R448A is one of the refrigerant options for commercial refrigeration systems moving away from R404A. In stationary systems with remote condensing units or self-contained units, the transition path depends on whether the existing condensing unit and system components are already qualified for alternative refrigerants.
Installers can typically follow one of three paths: a drop-in transition, a retrofit with component checks or replacements, or a new installation designed around the selected refrigerant. Before moving from R404A to R448A, the compressor or condensing unit operating map, expansion valve settings, safety switches, controller settings, and key refrigeration components should be checked for compatibility.
Danfoss supports the transition from R404A to R448A with qualified components, selection tools, retrofit guidance, and refrigerant resources that help installers evaluate system performance and component compatibility.
Can R448A replace R404A in commercial refrigeration systems?
R448A can be used as a replacement option for R404A in commercial refrigeration systems, but the transition depends on system qualification and component compatibility. If the existing condensing unit is already qualified for alternative refrigerants, a drop-in approach may be possible. If not, the system should be reviewed for retrofit, redesign, or component replacement.
Which transition path should you choose?
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Drop-in path
Choose the drop-in path when the existing condensing unit is already qualified for alternative refrigerants. In this case, no major system changes are expected, but the system should still be checked and settings adjusted where needed.
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Retrofit or redesign path
Choose the retrofit or redesign path when the existing condensing unit is not qualified for alternative refrigerants. This path requires checking the compressor or condensing unit operating map, component sizing, expansion valve settings, safety switches, controller settings, and system performance before moving to R448A.
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New installation path
For new installations, select the condensing unit, compressor, and other system components based on the target refrigerant and application. Coolselector®2 can be used to select condensing units, compressors, and other components, while the commercial applications module can help calculate cold room loads and identify Danfoss solutions for a specific refrigerant.
R404A to R448A transition options
| Transition option | When to use it | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Drop-in | Use when the condensing unit is already qualified for alternative refrigerants. | Confirm refrigerant qualification and adjust settings where needed. |
| Retrofit or redesign | Use when the condensing unit is not qualified for alternative refrigerants. | Check compressor or condensing unit operating map, expansion valve settings, controller settings, safety switches, and component sizing. |
| New installation | Use when designing a new system around the selected refrigerant. | Use Coolselector®2 to select the condensing unit, compressor, and other components; calculate cold room loads; and check the Ecodesign level of the condensing unit. |
What should installers check before moving from R404A to R448A?
Before moving from R404A to R448A, installers should complete the following checks:
- Check compressor or condensing unit qualification
Ensure that the compressor or condensing unit operating map with the new refrigerant fits the application. - Adjust system settings
Adjust settings for expansion valves, safety switches, and the controller where applicable. - Clean the system
Clean the system as part of the refrigerant transition process. - Replace the filter drier and sight glass
Change the filter drier and sight glass to support longer system lifetime. - Check component sizing
Review the expansion valve, solenoid valve, evaporator, condenser, pressure regulator, check valve, compressor or condensing unit, and refrigerant lines for correct sizing and operating conditions. - Use selection tools
Use Coolselector®2 to select new condensing units, compressors, and other system components, and to calculate cold room loads for a specific refrigerant.
What is the impact of R448A on system performance?
Moving from R404A to R448A can change system performance. In the Danfoss example for a medium-temperature application operating at -10°C evaporating temperature and 35°C condensing temperature, the transition to R448A affects discharge temperature, heating capacity, cooling capacity, power consumption, and COP.
| Performance factor | Example impact with R448A |
|---|---|
| Discharge temperature change | +13 K |
| Heating capacity | -6% |
| Cooling capacity | -8% |
| Power | +2% |
| COP | -10% |
Because system performance can change, the compressor or condensing unit operating map and component sizing should be checked before finalizing the refrigerant transition.
Which components should be checked when changing refrigerant?
A refrigerant change can affect component sizing, valve settings, superheat adjustment, discharge temperature, and refrigerant line behavior. Before moving from R404A to R448A, installers should review each key component in the refrigeration circuit and confirm that it remains suitable for the new refrigerant and operating conditions.
The following components should be checked:
| Component | What to check |
|---|---|
| Expansion valve T2 / TU | Check whether the valve is oversized. Superheat adjustment is critical. |
| Solenoid valve EVRv2 | Check whether the valve is oversized. |
| Evaporator | Check dimensioning. |
| Condenser MCHE | Check dimensioning. |
| Pressure regulator KVP | Check whether the valve is oversized. |
| Check valve NRV | Check whether the valve is oversized. |
| Compressor MTZ / NTZ / MLZ / LLZ | Check dimensioning and operating map. |
| Optyma™ condensing units | Check qualification and operating map. |
| Liquid line | Check pipe sizing and refrigerant velocity. |
| Discharge line | Check pipe sizing and discharge temperature. |
| Suction line | Check pipe sizing. |
Which Danfoss components are qualified for R448A without resizing?
The following Danfoss components are qualified for R448A and do not require resizing:
| Component | Compatibility note |
|---|---|
| DML filter driers | Qualified for R448A; no resize needed. |
| DCL filter driers | Qualified for R448A; no resize needed. |
| SGP sight glass | Qualified for R448A; no resize needed. |
| GBC ball valves | Qualified for R448A; no resize needed. |
| KP pressure switches | Qualified for R448A; no resize needed. |
| XGE fan speed controller | Qualified for R448A; no resize needed. |
All new and upgraded Danfoss products undergo testing to qualify for new refrigerants.
What refrigerants are listed as possible replacements for R404A?
The refrigerant options depend on whether the system is an existing installation or a new installation, and whether the application is medium back pressure or low back pressure.
| System type | MBP refrigerants | LBP refrigerants |
|---|---|---|
| Existing systems | R448A, R449A | R448A, R449A, R452A |
| New systems | R448A, R449A, R134a, R513A, R290 | R448A, R449A, R452A, R290 |
For potential charge limitations of A2L refrigerants, installers should refer to local regulations.
Typical operating temperatures and times in cold rooms
Cold room operating conditions depend on the stored product and application. The following examples show typical temperatures and operating times used for common cold room applications.
| Application | Typical temperature and time |
|---|---|
| Meat | +1°C; 18 h |
| Fish | +1°C; 18 h |
| Fruit and vegetables | +8°C; 18 h |
| Fruit and vegetables | 0°C; 18 h |
| Butter, eggs, cheese | +5°C; 18 h |
| Laboratories | +1°C to +15°C; 18 h |
| Freezers | -18°C to -23°C; 16 h |
Which Danfoss tools support refrigerant transition?
Danfoss supports refrigerant transition planning with tools and resources that help installers check compatibility, select components, and calculate cold room loads.
Use Coolselector®2 to select condensing units, compressors, and other system components. Use the Coolselector®2 commercial applications module to calculate cold room loads and find Danfoss solutions for a specific refrigerant.
Additional Danfoss resources include retrofit guidelines, the Refrigerant Slider, and refrigerant information available through Danfoss refrigerant resources.
FAQ
How do I retrofit a walk-in cooler from R404A to a low-GWP refrigerant?
Replace seals, check oil compatibility, adjust expansion valve, and recharge with approved low-GWP refrigerant. Check to make sure that super heat adjustment alone will be sufficient to adjust for the changes. If not, a dedicated TXV for that refrigerant will be necessary.
What refrigerant strategy should a supermarket chain adopt as R404A is phased out?
CO₂ offers zero GWP but higher complexity; A2L blends are simpler retrofits with lower GWP.
Can I replace R404A with R448A in a commercial refrigeration system?
R448A is a possible replacement option for R404A in commercial refrigeration applications. The correct transition path depends on whether the existing condensing unit and system components are qualified for the alternative refrigerant.
When is a drop-in transition possible?
A drop-in transition is possible when the existing condensing unit is already qualified for alternative refrigerants. In this case, no major system changes are expected, although system settings should still be checked and adjusted where needed.
What should be checked before moving from R404A to R448A?
Before moving from R404A to R448A, check the compressor or condensing unit operating map, expansion valve settings, safety switches, controller settings, component sizing, filter drier, sight glass, and refrigerant line behavior.
What performance changes can occur with R448A?
In the Danfoss example for a medium-temperature application operating at -10°C evaporating temperature and 35°C condensing temperature, R448A increases discharge temperature by 13 K, reduces heating capacity by 6%, reduces cooling capacity by 8%, increases power by 2%, and reduces COP by 10%.
Which Danfoss components are qualified for R448A without resizing?
DML and DCL filter driers, SGP sight glass, GBC ball valves, KP pressure switches, and XGE fan speed controller are qualified for R448A and do not require resizing.
Which tools help select components for R448A?
Coolselector®2 helps select condensing units, compressors, and other system components. The Coolselector®2 commercial applications module helps calculate cold room loads and find Danfoss solutions for a specific refrigerant.
Do A2L refrigerants have charge limitations?
A2L refrigerants may be subject to charge limitations depending on local regulations. Installers should always check applicable local safety and regulatory requirements before selecting or installing an A2L refrigerant.
Downloads
Download the full R404A to R448A guide
This page summarizes the key decision points from the Danfoss guide. Download the full PDF for the complete infographic, component checks, refrigerant options, and supporting resources.