For anyone working with refrigerants, an understanding of the F-Gas Regulation is vital in order to take the action needed to comply, as well as future-proofing businesses and buildings.
Whether it’s an existing system in need of an upgrade or a complete new installation, regulatory measures already in place or upcoming developments mean the landscape for air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pumps is constantly changing.
We appreciate that negotiating this legislation can be a daunting prospect but we have been providing outstanding service to our customers since 1991 and that experience means we are here to help you, every step of the way.
Q: What is the F-Gas Regulation and how does it affect me?
A: The F-Gas Regulation on the use of fluorinated gases (F-gases) was implemented by the European Parliament in 2015. Using a quota system, it aims to combat global warming and climate change.
The effect of F-gases included in the phase-down are measured based on their Global Warming Potential (GWP), a relative measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere in comparison to a similar mass of carbon dioxide.
The F-Gas Regulation ultimately aims to reduce the availability of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 79% between 2015 and 2030.
Upcoming Regulatory Bans
2022: Ban on the use of virgin refrigerants with GWP greater than 150 in new hermetically sealed commercial refrigeration equipment. The use of refrigerants with a GWP above 150 will be banned in new commercial refrigeration systems with a capacity of 40kW or more.
Refrigerant affected R134a
2025: Ban on the use of virgin refrigerants with GWP greater than 750 in the installation of single split air conditioning systems where the charge size is less than 3kg.
From 2025 F gases with a global warming potential above 750 will be banned in ‘single split’ systems that contain less than 3 kg of refrigerant. Single split systems involve one cooling coil connected to a remote condensing unit.
There are no bans for larger air-conditioning or heat pump systems, eg chillers or larger split systems.
Refrigerant affected R134a, R407C, R410A
2030: Ban on the use of reclaimed refrigerants with a GWP greater than 2500 to
service equipment where the charge size is greater than 40T CO2 equivalent (approximately 10kg of R404A).
Refrigerant affected R404a, R507
Q: What options do I have if my current systems operate on high GWP refrigerants or refrigerants that are obsolete?
A: Understanding the options available is crucial when it comes to considering the next steps for systems affected by the F-Gas phase down. Does the system need replacing or can you use an alternative refrigerant?
Converting to a different refrigerant is usually cheaper and minimises disruption to the property, however any decision should also factor in the amount of working life left in the system and the lifespan of the replacement refrigerant under the F-Gas Regulation.
For air conditioning and mid-temperature refrigeration systems using R22, R407C is a retrofit alternative. Other options are available but R407C is a straight replacement with no system modifications required in most instances. R407C will, however, be phased out in 2025 in systems with less than 3kg charge.
R410A air conditioning systems with charges greater than 3kg – including most VRF applications – are not affected. Systems with less than 3kg charge will be banned from 2025, with equipment using R32 an alternative option.
New installations containing R404A were banned from January 2020 unless operating to produce storage temperatures of -50°C in stationary refrigeration equipment. Servicing is not due to be phased out until 2030. Alternative lower GWP refrigerants include R449A, R448A, R452A and A2Ls R454C and R455A.
New installations using R134a will be banned from use in refrigeration in 2022, with R1234ze, R450A and R513A alternative options.
Lunar can offer expert advice and support to help you and your customers make the right choice and, when replacing the refrigerant is not the best option, we have outstanding air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump solutions from leading manufacturers.
Q: I’ve heard about natural refrigerants – where can I use them?
A: Natural refrigerants are manufactured industrially, just like any other refrigerant. They are called ‘natural’ because they are substances that occur naturally in nature and were widely used as refrigerants until the 1930s before fluorinated gases became more common. Natural refrigerants have little or no impact on global warming in comparison to fluorinated gases commonly available.
With a GWP of 3, propane (R290) has been successfully used in industrial refrigeration for many years, as well as in domestic fridges and freezers. It is now commonly used in small air conditioning systems and is also becoming more popular in the domestic air-to-water heat pump market as an alternative to R410A and R32.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used in air-to-water heat pump systems and ultra-low, low and mid-temperature refrigeration. It is an alternative option to R404A, R134a and, with a GWP of less than 1, is used as the benchmark in terms of GWP when comparing refrigerants.
Please get in touch to discover if natural refrigerants are right for you, or if you have any further questions about the F-Gas Regulation.
Appendix: Future-Proofing Strategies and Additional Information
Regulatory Context
The F-Gas Regulation, implemented by the European Parliament in 2015, applies to countries within the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). It aims to combat global warming and climate change through the phase-down of fluorinated gases (F-gases)
Global Warming Potential
GWP is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide. Understanding GWP is essential for assessing the environmental impact of refrigerants and complying with regulatory requirements.
Natural Refrigerants
Natural refrigerants, such as propane (R290) and carbon dioxide (CO2), offer low or zero GWP alternatives to traditional fluorinated gases. These substances occur naturally in the environment and have minimal impact on global warming.
Future-Proofing Considerations
Businesses and building owners should prioritize future-proofing strategies to navigate evolving regulatory measures and sustainability goals. Proactive measures may include investing in energy-efficient equipment, training staff on sustainable practices, and staying informed about emerging technologies and regulations.
