R438A Refrigerant Gas
R438A is an A1 zeotropic retrofit blend used mainly in selected legacy R22 air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Its nominal composition is 8.5% R32, 45% R125, 44.2% R134a, 1.7% R600 and 0.6% R601a by mass. Retrofit suitability remains equipment-specific.
Reference packaging includes an 11.4 kg cylinder. Confirm current batch specification, valve configuration and destination requirements before ordering.
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Description
R438A Refrigerant Gas
R438A is a multi-component zeotropic refrigerant blend designed for retrofit use in selected R22 direct-expansion systems. Its nominal mass composition is 8.5% R32, 45% R125, 44.2% R134a, 1.7% R600 and 0.6% R601a.
The refrigerant is used in legacy residential and commercial air conditioning as well as medium- and low-temperature refrigeration retrofit contexts. The small hydrocarbon fractions support lubricant-management behavior, but equipment condition and oil return still need verification.
R438A has zero ozone depletion potential, an A1 safety classification and a 100-year GWP of 2,270 on the EPA SNAP reference used by this site. It is therefore best understood as an installed-base transition refrigerant rather than a future low-GWP platform.
Read the R438A refrigerant profile and R22 Replacement Guide for deeper retrofit context.
Key R438A Refrigerant Properties
Core reference data for R438A product identification and R22 retrofit screening.
R438A Technical Specifications
R438A is a multi-component blend; correct service requires refrigerant-specific P-T data and blend-handling procedures.
| Refrigerant Designation | R438A |
|---|---|
| Nominal Composition | R32 / R125 / R134a / R600 / R601a = 8.5 / 45 / 44.2 / 1.7 / 0.6 mass % |
| Refrigerant Type | Zeotropic HFC/HC retrofit blend |
| Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) | 0 |
| 100-Year Global Warming Potential | 2,270 — EPA SNAP reference |
| ASHRAE Safety Class | A1 |
| Transport Hazard Class | Class 2.2 |
Published R438A climate values can differ when another assessment basis is used. This page uses the EPA SNAP value shown in the site technical profile; use the value required by the applicable regulation.
Typical R438A Applications
R438A is primarily a legacy R22 retrofit refrigerant, with the actual conversion pathway determined by equipment and service conditions.
Residential Air Conditioning
Selected R22 direct-expansion residential AC systems can be evaluated for an R438A retrofit using an appropriate service procedure.
Commercial Air Conditioning
Legacy commercial R22 AC equipment represents a major R438A retrofit context where continued asset use is preferred.
Commercial Refrigeration
R438A is also used in selected medium- and low-temperature R22 refrigeration retrofits.
Explore our Air Conditioning Refrigerants and Commercial Refrigeration guides for application-level research.
R438A Safety and Handling Considerations
R438A is A1, but correct retrofit practice still requires pressure control, blend handling, lubricant review and refrigerant recovery.
Finished Blend Classification
R438A is A1 even though the formulation contains small hydrocarbon fractions. Use the safety classification of the finished refrigerant.
Lubricant & Oil Return
Industry retrofit guidance describes broad lubricant compatibility, but oil return is still influenced by piping, load, compressor and system design.
Blend Charging & Recovery
Use the current R438A P-T chart and supplier charging procedure, and recover refrigerant during service rather than venting it.
The system must still be evaluated for compressor approval, oil condition, expansion device behavior, charge, leaks, controls and operating performance before conversion from R22.
R438A Product Specification & Documentation
Order documentation should confirm the blend identity, cylinder specification and current batch requirements.
| Refrigerant Identity | R438A |
|---|---|
| Nominal Composition | 8.5% R32 / 45% R125 / 44.2% R134a / 1.7% R600 / 0.6% R601a |
| Supplied Form | Liquefied compressed refrigerant blend |
| Reference Package | 11.4 kg cylinder |
R438A Refrigerant Packaging Options
The supplied source material supports an 11.4 kg R438A cylinder reference.
| Packaging Type | Reference Size | Supply Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder | 11.4 kg | R22 retrofit, service and distributor supply |
Confirm the current cylinder type, valve configuration, fill tolerance, carton / pallet quantity and transport documentation for the destination market.
R438A Supports Continued Operation of Selected Legacy R22 Systems
R438A is often considered where an R22 asset still has useful life and a retrofit can avoid immediate equipment replacement.
Its practical value is installed-base management. The refrigerant’s high GWP means long-term new-equipment planning should evaluate substantially lower-GWP platforms where the application and regulations support them.
- Retrofit role: selected R22 residential/commercial AC and refrigeration systems.
- Asset decision: compare retrofit cost and expected performance with replacement of aging equipment.
- Regulatory planning: verify the current rules for high-GWP HFCs in the exact end use and market.
Retrofit suitability depends on the exact compressor, lubricant, metering device, piping, controls and operating condition. Use an equipment-specific procedure.
R438A Refrigerant Frequently Asked Questions
What is R438A refrigerant?
R438A is an A1 zeotropic blend used mainly as an R22 retrofit refrigerant in selected air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.
What is R438A made of?
Its nominal mass composition is 8.5% R32, 45% R125, 44.2% R134a, 1.7% R600 and 0.6% R601a.
What is the GWP of R438A?
EPA SNAP tables use a 100-year GWP of 2,270 for R438A.
Is R438A flammable?
The finished refrigerant is classified A1.
Can R438A replace R22?
R438A is a recognized R22 retrofit route, but it is not a universal drop-in. Equipment and lubricant requirements still need to be checked.
What package size is listed for R438A?
The supplied product information includes an 11.4 kg cylinder reference. Confirm current order packaging before purchase.
Product information on Refrigerants.net is provided for product identification, comparison and B2B purchasing research. Final refrigerant specification, packaging, availability, transport requirements, permitted use and equipment compatibility should be confirmed against current product documentation, SDS, OEM requirements and applicable regulations before purchase or use.
Additional information
| Application | Commercial Refrigeration, Light Commercial Air Conditioning, Residential Air Conditioning, Retrofit & Service |
|---|---|
| Composition Type | Refrigerant Blend |
| ASHRAE Safety Class | A1 |
| Package Size | 11.4 kg |
| Packaging Type | Disposable Cylinder |
| Refrigerant Number | R438A |
| Transport Hazard Class | Class 2.2 |
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