Retrofitting with Forane®448A and Forane® 449A
Do you need help retrofitting with Forane® 448A or Forane® 449A?
As the U.S. EPA continues its phasedown of high-GWP HFCs, refrigerants like R-404A and R-507A are becoming increasingly restricted or even banned in some states, such as California. This has led to reduced availability and higher costs, prompting many customers to seek lower-GWP alternatives.
Two of the most popular retrofit options are Forane® 448A and Forane® 449A. This article provides a general overview of how to retrofit a system from R-404A (or R-507A) to one of these modern refrigerants.
What is the difference between Forane® 448A vs. Forane® 449A?
Both refrigerants are HFO/HFC blends with very similar properties:
- Same base components, with 449A containing a small additional component.
- Compatible with POE and PVE oils.
- Similar performance in terms of capacity, efficiency, glide, and pressure-temperature behavior.
In most cases, choosing between them comes down to availability or OEM preference. The success of the retrofit depends more on proper execution than on the specific refrigerant selected.
Tip: Always check with the equipment or compressor manufacturer for any specific retrofit recommendations before starting.
General Retrofit Procedure
This is a high-level guide—not a substitute for OEM instructions—but it outlines the key steps and why they matter:
1. Establish a Baseline
Record system performance before the retrofit.
This helps you compare post-retrofit performance and verify success.
2. Recover and Weigh the Existing Refrigerant
Recovery is required by law.
Weighing helps estimate the new charge.
Used refrigerants can often be returned to reclaimers for credit.
3. Check and Replace Oil if Needed
Confirm the oil type (should be POE or PVE).
If the oil is dirty, burned, or incompatible, replace it.
Aim for at least 95% oil purity—multiple oil changes may be needed.
4. Inspect Gaskets and Seals
Most R-404A-compatible materials will work with R-448A/449A.
Replace any damaged or worn gaskets.
5. Replace Filters/Dryers
Always replace these when opening the system.
6. Evacuate the System
Pull a deep vacuum and hold it.
This removes residual refrigerant and checks for leaks.
7. Charge with Forane® 448A or 449A
Start with the same charge as R-404A, then fine-tune.
Expect to use about 5% more refrigerant than the original charge.
8. Adjust Controls
The P/T curve is similar to R-404A, but minor adjustments may be needed.
9. Run the System for 24 Hours
Let the system stabilize before final tuning.
10. Fine-Tune Charge and Controls
Use your baseline data to optimize performance.
Final Thoughts
Retrofitting with Forane®448A or Forane®449A is a practical way to extend the life of existing equipment while meeting environmental regulations. With careful planning and execution, you can achieve reliable performance and long-term savings.
For questions or technical support, contact the Forane® team—we’re here to help.