Choosing the right refrigerant is critical for maintaining efficiency, reliability, and environmental compliance in commercial refrigeration systems. With several refrigerant options available, business owners often wonder which one is best for their specific application.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, we help Nevada restaurants, grocery stores, and warehouses choose the right refrigerant based on system design, temperature needs, and sustainability goals. Below, we compare three of the most common refrigerants used in commercial refrigeration today—R404A, R290, and R134a.
R404A – The Traditional Commercial Workhorse
R404A has been widely used for years in commercial freezers, walk-in coolers, and supermarket refrigeration systems. It’s a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) blend that delivers strong cooling performance in low- and medium-temperature applications.
Advantages
- Excellent cooling capacity and reliability
- Compatible with a wide range of commercial equipment
- Proven performance in cold storage and food retail
Drawbacks
- High global warming potential (GWP), which has led to phase-downs under environmental regulations
- Less energy-efficient compared to newer refrigerants
- Requires proper handling and recovery to meet EPA standards
Because of its high GWP, R404A is being phased out in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives.
R290 – The Natural Refrigerant
R290, also known as propane, is gaining popularity as a natural refrigerant for small and medium commercial applications. It has an extremely low GWP and zero ozone depletion potential, making it one of the most eco-friendly refrigerant choices available today.
Advantages
- Very low GWP (around 3) and environmentally sustainable
- Excellent energy efficiency and fast cooling performance
- Compatible with compact systems such as display cases and beverage coolers
Drawbacks
- Flammable, so it must be used in systems specifically designed for R290
- Limited refrigerant charge size (per safety standards)
- Requires trained technicians for safe installation and servicing
R290 is ideal for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining strong refrigeration performance.
R134a – The Reliable Mid-Temperature Option
R134a is another HFC refrigerant commonly used in medium-temperature applications such as reach-in refrigerators and refrigerated prep tables. It’s been a go-to option for decades thanks to its stable performance and easy serviceability.
Advantages
- Widely available and affordable
- Reliable performance for medium-temperature systems
- Non-flammable and safe to handle
Drawbacks
- Moderate GWP (around 1,430), which makes it less sustainable than R290
- Gradually being phased down under environmental regulations
- Lower efficiency compared to modern alternatives
While R134a remains common in existing systems, many new designs are transitioning to low-GWP replacements.
Comparing R404A, R290, and R134a
| Refrigerant | Type | GWP | Ozone Depletion | Flammability | Efficiency | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R404A | HFC blend | ~3920 | None | Non-flammable | Moderate | Low-temp freezers, supermarkets |
| R290 (Propane) | Hydrocarbon | ~3 | None | Flammable | High | Display cases, small coolers |
| R134a | HFC | ~1430 | None | Non-flammable | Moderate | Medium-temp reach-ins, prep tables |
Which Refrigerant Is Right for You?
The best refrigerant depends on your equipment type, temperature needs, and environmental goals.
Choose R404A for older systems that haven’t yet transitioned to low-GWP alternatives.
Consider R290 for new, energy-efficient systems that prioritize sustainability.
Use R134a for medium-temperature systems where performance stability is key.
If you’re unsure which refrigerant fits your application, Buffo’s Refrigeration can help you evaluate your options based on performance, cost, and long-term reliability.
Partner with Buffo’s Refrigeration for Expert Guidance
With over 20 years of experience, Buffo’s Refrigeration is Nevada’s trusted partner for commercial refrigeration service, walk-in cooler repair, walk-in freezer maintenance, and refrigerant retrofitting. Our certified technicians understand the latest refrigerant regulations and technologies to keep your systems efficient and compliant.
Schedule Service Today
Contact Buffo’s Refrigeration today to schedule a consultation or refrigerant system evaluation. We proudly serve Nevada and surrounding areas with dependable commercial refrigeration solutions.
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