performance
- • Higher temperature glide (9°F)
- • Improved efficiency
- • Non-flammable (A1)
Retrofit Considerations
- • All replacements require TXV adjustment or replacement
- • System must be thoroughly evacuated (no R-404A mixing)
- • POE oil compatibility should be verified
- • Higher glide refrigerants may require system modifications
- • Consult manufacturer guidelines for specific equipment
R-404A Regulatory Timeline
R-404A widely available with no restrictions
EU bans R-404A in new stationary commercial refrigeration equipment (hermetic systems <40 kW)
EU extends ban to all new commercial refrigeration equipment
US EPA restrictions on R-404A for new retail food refrigeration. Higher prices, limited availability.
Continued phase-down. Plan for transition to lower-GWP alternatives for all applications.
R-404A Charging Guidelines
Charging Method
Liquid Charge Only
R-404A must be charged as a liquid to prevent fractionation of the blend components.
- Charge liquid into the high side (liquid line) with system off
- Or charge liquid into low side through flow restrictor with system running
- Never vapor charge - causes blend fractionation