Cold Room Refrigerant Choice in 2026: R404A, R448A, R290

In 2026 the right cold room refrigerant depends mainly on where the system will be installed. In markets that have tightened rules on high-GWP HFCs, new commercial cold rooms commonly use R448A or R449A in place of R404A, while R290 is used in small self-contained units and CO2 in larger multi-room systems. In markets where R404A, R507 and R134a remain permitted and widely serviced, they are still common. Always check current national regulations before ordering, because rules and dates differ by country and change over time.

This guide summarizes the main options neutrally. It is not legal advice; your local regulator, refrigerant distributor or engineering consultant should confirm what applies to your project.

Why are cold room refrigerants changing?

Most widely used cold room refrigerants are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). They do not deplete the ozone layer, but they are powerful greenhouse gases when leaked. Their impact is expressed as global warming potential (GWP) relative to CO2 over 100 years.

Three regulatory frameworks shape the market:

• The Montreal Protocol has phased out HCFCs such as R22 in developed countries and is completing the phase-out in developing countries, with only limited servicing quantities allowed in the final years.
• The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol schedules a gradual reduction of HFC production and consumption. Developed countries started reductions first; most developing countries have a freeze and then stepwise reductions on later timetables.
• National and regional rules, such as the European Union F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 and the United States AIM Act and its related EPA rules, add quotas, GWP limits for new equipment, and servicing restrictions. Many other countries are adopting their own measures.

The practical effect is that high-GWP refrigerants become more expensive and less available over time, even where they are not banned outright.

How do common cold room refrigerants compare?

GWP values below are the IPCC AR4 figures used in the Kigali Amendment and the EU F-gas Regulation. Other assessment reports give slightly different numbers.

Is R404A still a good choice?

R404A has been the standard for low- and medium-temperature cold rooms for decades. It works well across a wide temperature range, components are widely available, and technicians know it. Its drawback is a very high GWP. In the EU and some other markets, new stationary refrigeration equipment using refrigerants with GWP of 2,500 or more is already restricted, and service supplies are tightening. Elsewhere it remains legal and common.

If you are buying a system in a market where R404A is permitted, consider how long you expect to operate it and whether service refrigerant prices are likely to rise during that time. Specifying a system that is compatible with R448A or R449A can provide a future path.

What are R448A and R449A, and can they replace R404A?

R448A and R449A are blends of HFCs and HFOs with GWP around 1,390—roughly 65% lower than R404A. They are non-flammable (A1) and use the same POE oil, so they are widely used both in new equipment and as retrofits for existing R404A systems.

Points to consider:

• Capacity and efficiency are broadly similar to R404A at medium temperature; at low temperature, capacity can be slightly lower and efficiency similar or better depending on the compressor.
• Discharge temperature is higher than with R404A, which matters for low-temperature compressors at high compression ratios. Liquid injection or compressor selection may be needed.
• Temperature glide of about 4–6 K means the refrigerant evaporates over a temperature range. Superheat and subcooling must be measured using dew and bubble point values respectively.
• Charging must be done with liquid, not vapor, to keep the blend composition correct.
• Expansion valves may need adjustment or a different orifice; check with the valve manufacturer.

When does R290 (propane) make sense?

R290 has excellent thermodynamic properties and a GWP of 3, which makes it attractive for small systems. It is highly flammable, so international and local safety standards limit charge size and require specific component design. For commercial refrigerating appliances, the relevant IEC standard allows charges of up to about 500 g per refrigerant circuit under defined conditions, which suits plug-in cabinets and small monoblock units. Larger cold rooms using R290 typically rely on several small circuits or on indirect systems with a secondary fluid. Installation and service require trained technicians with suitable tools, and local building and fire codes may add requirements.

When does CO2 (R744) make sense?

CO2 is non-flammable, non-toxic in normal concentrations, cheap and has a GWP of 1. It is widely used in supermarkets and distribution centers, especially in Europe. The trade-offs are:

• High pressures: transcritical systems can run above 100 bar on the high side, so all components must be rated accordingly.
• Efficiency in hot climates: above about 30 °C ambient, CO2 systems operate transcritically and lose efficiency unless they use technologies such as parallel compression, ejectors or adiabatic gas coolers.
• Specialist skills: design and service require training that may not be widely available in every market.

For a single small walk-in, CO2 is usually less economical than HFC, HFO-blend or R290 options. For a multi-room facility in a temperate climate with trained service support, it can be a strong long-term choice.

How does refrigerant choice affect the equipment?

A refrigerant is not just a fluid poured into a system; the compressor, valves, oil, controls and safety devices are all selected for it.

For this reason, tell your supplier the intended refrigerant at the inquiry stage rather than after the equipment is built.

What about R22 systems still in operation?

Many older cold rooms still run on R22. New R22 equipment is no longer permitted in most markets, and service refrigerant is scarce and expensive. Options include retrofitting to an approved replacement refrigerant with an oil change where required, or replacing the condensing unit and evaporator with new equipment. Replacement is often the better choice for older compressors, because a retrofit does not extend the life of worn components.

How should you choose a refrigerant for a new cold room?

1. Check regulations for the installation country: allowed refrigerants, GWP limits, charge limits and any taxes or quotas.
2. Check local availability of refrigerant cylinders and spare parts, now and in the expected service life.
3. Check technician skills: flammable and high-pressure refrigerants need trained personnel.
4. Match the application: room temperature, system size and climate. R134a suits high-temperature chillers; R404A, R507, R448A and R449A cover low and medium temperature; R290 suits small units; CO2 and ammonia suit larger systems.
5. Compare lifecycle cost, including energy use, refrigerant price and likely leakage, not just purchase price.

Which refrigerants can our equipment use?

Our condensing units and evaporators are configured for refrigerants including R404A, R507, R134a, R22 (for markets where it remains permitted) and R448A, with the compressor, valves and oil selected for the chosen refrigerant. Tell us your installation country and we will confirm suitable options. Contact our engineers to discuss your project.

Frequently asked questions