If you're considering a refrigerant that’s energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and compliant with today’s regulations, R448A should be on your radar. As HVAC and refrigeration industries look for sustainable replacements to older HFC refrigerants, R448A has emerged as a strong contender. In this blog, we’ll explain why R448A is good, what it replaces, its applications, technical benefits, and why it could be the right choice for your system.

What Is R448A?

R448A, also known by the trade name Solstice® N40, is a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant blend developed by Honeywell. It’s classified as an HFO/HFC blend and is primarily used in commercial refrigeration systems. It was introduced to meet global demands for refrigerants that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining strong performance.

Composition of R448A:

✨ R-32 (26%)
✨ R-125 (26%)
✨ R-134a (21%)
✨ R-1234yf (20%)
✨ R-1234ze (7%)

This unique blend allows it to provide a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) while still offering excellent cooling performance.

Why R448A Is Good: Benefits and Performance

Switching to R448A brings several advantages that align with environmental goals, energy efficiency standards, and system performance expectations.

1. Low Global Warming Potential (GWP)

One of the primary reasons R448A is widely adopted is its significantly lower GWP compared to legacy refrigerants like R404A. R448A has a GWP of 1,273, which is approximately 68% lower than that of R404A (3,922).

2. Improved Energy Efficiency

R448A offers superior energy performance, especially in low- and medium-temperature systems. It can reduce energy consumption by up to 5–15% in commercial refrigeration applications, depending on the system design and climate zone.

3. Excellent Cooling Capacity

Despite being more environmentally friendly, R448A doesn’t sacrifice performance. It maintains a similar or better cooling capacity compared to the high-GWP refrigerants it replaces.

4. Non-Ozone Depleting

R448A contains no chlorine, so it's non-ozone depleting, aligning with the Montreal Protocol and other global environmental regulations.

5. Retrofit Capability

One of the strongest selling points of R448A is its ability to replace legacy refrigerants without the need for major system changes. This makes it a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to update their systems without investing in entirely new equipment.

What Does R448A Replace?

R448A was specifically designed as a drop-in or retrofit replacement for several high-GWP refrigerants commonly used in commercial refrigeration. Here are the most common ones:

✅ R-404A

R404A is one of the most widely used refrigerants in supermarket systems, but it has a very high GWP of 3,922. R448A replaces R404A in most applications with minimal equipment changes and better efficiency.

✅ R-507A

R507A is another HFC blend that is being phased out. R448A offers comparable performance and a much lower environmental impact.

✅ R-22 (in some cases)

While not always a direct retrofit, R448A can replace R-22 in low- and medium-temperature applications with proper system adjustments. This is helpful as R-22 is now banned in many countries.

Applications of R448A

R448A is suitable for various commercial and industrial applications, especially where older HFCs like R404A were used. Some of the most common applications include:

✦ Supermarkets and grocery stores
✦ Cold storage warehouses
✦ Convenience stores
✦ Commercial freezers and refrigerators
✦ Food processing plants
✦ Refrigerated transport (in some systems)

Whether you’re retrofitting an older unit or building a new system, R448A fits a wide range of needs.

Is R448A Flammable?

R448A is classified as A1 under ASHRAE 34, meaning it has low toxicity and is non-flammable. This makes it a safer choice for commercial settings where personnel safety is crucial and systems may be installed in public spaces.

R448A vs. R404A: A Detailed Comparison

Conclusion: R448A is a better option for long-term compliance, lower energy bills, and environmental responsibility.

How to Retrofit a System to R448A

If you’re planning to replace your existing refrigerant with R448A, here are the general steps involved:

✔ Baseline Performance Analysis – Evaluate current system performance.
✔ Recover Existing Refrigerant – Safely remove old refrigerant like R404A.
✔ Change Lubricants (if required) – Some systems may need POE (Polyolester) oil.
✔ Replace Seals & Filters – Ensure system integrity.
✔ Charge with R448A – Use correct weight and monitor pressures.
✔ Performance Test & Adjust Controls – Verify operation and optimize settings.

💡 Tip: Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines or consult an HVAC/R professional for retrofits.

Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Impact

As governments around the world continue to enforce F-Gas regulations, R448A offers a future-proof alternative. Here's how it stands:

✔ EU F-Gas Regulation: Meets GWP limits for new installations
✔ U.S. EPA SNAP: Approved for several end-uses
✔ CARB (California Air Resources Board): Compliant with existing and upcoming rules
✔ Environment Canada: Listed as a low-GWP option

By switching to R448A, you reduce the risk of compliance issues and future restrictions.

Why Buy R448A from Royal Refrigerants?

At Royal Refrigerants, we offer factory-sealed, high-quality R448A refrigerant cylinders that ship the same business day. Here’s what sets us apart:

✅ Competitive pricing with bulk purchase options
✅ Expert customer support
✅ Compliance with AHRI & EPA standards
✅ Fast & secure shipping across the U.S.
✅ Trusted by thousands of HVAC professionals

Your refrigeration system deserves the best. Make the switch to R448A with confidence when you shop at Royal Refrigerants.

FAQs About R448A

🔹 Is R448A suitable for new installations?

Yes, R448A is excellent for both retrofits and new system designs in commercial refrigeration.

🔹 Does R448A require special equipment?

No, most existing systems using R404A or R507A can be retrofitted with minimal changes.

🔹 Can I mix R448A with other refrigerants?

No. Mixing refrigerants is not recommended. Always use clean, pure R448A.

🔹 Is R448A available in different sizes?

Yes, you can buy R448A in 25 lb factory-sealed cylinders at Royal Refrigerants.

Final Thoughts

R448A is a powerful, efficient, and environmentally friendly refrigerant that addresses the industry’s need to phase out high-GWP substances like R404A. It’s retrofit-friendly, performs excellently in a wide range of applications, and is aligned with global environmental policies.

So whether you're updating a cold storage facility or managing a supermarket refrigeration system, R448A is a smart and future-ready solution. Order your cylinder today from Royal Refrigerants and take a step toward more efficient and sustainable cooling.

📦 Buy R448A Now — Fast Shipping, Factory Sealed

Order your R448A 25 lb Cylinder here and enjoy same-day shipping, great prices, and expert support from Royal Refrigerants — your trusted HVAC partner.