R404A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) of 3,922. It was developed as a replacement for R22, which had a higher GWP and contributed to ozone depletion. R404A is also used in a variety of other applications, including commercial refrigeration and food processing.
In the European Union, the use of R404A in new refrigeration equipment was banned in January 2020. Existing systems with R404A can remain in use, but they must be serviced with recycled or reclaimed R404A. The EU has also set a phase-out date for the use of R404A in industrial refrigeration equipment of January 1, 2030.
R404A can replace the following refrigerants: R407A, R448A, R449A, R513A.
R404A is characterized by its high cooling capacity, good energy efficiency, and wide temperature range of application (-40 to 40°C). It is also compatible with various refrigerant oils
R404A is widely used in commercial refrigeration applications, including display cases, walk-in coolers and freezers, ice machines, and beverage vending machines. It is also used in industrial refrigeration, air conditioning, and marine refrigeration systems.