What is the difference between R-448A and R-449A?

Both are HFO/HFC blends with similar GWP (~1,387 vs 1,397) and similar performance in commercial refrigeration R-404A retrofits. R-448A is Honeywell's Solstice N40 and has five components; R-449A is Chemours' Opteon XP40 and has four components. Both are EPA SNAP-approved, non-flammable A1, and use the same retrofit process. Choice typically comes down to supplier availability.

HFO/HFC Blend

Transitional

R-449A

Also known as: R449A, Opteon XP40, Genetron 449A

EPA SNAP-approved R-404A and R-507A replacement from Chemours. GWP 1,397. Non-flammable A1. Similar performance to R-448A with slightly different composition.

1,397

GWP

Safety

ODP

EPA / Regulatory Status

R-449A is EPA SNAP-approved as an acceptable substitute for R-404A and R-507A in commercial refrigeration.

Cost & Availability Trend

↔ Stable

Comparable pricing to R-448A. Commercially available from multiple suppliers with stable supply chains.

Retrofit Notes

Similar retrofit process to R-448A. R-449A has slightly higher temperature glide (~8°F) than R-448A (~6°F). Charge from liquid phase. TXV adjustment required.

Regulatory Timeline

2012

Chemours (then DuPont) develops Opteon XP40 (R-449A) as R-404A replacement

2015

EPA SNAP listing for R-449A in commercial refrigeration applications

What R-449A Is

R-449A (Opteon XP40) is a four-component HFO/HFC blend of R-32, R-125, R-1234yf, and R-134a, developed by Chemours as a lower-GWP commercial refrigeration alternative to R-404A. Its GWP of 1,397 is nearly identical to R-448A (1,387) and represents the same approximate 65% reduction from R-404A.

R-449A carries A1 safety classification, making it a non-flammable drop-in retrofit candidate for R-404A systems using the standard retrofit process. It is widely distributed through refrigerant wholesalers and is the Chemours-branded alternative where R-448A is the Honeywell offering.

The two products perform similarly in commercial refrigeration applications. Preference between R-448A and R-449A often comes down to regional supplier availability, manufacturer endorsement, and existing contractor supply chain relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Back to Refrigerant Lookup

Leak Rate Calculator·Leak Cost Calculator·EPA Audit Checklist