EU F-Gas Regulation – what it involves for you

The European Unions F-Gas regulation, for the control and containment of HFC refrigerant gases, became law in July 2006 and is due to come into force on 4th July 2007.

The regulation requires operators using refrigerant based air conditioning systems to maintain records of all refrigerants in equipment with a charge of 3Kg or more and keep detailed service records for equipment containing a charge of 30Kg or more.

The aim is to reduce the level ozone depleting gases and green house gases being released into the atmosphere, which effect climate change.

The government is committed under the Kyoto Protocol of 2002 to reduce emission levels and eradicate gases such as HCFC’s that have ozone depleting potential.

As such businesses using air conditioning equipment containing HCFC’s such as R22, which up until 5 years ago was the most popular refrigerant to use in air conditioning systems, will have to plan to make changes for the replacement of this equipment. The service life of this gas is limited until 2010, after which only recycled refrigerant will be available up to 2015.

This will have a dramatic effect on the cost of refrigerant and spare components for systems still using R22, with this equipment becoming a millstone around the neck of the user.

Since 2002 the new technology used in the manufacture of air conditioning equipment has moved forward in leaps and bounds. Modern equipment is vastly more efficient in its operation, which has a direct effect on the reduction of C02 emissions and consequently lower running costs to businesses.

This fact is supported by the government, which still grants a 100% Enhanced Capital Allowance, in the first year, for companies installing new qualifying energy efficient air conditioning heatpump systems. So now there has never been a better time to plan your strategic ecological upgrade. But beware……as energy targets increase so will the qualifying requirements for the ECA, which will not be around forever.

For assistance in complying with the F-Gas regulation or discussing your air conditioning requirements do not hesitate to contact us.

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