The use of the refrigerant R404A is being gradually restricted due to its high Global Warming Potential (GWP) value. According to the European Union’s F-Gas regulation, the use of refrigerants with a GWP value of over 2500 in new appliances has been prohibited as of January 1, 2020. R404A has a GWP value of approximately 3922 and therefore falls within the scope of this regulation.

In existing systems, service and maintenance operations with newly produced R404A gas in appliances containing more than 10 kg of R404A have been prohibited as of January 1, 2020. However, recycled or regenerated R404A gas can continue to be used in these systems until 2030.

Similar regulations are also on the agenda in Turkey. According to a report by the Chamber of Mechanical Engineers, R404A, which is currently widely used in Turkey, has been banned by the European Union and the ban process will begin in Turkey in the coming period.

Therefore, it is recommended that systems using R404A be converted to more environmentally friendly alternative refrigerants, such as R448A or R449A. However, these transitions need to be carefully planned in terms of system design and compatibility.