R-438A
R32/R125/R13…R-438A is an HFC refrigerant blend developed as a drop-in replacement for R-22 in existing air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. The blend is formulated for compatibility with mineral oil, POE, and alkylbenzene lubricants, potentially simplifying retrofit procedures. R-438A offers capacity and efficiency reasonably matched to R-22 in many applications. With a GWP of approximately 2,265, R-438A is subject to regulatory phase-down requirements. The refrigerant has been used in residential and commercial AC systems, heat pumps, and medium-temperature refrigeration where straightforward R-22 conversion is the priority.
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Key Information
Essential safety and exposure information for R-438A
Health Effects
Low acute toxicity. Contains small percentage of flammable hydrocarbons. May cause cardiac sensitization at high levels.
Common Sources
- Commercial AC
- heat pumps
- rooftop units
- split systems
Exposure Limits
- WEEL
- 1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
- No OSHA/NIOSH limit
- No OSHA/NIOSH limit
- Multi-component blend
- Multi-component blend
Regulatory Status
- EPA Classification
- HFC blend (non-ODS)
- ASHRAE Safety Group
- A1 (low toxicity, non-flammable)
- GWP (AR5)
- ~2,265
- ODP
- 0
- AIM Act
- Subject to phase-down
- Use Case
- Drop-in R-22 replacement with broad oil compatibility
Detection Requirements
- Sensor Technology
- Infrared (NDIR)
- Detection Range
- 0-1,000 ppm typical
- Response Time
- <30 seconds (T90)
- Calibration Frequency
- Annual recommended
- Oil Compatibility
- Works with mineral oil, POE, and alkylbenzene
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