Winding Down R404A in Australian Supermarkets
Important Changes to Refrigeration: What the R404A Phase-Down Means for Your Business
As part of global efforts to combat climate change, the refrigerant R404A, commonly used in commercial refrigeration systems, is being phased down due to its high impact on global warming. This phase-down means that businesses will need to transition to more environmentally friendly alternatives over the coming years.
We want to reassure you that Baker Refrigeration is here to help you through this process.
Our team will guide you through the options, offering modern refrigerants with much lower environmental impact, helping you future-proof your business.
We thought we’d delve into the topic here and provide some information on how it may impact store owners.
Background
What is R404A?
R404A is a chemical used in the refrigeration cycle to maintain food temperature preventing bacteria and spoiling in supermarket equipment like; freezers, cool rooms, medium temp cases, deli cases, self-contained cases, pubs and clubs beer systems, refrigerated trucks. It was previously popular because it works well in maintaining both low and medium temperatures.
Key Points:
- It doesn’t harm the ozone layer: R404A is safe for the ozone, which is a layer in the atmosphere that protects us from the sun’s harmful rays.
However:
- It causes global warming: R404A is not environmentally friendly in another way. When it leaks into the air, it has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), meaning it contributes a lot to climate change. Its impact on global warming is nearly 4,000 times stronger than carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Why is it being phased out?
Because R404A contributes so much to climate change, many countries, including Australia, are starting to phase it out and replace it with more eco-friendly refrigerants. It has been totally banned in Europe. These newer options are better for the environment and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What’s replacing it?
Supermarkets and businesses are switching to refrigerants that are much better for the environment, like:
- R448A, R449A or R452A: These are similar refrigerants but with a much lower impact on global warming.
- CO₂ and R290: Natural refrigerants that are much more eco-friendly.
R404A was useful in the past but is being replaced because it’s harmful to the environment.
The phase-down so far
The phase down is rapidly accelerating with a reduction on the quantities suppliers can bring into the country already in place; couple this with the regulatory deadlines fast approaching (see below), the refrigerants your store may use will be impacted.
“The Australian Federal government is considering restrictions to reduce the high use of R404A in commercial refrigeration.
Australia will also consider restrictions on new equipment to help to encourage change and support the HFC phase-down”
Source: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/ozone/hfc-phase-down/hfc-phase-down-faqs
Around the World
“Actions taken under the Montreal Protocol avoided 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from 1990 to 2010, more than that achieved under the Kyoto Protocol first commitment period.”
Source: https://www.climatecontrolnews.com.au/refrigeration/high-demand-for-r404a
What does this mean for your equipment using R404A?
Stores will be able to continue to operate their existing R404A equipment, however, as the R404A usage is phased out across Australia the cost of the gas will increase significantly which means maintenance on the equipment will be costly (in terms of refrigerant maintenance).
We can also discuss ways to retrofit your current equipment.
What does this mean for equipment you want to buy?
By transitioning directly to CO₂ or R290, you can avoid the costs and disruptions associated with switching to multiple interim refrigerants, each potentially requiring system modifications.
Our teams are aware of the phase down and will strongly suggest, in order for you to future proof your store and decrease your impact on the environment, that you look at purchasing CO2 or R290 run equipment.
We are pleased to let you know that all of our new plug-in products utilise R290 so we have you covered.
What is the Baker team doing to make this easier?
During 2025 you will have the option to book a R404A store future proofing assessment with us, we will complete a store audit and submit a phase down plan to you. This will give you time to plan and budget your changes.
Our commitment to you
With enough planning and working together we will do our best to ease stores into the phase down. We will provide you with cost effective options so you can make an informed choice, we will make sure store owners know that they should not purchase equipment using R404A.
Additional information
Advice from HVAC&R news
Although future government policy is still not clear, the message for contractors is: the days of R404A are numbered. It was noted that the imperative is now even greater to avoid installing new equipment on R404A and invest the extra money to move to a more future-proof product.
Additionally, there is a need to build knowledge among practitioners about replacement products, retrofit processes, and how to optimise systems on those products.
Source: https://www.hvacrnews.com.au/news/days-of-r404a-are-numbered/
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