R-290 Commercial Refrigerators: What Changed and What It Means for Repair
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Updated October 14, 2026
Quick answer
Since 1 January 2025, new self-contained commercial refrigerators made or imported in the U.S. must use a refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) of 150 or less, and most manufacturers chose R-290 (propane). R-290 units are efficient and reliable, but the refrigerant is flammable, so sealed-system repairs need a technician trained and equipped for it.
The rule
EPA's Technology Transitions rule under the AIM Act lists "retail food refrigeration, stand-alone units" with a 150 GWP limit from 1 January 2025 for manufacture and import. Older units with R-404A or R-134a are not banned and can keep running and be repaired. See the 2026 commercial refrigeration rules tracker.
How R-290 units differ
- Small charge. Charge limits are set by safety standards, so circuits are small and sealed. Some larger units use two circuits.
- Flammable refrigerant. Labels on the unit say so. Do not use open flames or sparks inside the machine compartment.
- Different service method. Technicians recover the charge, purge with nitrogen and use tools rated for flammable refrigerants. Many manufacturers prefer replacing components such as compressors with factory procedures.
- Same owner care. Clean coils, good gaskets and clear airflow matter as much as ever.
Should you replace an older unit now?
No rule forces it. Replace an older R-404A or R-134a reach-in when the repair math says so, not because of the refrigerant. Our repair vs replace guide walks through it. When you do buy new, the unit will almost certainly be R-290.
What to ask a repair company
- Are your technicians trained for A3 (flammable) refrigerants?
- Do you carry recovery equipment and leak detectors rated for R-290?
- Will you follow the manufacturer's service procedure for the sealed system?
What owners should do differently
- Keep the warning labels. They tell technicians and inspectors the refrigerant type.
- Ventilation matters. Do not box the unit into a closed cabinet the manufacturer does not allow.
- Use qualified service. Ask whether the technician is trained on A3 refrigerants before sealed-system work.
- Plan for parts. Some R-290 repairs replace a whole sealed assembly rather than one component, which can add lead time.
Older refrigerants you will still see
| Refrigerant | Typical in | Status |
|---|---|---|
| R-134a | Older reach-ins and merchandisers | Existing units can be repaired |
| R-404A | Older freezers, walk-ins | Existing units can be repaired; higher-GWP, often more costly |
| R-290 | Most new self-contained units | Meets the 150 GWP limit |
Leak rules
EPA leak-repair rules under the AIM Act apply to larger systems holding 15 pounds or more of HFC refrigerant, which covers many walk-ins and racks but not typical reach-ins. See the rules tracker.
R-290 charge limits under SNAP Rule 26
EPA lists R-290 as acceptable in new stand-alone retail food refrigeration subject to use conditions. SNAP Rule 26, published in the Federal Register on 13 June 2024, updated those use conditions to follow UL 60335-2-89, 2nd edition, and ASHRAE 15-2022 for equipment manufactured after the rule took effect. Industry summaries of the rule describe the practical result as up to about 300 g of R-290 per circuit in closed units with doors or drawers, and up to about 500 g in open cases, up from the earlier 150 g limit. Larger charges let manufacturers build bigger single-circuit units; smaller units still use well under these limits.
| Item | Before SNAP 26 | After SNAP 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard used | UL 471 | UL 60335-2-89, 2nd ed. |
| Closed units (doors/drawers) | 150 g | About 300 g |
| Open cases | 150 g | About 500 g |
| Applies to | Equipment manufactured after the effective date | |
Owner checks on an R-290 unit, in order
| Step | Check | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read the data plate for refrigerant and charge | Confirms R-290 and how many circuits |
| 2 | Measure product temperature | Above 41°F: move food |
| 3 | Clean the condenser | Small charges have little margin for a dirty coil |
| 4 | Check fans and coil ice | Silent fan or ice: call |
| 5 | Do not touch the sealed system | Flammable refrigerant; technician only |
Bay Area factors
Most new reach-ins sold in the Bay Area since 2025 are R-290, so the share of R-290 equipment in local kitchens grows every year. Choose a service company trained for it before you need one.
Why manufacturers chose R-290
R-290 has a global warming potential of about 3, far below the 150 limit, and it transfers heat efficiently, so units can be smaller and use less energy. The trade-off is flammability, which is why charge sizes are capped and units carry warning labels.
When to call a technician
Never open, braze or recharge an R-290 sealed system yourself. Call a refrigeration technician trained for flammable refrigerants for any refrigerant-side repair.
Open 7 days, 8 AM to 5 PM, with emergency service until 9 PM. CA Lic. #776244.
Frequently asked questions
Is R-290 safe in a commercial kitchen?
Yes, when the unit is built to the safety standards and serviced correctly. Charge sizes are limited for that reason.
Can my old R-404A reach-in still be repaired?
Yes. The 2025 limit applies to new units made or imported, not to repairing existing equipment.
Do R-290 units cost more to repair?
Sealed-system work takes specific tools and procedures, so it can take longer. Simple repairs such as fans, gaskets and controllers are the same.
Is R-290 the same as propane?
Yes. R-290 is refrigerant-grade propane, used in small sealed charges.
What is the R-290 charge limit in a reach-in?
Under SNAP Rule 26, use conditions follow UL 60335-2-89, 2nd edition, described in industry summaries as about 300 g for closed units and about 500 g for open cases.
Can any refrigeration tech work on R-290?
Refrigerant work requires EPA Section 608 certification, and flammable refrigerants need specific training, tools and the manufacturer's procedures. Ask before booking.
Do R-290 units need special electrical work?
No special wiring for owners; use the circuit the manual specifies.
Related guides
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