Compare Refrigerants
Compare major HVAC/R refrigerants by global warming potential, safety class, refrigerant type, application fit and transition role. Start with a popular comparison, or use the interactive comparison tool when you need a custom side-by-side shortlist.
Start with the comparisons that matter most
These pairs cover major HVAC transitions, natural-refrigerant decisions and high-volume installed-base questions. Dedicated comparison pages go deeper into performance context, safety and regulatory considerations.
New HVAC and heat-pump platforms where two A2L routes need to be compared for GWP, composition and market strategy.
The transition from a large R410A installed base toward lower-GWP HVAC equipment, including the safety-class change from A1 to A2L.
Natural-refrigerant versus fluorinated-refrigerant strategies for heat pumps and selected HVAC systems, especially where flammability and long-term GWP targets matter.
Automotive air-conditioning transition, including the major GWP reduction and the change from A1 to A2L safety classification.
What should you compare between refrigerants?
GWP is important, but it is only one part of refrigerant selection. A useful comparison should also explain safety, system architecture, application fit and regulatory implications.
Global Warming Potential
Compare GWP on the same reference basis and distinguish regulatory values from values used in other scientific assessments.
Safety Classification
A1, A2L, A3 and B2L refrigerants can require very different charge limits, mitigation strategies and service practices.
Type & Composition
Single-component refrigerants, blends, HFOs and natural refrigerants differ in composition, glide behavior and system implications.
Temperature Glide
Zeotropic blends can have meaningful temperature glide, while pure fluids and azeotropic or near-azeotropic blends behave differently.
Pressure & Architecture
Operating-pressure level and cycle architecture can change component selection, piping, controls and service requirements.
Application Fit
Air conditioning, heat pumps, supermarkets, domestic appliances, chillers and industrial systems have different priorities.
Equipment Compatibility
Similar pressure or capacity does not make refrigerants interchangeable. Compressor, lubricant, controls and approval still matter.
Regulatory Position
Current and future restrictions vary by country, equipment category, capacity, date and refrigerant GWP.
A refrigerant with a very low GWP may introduce higher flammability, higher operating pressure, toxicity or different system requirements. Comparison pages should show the trade-off, not hide it.
Choose the comparison that matches your system
Refrigerant decisions become more useful when they are tied to the actual equipment category. These comparison clusters connect directly to the application structure of Refrigerants.net.
HVAC & Heat Pumps
A2L transition, natural refrigerants and R410A replacement research.
Commercial Refrigeration
Legacy R404A/R507A transitions, food retail and natural-refrigerant systems.
Automotive & Chillers
Mobile AC transitions plus lower-GWP chiller technologies.
Natural & Industrial Refrigerants
Ammonia, CO₂ and hydrocarbon comparisons for large or specialized systems.
Compare legacy refrigerants with lower-GWP pathways
Installed-base refrigerants remain important research topics even when they are no longer preferred for many new systems. The useful question is not “what replaces it everywhere?” but “which technologies should be evaluated for this specific application?”
HVAC transition
Compare A2L and natural-refrigerant routes for new air-conditioning and heat-pump platforms.
Refrigeration transition
Compare transitional A1 blends, sub-150 A2L blends and natural refrigerants for food retail and refrigeration.
Application-specific transition
Automotive, chillers and domestic refrigeration follow different technology paths and should not be grouped into one replacement answer.
Comparison snapshot: major refrigerants
This table gives a quick orientation before you open a detailed comparison. It is intentionally concise; individual refrigerant profiles contain more complete technical context.
| Refrigerant | EPA GWP | Safety Class | Family / Type | Typical Research Context | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R32 | 675 | A2L | HFC · single component | Air conditioning · heat pumps · chillers | View R32 → |
| R454B | 465 | A2L | HFO/HFC blend | New HVAC · heat pumps · R410A transition | View R454B → |
| R290 | 3.3 | A3 | Natural · propane | Heat pumps · appliances · commercial refrigeration | View R290 → |
| R410A | 2,088 | A1 | HFC blend | Large installed HVAC base · transition research | View R410A → |
| R134a | 1,430 | A1 | HFC · single component | Automotive installed base · chillers · refrigeration | View R134a → |
| R1234yf | 1 | A2L | HFO · single component | Automotive / mobile air conditioning | View R1234yf → |
| R744 | 1 | A1 | Natural · CO₂ | Food retail · heat pumps · transport · industrial | View R744 → |
| R717 | 1 | B2L | Natural · ammonia | Industrial refrigeration · cold storage | View R717 → |
GWP values shown use the U.S. EPA Technology Transitions reference basis. Other regulatory regimes can use different values or methodologies, especially for non-fluorinated refrigerants. Always use the value required by the applicable rule.
Go from comparison hub to the right research tool
Use this hub when you want the most important pre-built comparisons. Use the interactive tool for a custom pair, or the Finder when you do not yet know which refrigerants should be shortlisted.
Compare any two refrigerants
Choose your own pair and review refrigerant properties side by side when the comparison you need is not yet available as a dedicated guide.
Start with the Refrigerant Finder
Describe the application, region, GWP target and safety preference first. The Finder narrows the market to practical candidates before you compare them.
Compare on a consistent technical basis
Refrigerants.net uses authoritative designation, safety-classification and regulatory reference sources so that values do not silently change from one comparison page to another.
Comparing refrigerants for a real project?
Discuss refrigerant selection, low-GWP transition, application requirements, sourcing or refrigerant leak-detection considerations.