If you need a lower-GWP replacement for R404A or R507A, R448A refrigerant is one of the top options. It offers strong cooling performance, better efficiency, and easier retrofitting for commercial refrigeration systems.
In this guide, you’ll learn: R448A properties, pros and cons, applications, and the refrigerants R448A replaces.
What Is R448A Refrigerant?
R448A refrigerant is a non-flammable HFO blend. It was developed to lower GWP while keeping similar performance to R404A. It helps you meet EU F-Gas compliance requirements.
If you are upgrading an R404A/R507A refrigeration system, adopting R448A refrigerant allows you to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while being compatible with many existing systems.
Properties of R448A Refrigerant
Physical Properties
R448A has pressure and performance levels that work well in many medium- and low-temp systems.
R448A’s properties ensure stable performance within an evaporation temperature range of -40°C to 10°C, covering typical applications such as cold storage, supermarket display cases, and industrial refrigeration.
As a non-azeotropic mixture, R448A exhibits a temperature glide of approximately 6.17 K, which is significantly higher than traditional refrigerants such as R404A. It enables temperature matching during heat exchange and improves heat transfer efficiency. When servicing systems, technicians should use dew-point temperatures for superheat calculations and bubble-point temperatures for subcooling measurements.
Expect the temperature glide, R448A is classified as A1 by ASHRAE Standard 34, meaning it is non-flammable and has low toxicity. This makes it suitable for commercial refrigeration systems where safety and regulatory compliance are important considerations.
In practical applications, you will find that its operating pressure is approximately 10% lower than that of R404A, with slightly lower high-pressure levels. This eliminates the need to redesign pressure vessels, allows for a slight reduction in pipe diameter, and requires only a 0%–3% increase in charge volume, making it highly compatible with retrofitting existing equipment.
The table below lists the physical properties of R448A:
| Features | R-448A |
| Formula | R-32 (26%)
R-125 (26%) R-134a (21%) R-1234yf (20%) R-1234ze (7%) |
| Molecular weight (g/mol) | 86.3 |
| Boiling Temperature (˚C) | -46.12 |
| Critical Temp (˚C) | 83.7 |
| Critical Pressure （Bar） | 44.5 |
| Global Warming Potential | 1387 (AR4)
1273 (AR5) |
| Ozone Depletion Percentage | 0 |
| ASHRAE Safety Group | A1 |
| Oil | POE
Legacy systems may require conversion. |
Chemical Properties
In terms of chemical stability, R448A refrigerant is stable at normal temperature and pressure and does not readily decompose. However, under high temperatures (>250°C), in the presence of open flames, or under metal catalysis, it decomposes to produce toxic and corrosive gases such as HF, CO, and fluorides. Therefore, operation at excessive temperatures or exposure to open flames is strictly prohibited.
R448A refrigerant is fully compatible with POE (polyolester oil) but is immiscible with traditional mineral oil (MO) and alkylbenzene oil (AB). When replacing the oil, the system must be thoroughly flushed, and the POE refrigeration oil must be replaced to prevent oil film blockages or compressor wear.
As an A1-class refrigerant, it is non-flammable and has no flash point. However, at high concentrations in the air, it displaces oxygen, leading to oxygen deprivation and suffocation. It must be handled in a well-ventilated environment equipped with a gas detector.
Its ODP is 0, meaning it does not deplete the ozone layer, and its GWP is significantly lower than that of R404A. HFO accounts for 27% of its chemical composition; it decomposes easily in the atmosphere, has a short atmospheric lifetime, and offers outstanding environmental safety.
R448A Pressure-Temperature Chart
| R-448A Liquid (PSIG) | R-448A Vapor (PSIG) | °F | °C |
| 4.9 | 0 | -40 | -40 |
| 7.5 | 2.1 | -35 | -37.2 |
| 10.4 | 4.4 | -30 | -34.4 |
| 13.5 | 7 | -25 | -31.7 |
| 17 | 9.8 | -20 | -28.9 |
| 20.8 | 13 | -15 | -26.1 |
| 24.9 | 16.4 | -10 | -23.3 |
| 29.3 | 20.2 | -5 | -20.6 |
| 34.2 | 24.3 | 0 | -17.8 |
| 39.4 | 28.8 | 5 | -15 |
| 45.1 | 33.6 | 10 | -12.2 |
| 51.2 | 38.9 | 15 | -9.4 |
| 57.8 | 44.6 | 20 | -6.7 |
| 64.8 | 50.7 | 25 | -3.9 |
| 72.3 | 57.3 | 30 | -1.1 |
| 80.4 | 64.4 | 35 | 1.7 |
| 89 | 72.1 | 40 | 4.4 |
| 98.2 | 80.3 | 45 | 7.2 |
| 108 | 89 | 50 | 10 |
| 118 | 98.4 | 55 | 12.8 |
| 129 | 108 | 60 | 15.6 |
| 141 | 119 | 65 | 18.3 |
| 154 | 130 | 70 | 21.1 |
| 167 | 142 | 75 | 23.9 |
| 181 | 155 | 80 | 26.7 |
| 195 | 169 | 85 | 29.4 |
| 211 | 183 | 90 | 32.2 |
| 227 | 198 | 95 | 35 |
| 244 | 214 | 100 | 37.8 |
| 262 | 231 | 105 | 40.6 |
| 281 | 249 | 110 | 43.3 |
| 300 | 268 | 115 | 46.1 |
| 321 | 288 | 120 | 48.9 |
| 343 | 309 | 125 | 51.7 |
| 365 | 331 | 130 | 54.4 |
| 389 | 355 | 135 | 57.2 |
| 414 | 379 | 140 | 60 |
| 440 | 405 | 145 | 62.8 |
| 467 | 433 | 150 | 65.6 |
Advantages of R448A Refrigerant
Lower GWP than R404A
Regarding the environmental metrics, R448A has a GWP of 1,273, which is 65% lower than R404A (GWP=3,920) and approximately 67% lower than R507A. It satisfies the requirements for low-GWP refrigerants under EU Regulation 517/2014 and the U.S. SNAP program.
It has an ODP of 0. The HFO components degrade rapidly in the atmosphere. It can reduce the greenhouse effect and help you avoid high carbon taxes and emission restrictions.
Taking cold storage systems as an example, replacing R404A can reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 72% and indirect emissions by 1%–6%.
The table below outlines the advantages of the R448A refrigerant’s components:
| Component | Advantages |
| R32（26%） | Provides good thermodynamic performance, but has a high GWP when used alone |
| R125（26%） | Enhances the stability of the system and reduces flammability |
| R134a（21%） | Traditional low-to-medium temperature refrigerant; improves the phase transition characteristics of the mixture |
| R1234yf（20%） | Low-GWP HFO component (GWP=4), key to replacing R134a |
| R1234ze（7%） | Further reduces GWP and optimizes temperature drift characteristics |
Energy Efficiency
In actual supermarket and cold storage applications, R448A refrigerant can reduce energy consumption by approximately 5%-15% in many low- and medium-temperature refrigeration applications.
It results in lower compressor operating loads, moderate discharge temperatures, and reduced power and wear. Its temperature glide characteristics improve heat exchanger efficiency. It results in more stable cooling output. It offers significant energy efficiency in the medium-to-low temperature range of -40°C to 10°C, and long-term use can substantially reduce electricity costs.
Easy Retrofit for Many Systems
As an A1-class non-flammable refrigerant, R448A is non-toxic and poses no explosion risk. It’s safer than flammable refrigerants like R290 and R32, eliminating the need for special explosion-proof designs. R448A refrigerant is designed as a “direct replacement” for R404A/R507A.
There is no need to replace components such as compressors or condensers. You only need to adjust the expansion valve and lubricant.
Drawbacks of R448A Refrigerant
High Requirements
Although R448A’s 6.17 K temperature shift improves heat exchange efficiency, it requires liquid charging. Gas charging is prohibited, as component separation would otherwise damage performance.
In the event of a system leak, the lighter components (R32, R1234yf) are lost first, increasing the GWP of the remaining components and reducing energy efficiency. You may need professional leak detection and a full recharge.
Requires Auxiliary Cooling Measures
Compared to R404A, R448A operates at a compressor discharge temperature 5–10°C higher. At temperatures above 35°C, this may trigger the compressor’s high-temperature protection mechanism and even affect its service life.
During retrofitting or design, you must implement liquid injection cooling, increase the condenser’s heat dissipation area, or optimize fan speed to keep the discharge temperature.
High Costs
R448A contains HFO components. This results in higher original material costs than R404A or R22. The market price is approximately 1.5 to 2 times that of R404A. If you want to replace the R404A systems with R448A, it requires switching to POE refrigeration oil, cleaning the piping, and replacing the desiccant filter, leading to higher initial retrofit costs.
It is sensitive to moisture and impurities in the system. Moisture content must be ≤10 ppm and acidity ≤1 ppm. You should test regularly, which increases costs.
R448A vs R404A
Here is a comparison of R448A vs R404A for you:
| Feature | R448A | R404A |
| Global Warming Potential | 1,273 | 3,922 |
| ODP | 0 | 0 |
| Retrofit Friendly | Higher | Lower |
| Operating Pressure | Similar | Similar |
| ASHRAE Safety Group | A1 | A1 |
| Recommended Oil | POE | POE |
Retrofit Considerations from R404A to R448A
When retrofitting from R404A to R448A:
- Replace the filter drier
- Check expansion value settings
- Update controller parameters
- Use POE lubricant
- Recalculate the specific heat and subcooling due to the temperature glide
Which refrigerants can R448A replace?
R404A and R507A
R448A is a preferred replacement for R404A and R507A because it has similar pressure and capacity. It can be used as a drop-in replacement in many retrofit projects without replacing core equipment, offering energy savings of 5%–15% and reducing GWP by over 65%. And it is perfectly fitting with the EU F-Gas Regulation’s phase-out requirements for high-GWP refrigerants.
When you replace it, you only need to change the POE oil, adjust the expansion valve, and clean the piping. If you do it, it can ensure a short retrofit cycle and high cost-effectiveness.
R22
R448A can serve as an indirect replacement for R22 (HCFC, ODP > 0). It is suitable for medium and low temperature refrigeration and freezing systems (cold storage facilities, refrigerated cabinets).
When retrofitting R22 systems, it is necessary to replace POE oil, clean the piping, replace the desiccant filter, and adjust the expansion valve.
Because of the difference in pressure between R448A and R22, the compressor’s pressure and heat exchange capacity must be verified. It is not recommended for use in R22 air conditioning systems in high-pressure operating conditions.
R407 Series
R448A can replace R407C, R407E, and other R407 series refrigerants in commercial medium and low temperature refrigeration systems. It features a smaller temperature drift, higher energy efficiency, and lower GWP. During replacement, POE oil must be changed and the expansion valve adjusted. It is compatible with most R407 series equipment operating conditions.
Applications of R448A Refrigerant
R448A refrigerant is used in many applications:
- Commercial Refrigeration: supermarket refrigerated display cases and convenience store refrigeration systems
- Industrial Cryogenic Refrigeration: food processing freezing, pharmaceutical cold chains, chemical cryogenic reactors, and electronic component cooling
- Refrigerated Transportation: refrigerated trucks, refrigerated containers, and ship refrigeration systems
- Other Special Applications: commercial air conditioning (low-temperature chillers), heat pump dehumidifiers, and laboratory cryogenic equipment
Final Thoughts
R448A remains a strong upgrade for businesses replacing R404A. It can reduce the impact on the environment, cut energy costs, and help extend equipment life.
Need to know the information on R448A refrigerant or a complete cold room solution?
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FAQ
Can you use R448A in an R404A system?
Yes. You usually need an oil change, valve adjustment, and system check.
Can you mix R448A with R404A?
No. Mixing refrigerants is not recommended.
Is R448A a drop-in replacement for R404A?
No. Although R448A is widely used to replace R404A, technicians should check expansion value settings, controller parameters, and system performance during retrofit.
Will R448A be phased out?
Yes. Although R448A has a significantly lower GWP than R404A, it is still higher than that of natural refrigerants (such as CO₂ and ammonia) and new-generation ultra-low-GWP refrigerants (such as R454C, GWP=146). As global carbon reduction targets become more stringent, R448A may face further pressure to be phased out.
Is R448A better than R449A?
It depends on your system design and operating temperature.
Where to Buy R448A Refrigerant?
If you’re buying R448A refrigerant, choose trusted suppliers that offer sealed cylinders, verified brands, and compliant shipping.
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