December 19, 2024

Transitioning from R404A: What Australian Supermarkets Need to Know

The phase-down of R404A refrigerants in Australia marks a significant shift in the refrigeration industry. With its high Global Warming Potential (GWP), R404A has been identified as a major contributor to climate change, leading to a global initiative to phase it out. Businesses now face the challenge of transitioning to more environmentally friendly refrigerants.

Why is R404A Being Phased Out?

R404A has been widely used in commercial refrigeration, from freezers and cool rooms to deli cases and beer systems. Although it doesn’t harm the ozone layer, R404A has a GWP almost 4,000 times higher than CO₂, making it a significant contributor to global warming. Due to its environmental impact, countries, including Australia, are phasing it out and encouraging the use of eco-friendly refrigerants like CO₂ and R290.

Key Timelines for R404A Phase-Down in Australia:

July 2025
Ban on R404A in new equipment (GWP >2500)

July 2027
Service ban on virgin refrigerant (GWP >2500)

July 2029
Service ban extends to recycled refrigerants

As this phase-down progresses, businesses relying on R404A will face rising costs due to supply shortages and regulatory restrictions. Now is the time to explore sustainable alternatives to future-proof your operations.

 

Introducing Panasonic Transcritical CO₂ Condensing Units

One of the most effective solutions to replace R404A is CO₂ refrigeration systems. At Hussmann, we offer Panasonic Transcritical CO₂ Condensing Units designed for commercial applications. These units provide:

Energy efficiency
Panasonic CO₂ units reduce energy consumption by up to 20% compared to R404A systems.

Lower GWP
CO₂ has a GWP of 1, making it far less impactful on the environment compared to traditional refrigerants.

Sustainability
Transitioning to CO₂ helps your business meet sustainability goals while complying with upcoming regulations.

 

Why Transition Now?

By transitioning directly to CO₂ or R290, you can avoid the costs and complications of switching to multiple interim refrigerants. CO₂ units, such as Panasonic’s Transcritical CO₂ Condensing Units, are designed for energy savings and long-term sustainability, ensuring you stay ahead of regulatory changes and reduce your carbon footprint.

 

Bundle Offer

Purchase any Panasonic Transcritical CO2 Outdoor Condensing Unit (2HP, 4HP, 10HP, 20HP) with P Series doored cabinets at the same price as conventional HFC units!

Special coolroom bundle solutions are also available.

For your reference, please see below links and attachments for further details on the Panasonic Transcritical CO2 Condensing units:

Panasonic Transcritical CO2 Condensing Units: 2HP, 4HP, 10HP and 20HP

Condensing Unit Archives, Hussmann Australia

 

 

Hussmann Product Information Video with Dave Redden

Panasonic Transcritical CO2 Condensing Unit training

By Greg Heath and Dave Redden, Hussmann Oceania

 

Case Studies and Projects

Projects & Case Studies

Case Studies: CO2 Refrigeration

 

Future-Proof Your Store with Hussmann

At Hussmann, we are committed to supporting your business through this transition. Our team is ready to help you retrofit existing systems or invest in new CO₂ refrigeration solutions. Additionally, from 2025, we will offer a store future-proofing assessment to help you develop a tailored phase-down plan.

For more information about how Panasonic Transcritical CO₂ Condensing Units can benefit your store, contact us today.

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