Is R-452A better than R-404A?

R-452A reduces GWP by approximately 45% compared to R-404A and is EPA SNAP-approved as a replacement. However, R-448A and R-449A offer a greater GWP reduction (~65%) at similar or lower cost. For most commercial refrigeration applications, R-448A or R-449A are the preferred alternatives.

HFO/HFC Blend

Transitional

R-452A

Also known as: R452A, Opteon XP44, Genetron 452A

HFO/HFC blend for transport and commercial refrigeration. GWP 2,140 — 45% lower than R-404A. A1 safety class. Partially transitional; R-448A and R-449A offer better GWP reduction.

2,140

GWP

Safety

ODP

EPA / Regulatory Status

R-452A is EPA SNAP-approved as a substitute for R-404A in transport and commercial refrigeration. GWP of 2,140 is significantly lower than R-404A (3,922) but still subject to AIM Act HFC production phasedown.

Cost & Availability Trend

↔ Stable

R-452A has moderate GWP reduction vs R-404A but still carries significant production allowance costs under AIM Act phasedown. R-448A and R-449A offer greater GWP reductions at similar or lower price points.

Retrofit Notes

Similar retrofit process to R-404A to R-448A conversion. Note that R-452A has a higher temperature glide (~8°F) than R-404A. Oil change to POE required.

Regulatory Timeline

2013

Chemours develops Opteon XP44 (R-452A) as transport refrigeration alternative to R-404A

2017

EPA SNAP approval for R-452A in commercial and transport refrigeration

What R-452A Is

R-452A (Opteon XP44) is a three-component HFO/HFC blend of R-32, R-125, and R-1234yf, developed primarily for transport refrigeration as an R-404A alternative. Its GWP of 2,140 represents approximately 45% reduction from R-404A, and it is EPA SNAP-approved as a substitute in transport and commercial refrigeration applications.

Compared to R-448A and R-449A, R-452A offers a more modest GWP reduction but maintains A1 safety classification and similar operating characteristics. It has found adoption in transport refrigeration applications where specific operating conditions or equipment certifications favored it over other alternatives.

The practical choice between R-452A and R-448A/R-449A for commercial refrigeration retrofits generally favors R-448A or R-449A based on lower GWP and potentially better long-term supply positioning under AIM Act phasedown. R-452A's higher GWP consumes more production allowances per pound.