With the ever-increasing issues surrounding climate change, the government have been taking action in an attempt to reduce the gases used which are damaging the Earth’s environment. This has and will affect businesses across the UK and Europe who currently use F-Gases in their buildings and processes, including use in refrigeration systems and cooling systems.
What Exactly Are F-gases and How Are They Used In HVAC Systems?
F-gases are any fluorinated greenhouse gas, which are often abbreviated to HFC or PFC. These are man-made gases which are used in various applications from refrigerants to foams. F-gases don’t damage the ozone layer, BUT they have a very high global warming (GWP) potential – which is why the phase out has been introduced.
Global warming potential (GWP) and all substances have a GWP. This is a number which represents the potential as a greenhouse gas compared to carbon dioxide. For example, carbon dioxide has a GWP of 1, compared to R404A which has a GWP of 3922. This mean that every 1kg of R404A released into the atmosphere has the same greenhouse effect as 3922kg of CO2.
F-gases are used in refrigeration systems for walk in chillers, freezer cold rooms, air conditioning systems and ambient temperature control. All refrigeration equipment owners must be compliant with the 2014 EU F-Gas regulation EU 517/2014.
So let’s look at the F-Gas phase timeline…
Bans Of F-Gases
2020
• Movable room A/C, hermetically sealed with GWP ≥150.
• Stationary refrigeration equipment for temperatures above -50°C with GWP ≥ 2500.
• Commercial refrigerators and freezers, hermetically sealed with GWP ≥ 2500.
• Servicing equipment using new refrigerants with GWP ≥ 2500 for temperatures, ≥ -50°C and change ≥ 40 tonnes CO2-eq, excluding military equipment.
2022
• Ban on new hermetic and multi-pack centralised systems over 40 kW capacity with refrigerant with GWP >150.
• Ban on refrigerators & freezers for the storage, display or distribution of products in retail and food service (commercial use) with refrigerant with GWP >150.
2025
• Ban on single split A/C systems containing less than 3 kg of HFC with GWP ≥750.
2030
• Ban on use of refrigerants recovered, reclaimed and/or recycled with GWP ≥2500 for temperatures ≥ -50°C and charge ≥40 tonnes CO2-eq for service and maintenance, excluding military equipment.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
If your business uses a walk in cold room, refrigeration system or air conditioning system, you need to consider how the F-Gas phase out will affect you and your business. And the expert team at MTCSS are here to help!
As it is now a legal offence to allow F-Gases to leak into the atmosphere, businesses and operators of equipment using F-Gases must carry out the following:
• Prevent leakage and carry out leak checks.
• Repair any leaks as soon as possible.
• Organise proper refrigerant recovery.
• Keep a record of any refrigerant losses, additions and services for all units on site.
It also means if you are installing any new refrigeration systems or HVAC systems, you should be aware of what F-Gas is being used to ensure the longevity of your unit and to ensure it is considered an environmentally HVAC system.
How Can MTCSS Help
If you have any questions about your current refrigeration or air conditioning system in regards to the F-Gas usage, we can help you. At MTCSS Contracts we design and install refrigeration systems for chiller and freezer cold rooms – so if you need your refrigeration unit decommissioning or replacing, you can rest assured we can take care of it all for you.
If you need a new refrigeration system or air conditioning system for your business, MTCSS Contracts have got you covered. We can design and build turnkey temperature controlled projects including cold rooms, doors, refrigeration systems and more. We can also replace your existing temperature control systems with environmentally friendly HVAC systems.
Speak to one of our team by calling us on 01886 833381, email us at sales@mtcss.flywheelsites.com or fill in an enquiry form here!
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