Understanding Commercial Refrigeration

Should You Replace Your R404A System and Are You Using the Best Refrigerant for Your Air Conditioning or Water Chiller Plant?

As the commercial refrigeration and air conditioning industry continues to evolve, businesses are facing key decisions about the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact of their systems. Two common questions we hear at Aircon Group are:

• Do I have to replace my old R404A system?
• Am I using the best refrigerant for my air conditioning & water chillers?

Let’s explore these queries and how Aircon Group can help businesses navigate their refrigerant choices.

Do I Have to Replace My Old R404A System?

If your commercial refrigeration system still runs on R404A, you may already be aware of the regulatory changes affecting this refrigerant. R404A has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), and under the F-Gas Regulations, its phasedown has significantly impacted availability and cost.

While you are not legally required to replace an existing R404A system immediately, there are several compelling reasons to consider upgrading:

Increasing Costs: The price of R404A has risen due to restrictions on production and supply, though we can currently use reclaimed R404a for servicing requirements, this allowance will be removed in 2030.

Environmental Responsibility: Switching to a lower-GWP refrigerant helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint.

Energy Efficiency: Newer systems with modern refrigerants can be much more efficient, leading to reduced running costs.

Future-Proofing: As phase-downs continue, R404A will become increasingly difficult and expensive to source, making proactive replacement a smarter long-term investment.

If a full system replacement isn’t viable right now, Aircon Group can help assess your options, such as retrofitting with alternative refrigerants that are more sustainable and cost-effective.

Am I Using the Best Refrigerant for My Air Conditioning?

Choosing the right refrigerant is essential for efficiency, performance, and compliance with environmental regulations. If your air conditioning system is running on refrigerants such as R410A or R407c, you may be wondering whether it’s time for an upgrade.

With the increasing adoption of low-GWP refrigerants, many businesses are moving towards alternatives such as:

 R32: A popular choice for split and multi-split air conditioning systems, offering better energy efficiency and, with a lower global warming potential, a lower environmental impact than R410A. Growing trend for use on VRF where the application allows it in line with BS EN 378, also used in water chillers, particularly modular chillers.

 R454B: Low GWP A2L Refrigerant for use in larger commercial water chillers

 R1234yf and R1234ze: Ultra-low GWP options also used in large water chillers, helping businesses meet sustainability goals.

 CO₂ (R744): A natural refrigerant, ideal for certain industrial and commercial retail applications, a growing market for single cold room and cabinet installations using condensing units rather than refrigeration packs.

If you’re unsure whether your current AC refrigerant is the most efficient or sustainable choice, Aircon Group can conduct an assessment, providing expert recommendations on the best refrigerant solutions for your business.

How Can Aircon Group Help?

At Aircon Group, we specialise in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning solutions, helping businesses stay compliant, efficient, and future-proof. Our services include:

Refrigerant Assessments: We analyse your current system and recommend cost-effective, low-GWP alternatives.

Retrofitting & Upgrades: Transitioning your existing systems to more sustainable refrigerants with minimal disruption.

New Installations: Bespoke solutions designed for energy efficiency, long-term savings, and environmental compliance.

24/7 Support & Maintenance: Ensuring your systems run smoothly, whatever the temperature or time of year.