R480A RefrigerantRS-20 · A1 low-GWP R134a-class retrofit / transition blend
R480A is a nonflammable A1 refrigerant blend developed as a lower-GWP alternative for R134a-class applications. Published retrofit documentation for RS-20 identifies the composition as 5% CO₂, 86% HFO-1234ze and 9% HFC-227ea. Its combination of GWP 291 and A1 classification makes it especially interesting for retrofit discussions where sub-300 and nonflammability are both valuable.
What is R480A refrigerant?
R480A sits in a useful middle ground. It is much lower in GWP than R134a while avoiding A2L flammability. That is why it appears in retrofit-oriented discussions and why EPA determinations have expanded its relevance in some end uses, including selected retrofit categories and certain new-equipment categories. It is not a universal answer, but it is one of the more practical A1 low-GWP profiles worth covering.
R480A refrigerant properties
Use these values for research and screening. For equipment design, charging and compliance, use the exact supplier PT data, SDS, OEM documentation and regulation that governs the project.
| Property | Reference | Engineering / source note |
|---|---|---|
| Designation | R480A | ASHRAE designation / RS-20 |
| Nominal composition | CO₂ / R1234ze(E) / R227ea = 5 / 86 / 9 | Published retrofit procedure |
| Refrigerant type | Blend | Three-component formulation |
| ODP | 0 | No ozone depletion |
| 100-year GWP | 291 | EPA Technology Transitions |
| Safety classification | A1 | Nonflammable |
| Boiling point | ≈ −34.1°C | Published RS-20 data |
| Critical temperature | ≈107.4°C | Published RS-20 data |
| Temperature glide | ≈4.5°C in RS-20 retrofit data | Use exact PT chart |
| Primary role | R134a-class retrofit / transition refrigerant | Low-GWP A1 niche |
EPA Technology Transitions uses the values shown on this page. Older product literature may use IPCC AR4/AR5 or another assessment, so a different number is not automatically an error.
Where is R480A used?
Applications must be evaluated by system type, charge, compressor, heat exchanger, safety class and current regulation. The examples below describe recognized use contexts, not automatic approval for every installation.
Existing R134a systems
Often positioned as a lower-GWP retrofit option where A1 is preferred.
Water coolers
EPA determinations have expanded R480A relevance in this category.
Positive-displacement chillers
Notable because EPA added retrofit relevance here in recent determinations.
Refrigerated transport and selected refrigeration categories
Useful when a nonflammable, lower-GWP option is needed.
Commercial retrofit strategy
Evaluated where a full A2L redesign is not desired.
Legacy asset management
Can be part of extend-vs-replace decision making for R134a-based assets.
Continue through the Refrigerant Replacements and Low-GWP Refrigerants hubs for broader selection context.
Why R480A attracts attention even though it is not a huge market refrigerant
Many lower-GWP refrigerants reduce GWP by moving from A1 to A2L. R480A is interesting because it reduces GWP substantially while staying A1.
That makes it appealing for owners of existing R134a-class systems who want a lower-GWP path without introducing lower-flammability system redesign.
This A1 + lower-GWP combination is the core reason R480A deserves a place in a high-quality refrigerant database.
R480A is not simply 'a little better R134a'
R480A was designed around retrofit practicality, but it is still its own refrigerant with its own PT behavior, blend composition and service expectations.
Its approximate 4.5°C glide means technicians should not handle it as if it were a pure refrigerant. Correct charging, identification and performance verification remain important.
Like any retrofit, oil, seals, capacity and control behavior should be checked in the actual system.
Why 9% R227ea is important
R1234ze(E) provides most of the refrigerant mass and much of the low-GWP platform, while the small CO₂ and R227ea fractions help tune the finished blend’s performance and nonflammability characteristics.
Although R227ea has a high individual GWP, its low fraction keeps the finished blend’s GWP much lower than R134a.
This is a good example of why refrigerant selection should focus on the finished blend, not only the identity of one component.
Recent EPA retrofit relevance makes R480A more valuable for practical content
R480A became much more interesting when EPA expanded acceptable retrofit uses in selected categories such as cold storage, commercial ice machines, water coolers and some transport/chiller contexts.
That means R480A is not only a chemistry footnote. It can appear in real conversations about installed equipment management.
For SEO and GEO, that makes it a better topic than many refrigerants that have no clear transition story.
R480A vs R513A
The table highlights engineering differences rather than implying direct interchangeability.
| Characteristic | R480A | R513A |
|---|---|---|
| EPA GWP | 291 | 630 |
| Safety class | A1 | A1 |
| Primary role | Low-GWP retrofit / transition option | R134a-class A1 transition blend |
| Sub-300 | Yes | No |
| Flammability strategy | Nonflammable | Nonflammable |
| Glide | Moderate | Negligible |
| Key appeal | A1 + lower GWP + retrofit story | Broad A1 familiarity |
R480A safety: A1 simplifies flammability concerns, but blend practice still matters
R480A is A1, so its risk profile differs from A2L blends. However, it is still a refrigerant blend with pressure, cold-burn and asphyxiation hazards. Correct recovery, charging and identification remain important, particularly when retrofitting legacy equipment.
A1 classification
No lower-flammability system controls are required solely because of refrigerant flammability.
Blend servicing
Use correct PT data and charging procedure.
Retrofit diligence
Validate system suitability rather than assuming any R134a asset will behave identically.
Actual risk depends on charge, release rate, pressure, room volume, ventilation, ignition sources, equipment construction, alarm logic and service condition.
See the Refrigerant Safety Guide for classification context.
R480A refrigerant leak detection
Validate detector response to the finished blend
Leak detection for R480A should be validated for the finished blend. Depending on the application, infrared refrigerant detection may be appropriate for machinery spaces or concentration monitoring, while portable electronic leak detectors are more suitable for service diagnostics. GasNose provides a broader refrigerant gas detection entry point even where a dedicated R480A page is not available.
Portable service leak detectors, fixed area monitors, A2L mitigation sensors and refrigerant identifiers perform different functions. Define the alarm action and concentration range before selecting the technology.
Regulatory position of R480A in 2026
United States
EPA Technology Transitions lists R480A at GWP 291. Recent SNAP determinations expanded R480A relevance in selected retrofit categories, including some cold-storage, commercial ice machine, chiller, refrigerated transport and water-cooler applications. End-use-specific SNAP listings should always be checked before treating it as acceptable in a given project.
European Union
R480A is well below older high-GWP HFCs but still above 150. In the EU, it can be useful as a transition refrigerant where A1 matters, but it does not carry the same long-term numerical advantage as sub-150 solutions.
Is R480A being phased out?
R480A is better described as a practical low-GWP A1 transition / retrofit refrigerant than as a fully future-proof endpoint. Its strongest value is helping owners bridge from R134a-class systems while keeping A1 safety.
U.S. refrigeration limits differ by cold storage, supermarket, remote condensing, stand-alone product, industrial process and chiller category. A refrigerant may fit one pathway and fail another.
Use the Refrigerant Regulations Hub for regional research.
What should be compared with R480A?
Compare the real equipment pathway: retrofit vs new system, A1 vs A2L capability, GWP threshold, glide, compressor envelope, energy efficiency and service ecosystem.
Practical misconceptions about R480A
“R480A is just R134a with a new name.”
It is a distinct three-component blend with different PT behavior and much lower GWP.
“A1 means it behaves like a pure refrigerant.”
R480A is a blend and has measurable glide.
“R480A is automatically approved for all R134a systems.”
Always check the exact EPA end use and actual equipment suitability.
“Because it contains R227ea, it cannot be low GWP.”
The finished blend is EPA GWP 291 because the high-GWP component fraction is small.
R480A refrigerant FAQ
Concise answers to common composition, retrofit, glide, safety and regulation questions.
What is R480A?
What is the composition of R480A?
What is the EPA GWP of R480A?
Is R480A flammable?
Is R480A a retrofit refrigerant?
Does R480A have glide?
Why is R480A interesting?
Is R480A below 300 GWP?
Can R480A replace every R134a system?
How should R480A leaks be detected?
R480A sources and further reading
This profile uses current EPA regulatory references plus refrigerant supplier, NIST, scientific and GasNose resources. Re-check the latest edition before design or compliance decisions.
Working with R480A or planning a refrigerant transition?
Compare GWP, safety class, temperature glide, equipment compatibility and regulatory lifetime before selecting a refrigerant.
Technical Notice: This page is for refrigerant research and general technical reference. Refrigerant suitability, permitted charge, equipment approval, leak mitigation, servicing procedures and regulatory compliance depend on the exact equipment, installation and jurisdiction. Always verify current manufacturer documentation, SDS, applicable standards and local regulations before selecting, replacing, charging or servicing a refrigerant.