R-407A
R-407A is an HFC blend used across medium- and low-temperature commercial refrigeration, both as an R-22 successor and as a lower-GWP alternative to R-404A. Manufacturer selection tables rate walk-in unit coolers for R-407A more often than for any other single blend[1].
Its GWP of 2,107 is over every current limit for new equipment in the restricted subsectors (91 FR 31284)[2]. Existing R-407A systems stay legal to run and service, and the blend remains widely stocked.
R-407A quick facts
| Type | HFC blend: 20% R-32, 40% R-125, 40% R-134a |
| ASHRAE safety class | A1 (no flame propagation) |
| GWP (AIM Act exchange values) | 2,107 (computed per 40 CFR 84.64) |
| Temperature glide | About 6 to 8 °F. Bubble for charging, dew for superheat |
| Lubricant | POE |
| Common use | Medium- and low-temperature commercial refrigeration, as an R-404A and R-22 alternative |
Regulatory status
| Running and servicing existing equipment | Allowed[2] |
| Buying bulk cylinders | Section 608-certified buyers only[3] |
| New remote condensing units | Not allowed since Jul 27, 2026 (over the 1,400 interim limit)[2] |
| New supermarket systems | Not allowed from Jan 1, 2027[2] |
| New cold storage systems | Not allowed since Jul 27, 2026[2] |
| California bulk virgin sales | Threshold drops to GWP 1,500 on Jan 1, 2030, which covers R-407A[6] |
Rules
Federal
R-407A's GWP of 2,107 is over the interim limits in every restricted refrigeration subsector, so the interim dates end new R-407A installs there (91 FR 31284)[2]. The rule restricts new systems. It does not ban running or servicing existing equipment[2].
| Subsector | Limit | Date | R-407A outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote condensing units (retail food) | GWP 1,400 interim | Jul 27, 2026[2] | GWP 150/300 on Jan 1, 2032 |
| Supermarket systems | GWP 1,400 interim | Jan 1, 2027[2] | GWP 150/300 on Jan 1, 2032 |
| Cold storage warehouses | GWP 700 interim | Jul 27, 2026[2] | GWP 150/300 on Jan 1, 2032 |
| Industrial process refrigeration (non-chiller) | GWP 150/300 | Jan 1, 2026[4] | unchanged by the 2026 rule |
Five consolidated petitions challenge the May 2026 rule in the D.C. Circuit (lead case HARDI v. EPA, No. 26-1168)[2]. The dates above are current law while the litigation runs.
State
Each row below is checked against the state's own regulation text:
| State | Rule | Effective |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | Retail food refrigeration over 50 lb charge (new): GWP over 150 prohibited, which covers R-407A | Jan 1, 2025 |
California's SB 1206 bans bulk virgin sales above GWP 2,200 today and drops the threshold to 1,500 on January 1, 2030, which brings R-407A into scope. Certified reclaimed refrigerant is exempt[6]. Vermont, Maryland, and Rhode Island target listed R-404A-class substances in the same subsectors. Verify with your local authority having jurisdiction before an install decision.
Buying R-407A
Bulk R-407A can only be sold to Section 608-certified technicians and related buyers under 40 CFR 82.154[3].
Replacements
For new equipment, R-448A and R-449A hold the interim window through 2031, and CO2, R-290, R-454C, and R-455A carry the 2032 limits[2]. Existing R-407A systems keep running. Phasedown supply pressure (40 CFR 84.7) will show up in service pricing before any rule forces a change[8].
R-407A PT chart
Saturation pressures for R-407A from -40 °F to 150 °F, computed from reference equations of state[7]. R-407A is a zeotropic blend with about 6 to 8 °F of glide. Charging and subcooling use the bubble column, and superheat uses the dew column.
| Temp (°F) | Liquid / bubble (psig) | Vapor / dew (psig) |
|---|---|---|
| -40 | 3.9 | -1.0 |
| -35 | 6.4 | 1.0 |
| -30 | 9.2 | 3.3 |
| -25 | 12.2 | 5.8 |
| -20 | 15.6 | 8.5 |
| -15 | 19.2 | 11.5 |
| -10 | 23.2 | 14.9 |
| -5 | 27.5 | 18.5 |
| 0 | 32.2 | 22.5 |
| 5 | 37.3 | 26.9 |
| 10 | 42.8 | 31.6 |
| 15 | 48.7 | 36.7 |
| 20 | 55.1 | 42.3 |
| 25 | 62.0 | 48.3 |
| 30 | 69.3 | 54.8 |
| 35 | 77.2 | 61.8 |
| 40 | 85.6 | 69.4 |
| 45 | 94.6 | 77.4 |
| 50 | 104.2 | 86.1 |
| 55 | 114.4 | 95.3 |
| 60 | 125.2 | 105.2 |
| 65 | 136.7 | 115.7 |
| 70 | 148.8 | 127.0 |
| 75 | 161.7 | 138.9 |
| 80 | 175.3 | 151.6 |
| 85 | 189.7 | 165.1 |
| 90 | 204.8 | 179.3 |
| 95 | 220.8 | 194.4 |
| 100 | 237.6 | 210.4 |
| 105 | 255.3 | 227.4 |
| 110 | 273.9 | 245.2 |
| 115 | 293.5 | 264.1 |
| 120 | 314.0 | 284.0 |
| 125 | 335.4 | 305.0 |
| 130 | 357.9 | 327.1 |
| 135 | 381.5 | 350.5 |
| 140 | 406.2 | 375.1 |
| 145 | 431.9 | 401.0 |
| 150 | 458.9 | 428.3 |
Use the vapor (dew) column to check superheat at the suction line. Use the liquid (bubble) column to check subcooling at the liquid line and for charging. R-407A glide is about 6 to 8 °F. Charging uses bubble, and superheat uses dew. R-407A values are computed, not transcribed; see Sources.
Equipment rated for R-407A
Walk-in unit cooler models whose maker publishes R-407A ratings. In Trenton selection tables R-407A shares a column group with R-407C, R-448A, and R-449A, and each model page shows the full breakdown with the page each value comes from.
1,091 models in the database carry R-407A ratings. A sample:
Questions
- Is R-407A still legal?
Existing systems, yes: running, servicing, and buying refrigerant with a 608 certification all remain legal. New installs in the restricted subsectors ended with the interim limits (July 27, 2026 for remote condensing units and cold storage, January 1, 2027 for supermarkets, per 91 FR 31284).
- R-407A or R-448A for an R-404A retrofit?
R-448A or R-449A in most cases: lower GWP (about 1,390 vs 2,107), which keeps them legal for new retail food equipment through 2031 and further from California's sales thresholds. R-407A remains a valid service refrigerant where the equipment already lists it.
- Why does my equipment list R-407A and R-407C together?
Manufacturers often rate medium-temperature equipment for both. Capacities sit close and both use POE oil. The model pages here show exactly which document and page each rating comes from.
References
- ^1.40 CFR part 84, Appendix A: GWP exchange values (eCFR)
- ^2.91 FR 31284 (May 26, 2026): Technology Transitions reconsideration final rule
- ^3.40 CFR 82.154: refrigerant sales restriction and venting exemptions (eCFR)
- ^4.88 FR 73098 (Oct 24, 2023): Technology Transitions final rule
- ^5.Chapter 173-443 WAC: Washington HFC regulation
- ^6.CARB HFC reduction program (SB 1206 overview) (accessed 2026-08-24)
- ^7.CoolProp 8.0 mixture models (Bell et al. 2014, doi:10.1021/ie4033999)
- ^8.40 CFR 84.7: HFC phasedown schedule (eCFR)
Updated