SUPERMARKET REFIGERATION


Cooling effi ciency for modern stores


John Poole of Refrigerant Solutions explores how retailers can cut operating costs, meet tightening environmental targets and adopt safer, futureproof alternatives to legacy refrigerants.


'Each retrofi t must still be assessed and commissioned in accordance with


manufacturer instructions, equipment requirements, legislation, and


standards.' R


efrigeration is one of a supermarket’s largest electricity loads. Depending on store size, climate, opening hours, building design and system technology, it can account


for a substantial share of total consumption. Including air conditioning, cooling can account for over 50% of electricity use. Unlike many electrical loads, refrigeration runs continuously to maintain food temperatures, even when stores are closed. Effi ciency, refrigerant choice and reliability therefore strongly aff ect operating costs and environmental performance. A supermarket system must keep frozen goods at about -18°C


or below and chilled products at food-safe temperatures, while continuously running compressors, fans, pumps, and controls, and removing heat from products, display cases, lighting, customers, and equipment. The result is a refrigeration system that is both energy- intensive and critical to the business’s operations. Climate policy, rather than ozone protection, is now driving


the next refrigerant transition. The UK F-gas framework is phasing down HFCs, targeting a


79% reduction by 2030 relative to the 2009–2012 average use, through a CO₂-equivalent quota system. UK policy continues to evolve. A 2025 consultation proposed a faster phase-down, but in May 2026 the Government confi rmed it would not legislate in 2026 to change the 2027 steps, which therefore still apply while reforms are considered. The direction is clear: high-GWP HFCs are becoming harder to justify, especially in new equipment. Great Britain already restricts the use of certain new refrigeration equipment that uses high-GWP F-gases, including HFCs with GWP above 2,500, in certain stationary systems, subject to exceptions. For supermarkets, refrigerant choice is now strategic,


aff ecting compliance, availability, operating cost, asset life and environmental performance.


GWP values can vary slightly depending on the reference dataset and regulatory convention used. Moving from R404A and R507 to R448A or R449A reduces


direct emissions, but these remain fl uorinated transitional options with high GWP values. The transition is diffi cult for supermarkets with large installed bases of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment. Full system replacement can be costly, complex and disruptive, often involving new compressors, pipework, controls, heat exchangers, electrical equipment, cabinets and infrastructure.


16 October 2026 • www.acr-news.com A retrofi t can extend the service life of equipment while


reducing environmental impact. Where systems remain mechanically sound, retrofi t can


cut direct emissions without the cost and disruption of full replacement. Retrofi t selection must still assess the full system, including capacity, pressures, temperatures, compressor and lubricant compatibility, expansion devices, controls, safety classifi cation and regulations. Safety is central when selecting a replacement refrigerant.


Many low-GWP refrigerants exhibit some fl ammability and are classifi ed as A1, A2L, A2, or A3 based on toxicity and fl ammability.


This can complicate retrofi ts because a diff erent safety


classifi cation may require changes to equipment, ventilation, charge limits, electrical components or installation practices. For existing A1 systems, a compatible, non-fl ammable A1 alternative can provide a simpler retrofi t option. ■RS-51 (R470B): A Non-Flammable Option for R404A & R507 ■RS-51 (R470B) is a non-fl ammable retrofi t option for R404A, ■R507 and R407C applications, with a stated GWP below 750.


An A1 retrofi t may allow existing equipment to remain in service rather than be replaced.


RS-51 is designed to match the performance, pressures,


discharge temperature, and effi ciency of R404A and R407C, with no lubricant change and only limited hardware modifi cations claimed. This makes RS-51 relevant for operators seeking lower direct emissions from existing low-temperature assets while controlling capital costs. Each retrofi t must still be assessed and commissioned


in accordance with manufacturer instructions, equipment requirements, legislation, and standards.


RS-20 (R480A): A lower-GWP alternative to R134a


For R134a systems, RS-20 (R480A) is presented as a non- fl ammable A1 replacement with a stated GWP below 300. This represents about an 80% GWP reduction compared with R134a and is suitable for applications such as supermarket refrigeration, cold stores, dairy chillers, vending machines, and refrigerated transport.


RS-20 is designed to work with existing R134a lubricants, providing comparable capacity and operation while reducing


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