The refrigerant R404A gas is commonly used in low- and medium-temperature refrigeration applications. It long ago replaced the refrigerants R502 and R22 used in commercial refrigeration equipment.
Owing to its high GWP value, however, it will be replaced by refrigerants with a lower GWP, such as 448A, 449A and 455A, depending on the system and its intended use.
R404A is a refrigerant blend consisting of the following
R125 (44%), GWP = 3,500
R143a (52%), GWP = 4,470
R134a (4%), GWP = 1,430
R404A gas applications and use
From the beginning of 2020, new R404A systems will be banned. It will no longer be permitted to build stationary refrigeration units using a refrigerant with a GWP > 2,500. (EU F-gas Regulation No 517/2014).
Recycled R404A gas: use for servicing purposes will be permitted until the end of 2030. According to Mika Kapanen, director of the Finnish Refrigeration Enterprises Association (FREA), there are more than 2,600 retail outlets in Finland using R404. “There is no reason to panic. The systems can remain in operation until the end of their service life, and replacement refrigerants will certainly be found,” Kapanen says reassuringly.
Mandatory regular leak checks for R404A charges > 1.3 kg came into force at the beginning of 2016 (inspection interval based on charge size), source: VTT, Kylmäainepäivät 2016 materials. R404 has also been used in freezers and refrigerated display cabinets in grocery stores.
Alternative refrigerants to R404A gas
Replacement or alternative refrigerants for R404A include, for example:
natural refrigerants, such as ammonia NH3 and carbon dioxide CO2, GWP = 0
new replacement refrigerants, such as R1234yf and R1234ze, GWP < 10
