Buy R-448A Refrigerant | R-404A Replacement | Commercial Refrigeration — Refrigerant Inc

R-448A Refrigerant — Low-GWP R-404A Replacement for Commercial Refrigeration

R-448A (sold under the brand name Solstice N40 by Honeywell) is one of the most widely adopted low-GWP replacements for R-404A and R-507 in commercial refrigeration systems. With a GWP of approximately 1,387 — less than half of R-404A's 3,922 — R-448A allows supermarkets, cold storage operators, and commercial refrigeration contractors to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining reliable low and medium temperature performance. Refrigerant Inc stocks genuine, virgin R-448A with free shipping to all 48 continental states.

What Systems Use R-448A?

R-448A is designed for low and medium temperature commercial refrigeration applications, including:

• Supermarket display cases — Both low-temp (frozen food) and medium-temp (dairy, produce, deli) cases
• Walk-in coolers and freezers — Restaurants, grocery stores, food distribution facilities
• Cold storage warehouses — Large-scale refrigerated and frozen storage
• Refrigerated transport — Transport refrigeration units (TRUs) retrofitted from R404A
• Ice machines and beverage coolers — Commercial food service equipment

R448A as an R404A Retrofit — What to Know

R448A is one of the most common choices for retrofitting existing R404A commercial refrigeration systems. Key considerations:

• POE oil required: R448A requires POE lubricant. Most R404A systems already use POE oil — verify before retrofitting. If the system is running mineral oil, a full oil change is required.
• TXV adjustment may be needed: R448A has different thermodynamic properties than R404A. The thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) may need adjustment or replacement depending on the system design and manufacturer recommendations.
• Recover R404A first: Fully recover the existing R404A charge before introducing R448A. Do not mix refrigerants.
• Charge by weight: R448A charge weight is typically lower than the equivalent R404A charge — consult Honeywell's Solstice N40 retrofit guide for your specific application.
• Label the system: After retrofitting, label the equipment with the new refrigerant type, charge weight, and date.

R448A vs. R449A — Which Should You Use?

Both R448A and R449A (XP40) are leading R404A replacements. The choice often depends on the specific application and equipment manufacturer recommendations:

• R448A (Solstice N40) — Slightly better low-temperature performance, often preferred for frozen food applications and low-temp cases
• R449A (XP40) — Slightly better medium-temperature performance, often preferred for medium-temp refrigeration and AC applications

Both are solid choices for R404A retrofits. When in doubt, check the equipment manufacturer's retrofit recommendations or call us at 888-593-7366.

Why Buy R448A From Refrigerant Inc

• Virgin, Factory-Sealed Product — Genuine R448A/Solstice N40, never reclaimed or gray market.
• Free Shipping to All 48 States — No freight fees added at checkout.
• Same or Next-Day Processing — Orders placed before 2PM EST ship the same day.
• Contractor & Wholesale Pricing — Volume accounts for commercial refrigeration contractors. Call 888-593-7366.

Shipping Information

R448A ships via ground freight to all 48 continental states. Alaska and Hawaii excluded. Most orders ship within 1 business day. Transit time is typically 2–5 business days depending on location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is R448A a direct drop-in for R404A?
R448A is close to a drop-in for many R404A systems but is not identical. POE oil is required, TXV adjustment may be needed, and charge weight differs. Follow the Honeywell Solstice N40 retrofit guidelines for your specific equipment before converting.

What is Solstice N40?
Solstice N40 is Honeywell's brand name for R448A. They are the same refrigerant — Solstice N40 is the trademarked product name.

Why switch from R404A to R448A?
R404A has one of the highest GWPs of any commonly used refrigerant (3,922) and is subject to increasing regulatory pressure and HFC phasedown requirements. R448A offers a significantly lower GWP with comparable performance, helping businesses reduce environmental liability and stay ahead of regulations.

Can R448A be used in new equipment?
R448A can be specified in new commercial refrigeration equipment designed for it, though some manufacturers are moving to even lower GWP options like R744 (CO2) for new systems. For retrofit of existing R404A equipment, R448A is one of the most proven options available.