Is your site operation organization still up-to-date?
Delegating duties is the safe thing to do
Hydrogen consulting
We practice sustainability
Our terms of acceptance and certificates
Disposal Center in Industriepark Höchst
Our specialists: Infraserv Logistics GmbH
Commercial vehicle center: inspections, maintenance and repairs
Move one step closer to a full operational safety
Our immission control officers
Find out what action to take with the GWP calculator
Your laboratories have to be state-of-the-art
The Provadis Group
Route map (PDF)
Industriepark Höchst
Registration form (PDF)
Apply now
Our benefits
Operators of equipment that use R-404a or R-507 as a refrigerant will find a brief overview of R-404a and R-507 and potential alternatives to these refrigerants in this article. We also briefly describe what actions to take when using R-404a / R 507 and explain where to go for further information and assistance.
The F-Gas Regulation (EU) 517/2014 came into force on January 1, 2015. It is stricter than the previously applicable F-Gas Regulation of 2006. It applies in all European Union member states and is part of the European roadmap for a low-carbon economy. Its central goal is to significantly reduce fluorinated greenhouse gases in order to protect the climate and environment.
It became illegal to sell new systems containing R-404a refrigerant on December 31, 2019. Since then, the current F-Gas Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014 has made it illegal to market stationary refrigeration equipment containing F-gases with a GWP (global warming potential) value of 2,500 or more. This prohibition affects R-404a since it has a GWP of 3,920.
However, refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment that was already placed on the market and is still in operation may be filled with recycled and virgin R-404a refrigerant until December 31, 2029.
Another measure required by the F-Gas Regulation as part of the phase-down is a gradual, significant quantitative limitation of high-GWP refrigerants by 2030. The foreseeable result: refrigerant scarcity and much higher prices.
Given this situation, we strongly advise against buying new R-404a equipment. If you are planning to keep an existing system running for a long time, you should consider having it retrofitted for an alternative refrigerant. It should be a refrigerant with the lowest-possible GWP that also falls under the A1 safety classification (no flame propagation, low toxicity), offers close to the same cooling capacity and equally high system efficiency, and has a similar working pressure. In addition, the new refrigerant should not require component replacements or an oil change.
Most manufacturers have developed alternative refrigerants with significantly lower GWPs that already meet the stated requirements, at least for special products. Substitutes for R-404a include:
The refrigeration capacity is about the same as R-404a or slightly lower in the case of R-449a. All possible alternatives are blends with a high temperature glide. R-448a and R-449a should be given preference due to their low GWP values. The better energy efficiency ratio of R-448a can also help to cut operating costs.
Key information about refrigerants
Information about R-134a (GWP value: 1,430).
Information about R-410a (GWP value: 2088).
Information about R-1234yf (GWP value: 4).
Information about R-290 (GWP value: 3).
Operators using R-404a as a refrigerant in their equipment will have to switch to an alternative in the foreseeable future.
More information: The GWP value of refrigerants and its importance for operators
Use our GWP value calculator to easily find out what you need to do and find suitable alternatives.
Filling volume (kg)*
Refrigerant* R22 R23 R134a R32 R404A R507A R407A R407F R422A R407C R417A R422D R427A R410A R450A R513A R448A R449A R452A R1234yf R1234ze
Leak detection system
Calculate
The refrigerant has a GWP value of: This translates into a CO2 equivalent of: metric tons Information about the testing cycle: Regulation (EC) No 1005/2009 has banned the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons since January 1, 2015. Urgent action is needed! The CO2 equivalent is below the limits that currently require regular leak testing. Nevertheless, as an operator, you should perform regular leak tests and maintenance to avoid risking machine breakdowns. CO2 equivalent is above the limits. In this range, regular leak testing (every %s months) is mandatory! In addition, there are record-keeping obligations regarding the charge size, the CO2 equivalent and the recycling or reclamation facilities.
We would be happy to tell you about the requirements (regarding leak checks, record-keeping obligations, F-gas type, regular maintenance, etc.) that you have to satisfy today and in coming years, and where to obtain professional information, advice and services. Request a non-binding initial consultation now.
Key information about Regulation (EU) 517/2014
Our GWP calculator makes it extremely easy to find out the GWP value (global warming potential) of the refrigerant used in your equipment
What you need to know now about refrigerants
Do you have any questions? If so, simply fill out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!