R-22 Refrigerant Ban in Air Conditioning
If your air conditioning system is over six years old now is the time to check out this legislation
From 1 Jan 2010 it will be illegal to use virgin hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) such as R-22 (which has been the most commonly used refrigerant) when servicing and maintaining air conditioning equipment.Until the 31 December 2014 temporary use of recycled/recovered R-22 is possible but availability could be limited and costs high. From 1 January 2015 sales or use of recycled/recovered R-22 will be prohibited.
The regulation also calls for all operators of HCFC refrigeration systems to take "all precautionary measures practicable" to prevent and minimise leakage.It states that all fixed equipment systems with a refrigerant charge greater than 3kg will require an annual check for leakage. This must be undertaken by qualified personnel and they will be required to properly recover any HCFC refrigerant removed from a system. Our engineers are fully qualified to undertake this work.
Clean Air are ready to help you manage the transition
We will help you develop a corporate strategy to ensure compliance with the new legislation. Simply call us now and we will audit your equipment and advise on the options which include replacement, refit or retrofit. A new air conditioning system may represent the best long term investment - in which case we will calculate likely energy savings, CO2 reductions and the payback period. We will project manage the transition to ensure the smooth integration of new systems and the safe disposal of the R-22 refrigerant.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR AN R-22 AUDIT CALL CLEAN AIR NOW ON 0800 0266383 or contact us quoting R-22 in the comments box.
Further reading: a DETR / DTI pdf guide is downloadable at www.berr.gov.uk/files/file29101.pdf
Three Options
Replace plant
Many R-22 units are now reasonably old and replacement through phase out is often the best way forward. The good news is that new systems using the latest inverter technologies are likely to have a significantly greater cooling capability (up to 15%) and to use far less electricity (on average approx. 50%). The payback period and the opportunity to make significant CO2 reductions can add up to a big incentive to invest (see examples above right).
An added incentive may be the Government’s Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme which could allow accelerated tax relief on certain new equipment. Call for further advice, or visit www.eca.gov.uk/etl
Refit or retrofit plant to use alternative refrigerant
Depending on the type, age and condition of equipment in some situations ‘replacement technology’ means it is possible to adapt systems to use legally permitted HFC's or an HFC blend (drop in replacements). System efficiency and reliability needs to be considered and only qualified engineers can undertake this work.
Continue using recycled refrigerant
Not the long term solution, but until 31 December 2014 it is possible to use a recycled refrigerant - however it’s availability and cost could well be an issue.
Disclaimer
The information contained on this website or in our downloadable guide is for brief and general guidance on the likely consequences of the new regulations. It must not be relied upon as being a definitive interpretation of legislation or a statement of law and it is not a substitute for legal advice. Clean Air Group (a trading style of: Clean Air Technology Ltd, Clean Air Installations Ltd and Clean Air Facilities Ltd) accept no liability for any loss resulting from reliance on this document and disclaim any responsibility howsoever arising from any inaccuracies, errors or omissions which may be present.
