The cleanest path off R-404A in low-temp refrigeration.
HCR 4040 is the low-temperature workhorse of the Eco Kold line. It's engineered to match R-404A's pressure envelope in commercial refrigeration, supermarket display cases, walk-in freezers, and cold storage. Same install workflow, drastically lower GWP, and up to 50% less power on the same duty point.
HCR 4040 · 2.5kg cylinder
Same coldroom. Same compressor. A different climate footprint.
Side-by-side numbers for the exact same low-temp duty point. The GWP gap is the headline. The pressure and charge reductions are why the compressor lives longer.
The systems most of the field is already running on.
Walk-ins · display cases · refrigerated prep
Supermarkets, restaurants, and food-service kitchens still run almost entirely on R-404A. HCR 4040 is a single-cylinder swap: retrofit-ready, with minimal to no equipment changes and immediate energy reduction. Hydrocarbon refrigerant (ASHRAE A3, flammable); install by a qualified technician.
Bulk frozen · pharma · seed banks
Low-temp warehouses are the biggest energy line on the P&L. HCR 4040 cuts that by up to 50% while bringing GWP from 3,922 to <1. Same evaporator coils, same compressors.
Facilities on R-404A facing 2024 EPA AIM Act limits
R-404A is on a steep phase-down under the EPA AIM Act. HCR 4040 is the answer that doesn't require capital equipment replacement: retrofit and skip the next decade of compliance.
Different refrigerant? Different blend.
HCR 4040 covers R-404 and R-513 low-temp refrigeration. The other four Eco Kold blends cover everything else, from residential AC to commercial chillers.
Specifications & safety classification.
For engineers, contractors, and procurement. Full pressure-temperature data and Safety Data Sheet linked at the bottom.
Operating envelope
| Composition | Hydrocarbon blend (propane/ethane base) |
|---|---|
| Operating pressure | 50 PSI · suction side |
| Discharge pressure | ~180 PSI · vs. R-404A's ~280 PSI |
| Exit temperature | 0 °C at low-temp duty point |
| Critical temperature | 94.7 °C |
| Oil compatibility | Mineral oil · POE · alkylbenzene |
Environmental & safety
| GWP | <1 |
|---|---|
| ODP | 0 |
| Safety class | A3 · flammable · standard HC handling |
| EPA SNAP | Submitted: under review |
| Charge limit | Per IEC 60335-2-89 and local code |
| UN number | UN 1965 (LPG, hydrocarbon mix) |
Three steps. Same equipment. One certified technician.
No specialty hardware. Retrofit-ready: minimal to no equipment changes. The retrofit takes a weekend on a typical commercial site.
Recover the legacy refrigerant.
Pull the R-404A charge through a certified recovery machine into an approved reclaim cylinder. Never vent. EPA-licensed technicians only.
Pull a deep vacuum.
Evacuate the system to 500 microns or lower. Hold the vacuum to verify no leaks. This step is identical to a standard refrigerant change-out.
Charge with 60% less HCR 4040.
Weigh in 400 g of HCR 4040 for every 1,000 g of R-404A removed. Verify suction pressure at ~50 PSI. Document the charge on the system label.
Specs, safety, and install instructions.
Everything a technician, engineer, or procurement team needs to evaluate HCR 4040. All PDFs, no email gate.
Common questions about HCR 4040.
What does HCR 4040 replace?
HCR 4040 is the drop-in hydrocarbon refrigerant replacement for R-404A and R-513 in commercial refrigeration: walk-in freezers, supermarket display cases, cold storage, and low-temp food-service equipment. Same equipment, same pressure curve, GWP of <1.
What is the GWP of HCR 4040?
HCR 4040 has a Global Warming Potential of <1. R-404A carries a GWP of 3,922. HCR 4040 matches CO₂ on that scale. The IPCC AR5 100-year GWP figures are referenced on the low-GWP background page.
Is HCR 4040 EPA SNAP listed for commercial refrigeration?
HCR 4040 has been submitted to the EPA SNAP program and is under review; it is not yet listed. Approved end-uses and availability vary by country, so contact us for the current status in your market. The blend is classified A3: a flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant requiring certified-technician handling under ASHRAE 34 and local code.
Can I retrofit my R-404A walk-in freezer to HCR 4040 without replacing equipment?
Yes. The retrofit procedure is recovery, vacuum, then recharge by weight, with no compressor, evaporator, or expansion-valve change. A typical low-temp retrofit takes a service window per unit, and multiple units in an estate can be staged across off-peak service days.
How much energy does HCR 4040 save compared to R-404A?
Field measurements on HCR 4040 retrofits on commercial low-temp systems have shown up to 50% kWh reduction (independent audit in progress). The reduction comes from lower compressor work: HCR 4040 sits at ~50 PSI suction vs R-404A’s ~90 PSI on the same duty point. Site-specific projections are included with every quote.
Ready to swap an R-404A coldroom to HCR 4040?
Send us the equipment make, model, and current charge weight. We'll quote pricing, lead time, and connect you with a certified installer in your region, usually within one business day.