Freon™ 404A (R-404A) is a blended hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant comprised of R-125, R-134a, and R-143a. It was designed to replace R-502 and R-22 used in commercial refrigerator equipment for low and medium temperature ranges. Its properties make it ideal for use in display cases, refrigerated vehicles, ice makers, and other applications.
Features and Benefits
Freon™ 404A is a nonflammable, low toxicity refrigerant that carries an ASHRAE A1 safety classification and offers similar properties to the refrigerant it replaces. It has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a global warming potential (GWP) of 3920.
Freon™ 404A offers the best overall properties when compared to R-502. Its capacity and efficiency values are equivalent to R-502. It operates at comparable physical and thermodynamic properties which makes transitioning to new systems or retrofitting older systems easier. The compressor discharge temperatures of Freon™ 404A can fall 9 °C (14 °F) lower than R-502, which may lead to longer compressor life and better lubricant stability.
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) recommend using polyolester (POE) oil in a unit’s compressor when replacing R-502 with Freon™ 404A. After the oil change, Freon 404A will offer the same operating range as R-502.
If you're looking for a low global warming potential (GWP) alternative, consider Chemours’ portfolio of Opteon™ refrigerants, including Opteon™ XP40 (R-449A) and Opteon™ XP44 (R-452A).
