R404A has become one of the most widely used refrigerants used in commercial refrigeration machines. It was introduced in the mid-1990s as a replacement for ozone-depleting refrigerants including CFCs (such as R12 and R502). In the catering and supermarket sector, it has become the dominant refrigerant across Europe for both chilled and frozen food refrigeration. It is also used for industrial refrigeration and for cold storage.
In the last couple of years, governments have been trying to reduce the use of this refrigerant in commercial refrigeration and have passed new environmental to prevent the use of this refrigerants like R404A This is down two major factors.
R404A has the highest GWP (global warming potential) rating of 3922. This means it has a very impact on the environment. Also, R404A does not achieve the best energy efficiency, this poor energy efficiency leads to extra running costs, in addition, it leads to extra Co2 emissions being produced to produce the higher electricity requirement to run the Refrigeration machine.
So what are the alternatives?
Opting for refrigeration appliances that use an R600A or R290A. These CFC free refrigerants have a very low environmental impact with only a GWP rating of 3. with excellent thermodynamic performance,non -toxic as well as zero ODP (ozone depletion Potential) these refrigerants are now the choice is domestic and commercial refrigeration.
Many "Green Line" refrigeration ranges now feature these refrigerants. At Buzz, our new Asber green line refrigeration uses both R600A and R290A and can save you 40% on energy consumption costs. Featuring high-density insulation and electronic management interface the Asber green line offers a high-quality sustainable refrigeration solution that is compliant with new environmental legislation and can provide significantly cost-in-use savings over the refrigeration machines lifetime.
