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Commercial Refrigeration Refrigerants: R-290, HFCs & the EPA Phase-Down

A plain-English guide to commercial refrigeration refrigerants: R-290 (propane), the HFC phase-down under the EPA AIM Act, A2L refrigerants, GWP, and when Freon was banned.
Educational, not legal advice. Codes vary by jurisdiction — always confirm with your local health department and building authority (AHJ).

Refrigerants are changing fast under the EPA's AIM Act, which is phasing down high-GWP (global-warming-potential) HFCs. Here's what that means when you buy a commercial fridge or freezer. Rules are in flux as of 2026 — confirm the current status.

The players

R-290 (propane)
A natural refrigerant with a tiny GWP (~3) and excellent efficiency. Now standard in most new self-contained undercounter and reach-in units.
HFCs (R-404A, R-134a)
The high-GWP refrigerants being phased down. Fine to service existing units, but new equipment is moving off them.
A2L refrigerants
Lower-GWP, mildly flammable blends (e.g. R-454C, R-513A) appearing in larger and remote systems.
R-22 / "Freon"
Old HCFC — U.S. production and import banned in 2020. Aging R-22 units are on borrowed time.

What it means for buyers

New self-contained commercial refrigeration has been limited to refrigerants with a GWP of 150 or less (effective Jan 1, 2025), which is why R-290 is now everywhere. In 2025 the EPA proposed reconsidering parts of that rule for remote/supermarket systems, so the thresholds may shift — buy for efficiency and serviceability, and confirm the current rule for your equipment class.

Frequently asked

What refrigerant is used in commercial refrigerators now?
Most new self-contained commercial refrigerators use R-290 (propane), a natural refrigerant with very low global-warming potential, because EPA rules limit new self-contained units to low-GWP refrigerants. Larger and remote systems are moving to lower-GWP A2L blends.
Is R-290 refrigerant safe?
Yes, in commercial refrigeration. R-290 is flammable, but units use a small, sealed charge (historically around 150 grams) and are built and certified to safety standards (UL 60335-2-89). It's widely used in modern commercial fridges and freezers.
What is an A2L refrigerant?
A2L refrigerants are lower-GWP refrigerants that are only mildly flammable — a class between non-flammable HFCs and highly flammable propane. Examples include R-454C and R-513A, increasingly used in larger commercial systems.
When was Freon (R-22) banned?
U.S. production and import of R-22 (an HCFC often called Freon) was banned as of January 1, 2020. Existing R-22 equipment can still be serviced with reclaimed refrigerant, but supply is limited and costly, so aging units are being replaced.

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