R404A Refrigerant Gas
R404A is a near-azeotropic A1 HFC blend historically used in low- and medium-temperature commercial and industrial refrigeration.
It has zero ODP but a high 100-year GWP of 3,922, so its modern role is mainly legacy-system service and application-specific transition rather than new long-term equipment platforms.
Available in multiple small-cylinder and larger-volume supply formats. Confirm current specification, packaging and destination requirements before ordering.
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Description
R404A Refrigerant Gas
R404A is an HFC refrigerant blend containing approximately 44% R125, 52% R143a and 4% R134a by mass. It is classified A1 and behaves near-azeotropically with very small temperature glide.
R404A became a standard refrigerant for low- and medium-temperature commercial and industrial refrigeration, including freezer racks, cold rooms, ice machines and transport refrigeration.
Its major modern limitation is climate impact: the U.S. EPA Technology Transitions reference value is GWP 3,922. As a result, many new-equipment applications have moved to lower-GWP refrigerants while a large installed service base remains.
For detailed technical and regulatory context, see the R404A refrigerant profile and R404A replacement guide.
Key R404A Refrigerant Properties
Key R404A properties relevant to refrigeration service, sourcing and transition planning.
R404A Technical Specifications
R404A is a near-azeotropic blend. The current EPA GWP differs slightly from some older product literature, so the reference basis should always be stated.
| Refrigerant Designation | R404A |
|---|---|
| Nominal Composition | R125 / R143a / R134a = 44 / 52 / 4 mass % |
| Refrigerant Type | Near-azeotropic HFC blend |
| Average Molecular Weight | ≈ 97.6 g/mol |
| Normal Boiling Reference | ≈ -46.6°C |
| Critical Temperature | ≈ 72.5°C |
| Critical Pressure | ≈ 37.8 bar |
| Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) | 0 |
| 100-Year Global Warming Potential | 3,922 — EPA Technology Transitions reference |
| ASHRAE Safety Class | A1 |
| Transport Hazard Class | Class 2.2 |
Reference values are provided for product identification and research. For system design, charging, service and compliance, use the current supplier P-T data, SDS, certificate of analysis where applicable, OEM documentation and the regulations governing the project.
Typical R404A Applications
R404A is strongly associated with the legacy low-temperature refrigeration installed base. Current acceptability for new or retrofit equipment depends on the exact end use and jurisdiction.
Supermarket Freezer Systems
R404A was widely used in low-temperature supermarket racks, display cases and freezer circuits.
Cold Rooms & Walk-In Freezers
Food service, distribution and cold-storage facilities have a large installed base of R404A equipment.
Commercial Refrigeration
Condensing units and other medium- and low-temperature refrigeration equipment have historically used R404A.
Transport Refrigeration
Road, marine and reefer equipment historically used R404A, although new product rules increasingly favor alternatives.
Ice Machines
R404A remains present in installed commercial ice-making and specialty low-temperature equipment.
Industrial Refrigeration
Selected direct-expansion industrial refrigeration systems use R404A within their approved operating envelope.
Explore current system pathways in the Commercial Refrigeration and Cold Storage Refrigerants guides.
R404A Safety and Handling Considerations
R404A is A1, so flammability is not its defining safety issue. Pressure, cold injury, oxygen displacement, hot-work decomposition and very high climate impact of leakage still matter.
Leak Prevention
With a GWP of 3,922, reducing chronic leakage has major environmental and operating-cost value.
Pressure & Cold Exposure
Use appropriate PPE and service equipment rated for R404A operating and recovery pressures.
Blend Handling
R404A has very small glide but remains a blend. Follow refrigerant-specific charging, recovery and contamination-control procedures.
R404A, R507A and lower-GWP transition refrigerants may serve similar applications, but they are not the same composition. Mixing refrigerants can compromise performance, reclamation quality and system identification.
R404A Product Specification & Documentation
The blend composition should match the recognized R404A formulation; final batch quality and packaging should be confirmed from current order documentation.
| Refrigerant Identity | R404A |
|---|---|
| Nominal Composition | R125 44% / R143a 52% / R134a 4% by mass |
| Supplied Form | Liquefied compressed refrigerant blend |
| Transport Classification | Class 2.2 |
| Batch Documentation | Confirm current specification, COA where supplied and SDS with the order |
R404A Refrigerant Packaging Options
The supplied product information lists multiple R404A sizes for distribution, service and large-volume orders.
| Packaging Type | Reference Size | Supply Note |
|---|---|---|
| Small Container | 650 g | Small-volume supply |
| Cylinder | 2.7 kg / 5.4 kg / 10.9 kg | Service, wholesale and distributor supply |
| Large Supply | Reference 650 kg format | Large-volume supply; final container configuration must be confirmed |
Packaging, filling weight, valve configuration, cylinder type, minimum order quantity and bulk availability may vary by destination and order requirement. Confirm the final supply configuration before ordering.
R404A Is Now Primarily a Legacy-Service Refrigerant
R404A delivered reliable low-temperature refrigeration performance, but its very high GWP made it an early target for HFC transition policy.
Existing systems can still create legitimate service and refrigerant-management demand, while new equipment increasingly moves to lower-GWP A1, A2L or natural-refrigerant architectures depending on application.
For retrofit and replacement research, use the R404A Replacement Guide and verify the exact system against OEM and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain: service existing approved equipment where permitted.
- Retrofit: evaluate refrigerants such as R448A or R449A only where the specific system and procedure support them.
- Replace equipment: consider current low-GWP platforms when major system replacement is economically justified.
R448A, R449A, R452A, R454C, R290, R744 and other alternatives have different composition, glide, safety or system requirements. Selection must be application- and equipment-specific.
R404A Refrigerant Frequently Asked Questions
What is R404A refrigerant?
R404A is a near-azeotropic HFC blend containing 44% R125, 52% R143a and 4% R134a by mass.
What is the GWP of R404A?
The U.S. EPA Technology Transitions reference table lists R404A at a 100-year GWP of 3,922.
Is R404A flammable?
R404A is classified A1, meaning lower toxicity and no flame propagation under the refrigerant safety classification framework.
Where is R404A used?
It is strongly associated with legacy low- and medium-temperature commercial refrigeration, cold rooms, supermarket freezers, ice machines and transport refrigeration.
What packaging is available for R404A?
The supplied product list includes 650 g, 2.7 kg, 5.4 kg and 10.9 kg formats plus a reference 650 kg large-volume format.
Is R507A the same as R404A?
No. Their applications overlap, but R507A is a 50/50 R125/R143a azeotropic blend while R404A also contains R134a and has a different GWP.
Can R448A replace R404A directly?
Do not assume a universal drop-in. Retrofit suitability depends on compressor approval, expansion device, glide, discharge temperature, lubricant and system condition.
Is R404A still relevant?
Yes for the installed service base, but it is generally a legacy high-GWP refrigerant rather than a preferred new-system platform.
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 | Cold Storage, Commercial Refrigeration, Transport Refrigeration |
|---|---|
| Composition Type | Refrigerant Blend |
| ASHRAE Safety Class | A1 |
| Package Size | 10.9 kg, 2.7 kg, 5.4 kg, 650 g, 650 kg |
| Packaging Type | Disposable Cylinder, ISO Tank / Bulk, Refillable Cylinder, Small Can |
| Refrigerant Number | R404A |
| Transport Hazard Class | Class 2.2 |
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