Since 2003, the use of environmentally harmful R22 refrigerant gases in new air conditioning systems has been banned under Government and EU legislation. Since Jan 2010 it has been illegal to use virgin R22 gas for maintaining or servicing air conditioning units and from December 2014 there will be an outright ban on all R22 refrigerant gases used in air conditioning systems as the EU takes further measures to reduce harmful carbon emissions.
If your air-conditioning system is more than 7 years old, it is almost certain that you will be using an R22 gas.
Whilst your property can legally continue to use recycled R22 gas for maintenance in air conditioning systems, you should consider acting now as the clock is ticking…
To consider:
- Whilst the phase out of R22 progresses, the BRA (British Refrigerant Association) predicts drastic shortages of recycled R22 gases as demand increases but supply is restricted.
- This will inevitably lead to price inflation for recycled gases and therefore for servicing and maintenance repairs.
- Ultimately shortages in recycled R22 will undoubtedly leave many properties without an operational heating and cooling system.
- As these systems have been made obsolete since 2003, spare parts are diminishing.
- Replacement systems are now inverter driven, reducing running costs by approximately 30%.
- There are hundreds of thousands of air conditioners in the UK that will have to be replaced. Supply and demand dictates price rises towards the cut-off date.
Please don’t let your property be caught out.
