R-404a, its properties and possible alternatives
Operators of equipment that use R-404a or R-507 as a refrigerant will find a brief overview of R-404a and R-507 and potential alternatives to these refrigerants in this article. We also briefly describe what actions to take when using R-404a / R 507 and explain where to go for further information and assistance.
Basic information about R-404a / R-507
The F-Gas Regulation (EU) 517/2014 came into force on January 1, 2015. It is stricter than the previously applicable F-Gas Regulation of 2006. It applies in all European Union member states and is part of the European roadmap for a low-carbon economy. Its central goal is to significantly reduce fluorinated greenhouse gases in order to protect the climate and environment.
Current situation
It became illegal to sell new systems containing R-404a refrigerant on December 31, 2019. Since then, the current F-Gas Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014 has made it illegal to market stationary refrigeration equipment containing F-gases with a GWP (global warming potential) value of 2,500 or more. This prohibition affects R-404a since it has a GWP of 3,920.
However, refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment that was already placed on the market and is still in operation may be filled with recycled and virgin R-404a refrigerant until December 31, 2029.
Another measure required by the F-Gas Regulation as part of the phase-down is a gradual, significant quantitative limitation of high-GWP refrigerants by 2030. The foreseeable result: refrigerant scarcity and much higher prices.
Given this situation, we strongly advise against buying new R-404a equipment. If you are planning to keep an existing system running for a long time, you should consider having it retrofitted for an alternative refrigerant. It should be a refrigerant with the lowest-possible GWP that also falls under the A1 safety classification (no flame propagation, low toxicity), offers close to the same cooling capacity and equally high system efficiency, and has a similar working pressure. In addition, the new refrigerant should not require component replacements or an oil change.
Possible alternatives to R-404a / R-507
Most manufacturers have developed alternative refrigerants with significantly lower GWPs that already meet the stated requirements, at least for special products. Substitutes for R-404a include:
- R-452a (GWP 1,945)
- R-407f (GWP 1,825)
- R-449a (GWP 1,397)
- R-448a (GWP 1,387)
The refrigeration capacity is about the same as R-404a or slightly lower in the case of R-449a. All possible alternatives are blends with a high temperature glide. R-448a and R-449a should be given preference due to their low GWP values. The better energy efficiency ratio of R-448a can also help to cut operating costs.