natural refrigerants

CO2 (R-744) REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

CO₂ (R-744) is no longer the future of commercial refrigeration — it's the present. Across food retail, food processing, cold storage, and industrial applications, operators are moving to CO₂ systems to reduce their environmental impact, lower long-term refrigerant costs, and stay ahead of regulatory pressure on high-GWP HFCs.

  • Transcritical Booster Systems: The standard for modern commercial and industrial applications. We service and and maintain transcritical CO₂ booster rack systems for medium and low temperature loads, including heat reclaim and flash gas bypass configurations.

    Subcritical CO₂ [Low-Side / Cascade Systems]: Where CO₂ operates below its critical point, typically in a cascade arrangement with HFC or HFO on the high side as well as using chilled water as condensing medium. Common in cold storage warehouses, blast freezing, and ultra-low temperature applications.

    CO₂ for Food Processing & Cold Storage: IQF freezers, blast tunnels, cold docks, and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage using CO₂ refrigeration.

    -40*C Two Stage: Real World experience utilizing 4-pipe hot gas defrost and two stage rack

  • Global Warming Potential [GWP] of 1 — future-proof against refrigerant regulations and phase-downs. CO₂ has zero ozone depletion potential and ultra-low global warming potential

    Lower refrigerant cost over system lifetime.

    High efficiency at low temperatures where modern HFCs underperform.

    Non-toxic, non-flammable [A1 classification] Industries are shifting away from synthetic, harmful refrigerants like hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluocarbons (HFCs)

    Widely available — no supply chain concerns from regulatory phase-outs.

  • CO₂ systems operate at significantly higher pressures than HFC systems — up to 1,500 PSI on the high side in transcritical operation. Converting to CO₂ from standard refrigerants is not as simple as swapping refrigerants, as standard system infrastructure is not rated for the high pressure. Conversion requires properly rated piping, equipment and components, as well as highly trained maintenance mechanics and an installing contractor who has actually worked on CO₂ systems under operating conditions. Ask us about our installed projects.