INTRODUCTION
The widening realisation that we must all conserve energy and protect the well-being of the planet has lead a sharp increase in environmental legislation over the past few years, to improve the situation for everyone.
Whilst many were slow to adopt this environmental compliance when it was first introduced, it is now commonplace and in many cases mandatory.
Here at Gelidus we are fully conversant with the requirements and able to support our clients in achieving and maintaining the compliance they need.
F-GAS Regulation 517/2014
Refrigerant, the medium on which most air conditioning and refrigeration systems operate can have negative effects on the environment. Older refrigerants had a potential to deplete the ozone layer, whilst the newer ozone-friendly refrigerants have a greater potential to cause global warming.
Refrigerants pose little threat to the environment providing they are handled correctly by trained operatives and only charged into leak-tight systems. However until 2007 when the F-Gas Regulation was first introduced, anyone could buy, handle or use refrigerants, and in turn refrigerant loss into the atmosphere was running at unsustainable levels.
The F-Gas Regulation (current version 517/2014) was introduced to control the use and management of refrigerants, more correctly termed ‘Fluorinated gases’.
These regulations set out the training and qualifications an operative must have to lawfully handle and use refrigerants, and how they must be managed to reduce the likelihood of leakage. Moreover, the regulations place a series of obligations on the operators / users of equipment containing Fluorinated gases, and it is these responsibilities that we can help you achieve and maintain to ensure your compliance with the regulation going forward.
Your obligations include obtaining evidence that the personnel you appoint to install and maintain your air conditioning systems are appropriately trained and hold the necessary licensing. You must also ensure that all equipment is clearly labelled with the type and quantity of refrigerant it contains.
You are required to have your equipment leak-tested regularly and to repair any detected leakage as quickly as possible. You must keep records of this leak-testing along with the type and quantity of refrigerant in use at your premises, and keep logs of any refrigerant that has been lost or added.
As part of our commitment to our contract customers, Gelidus will manage the administration and record-keeping required to ensure your full compliance with the F-Gas regulation, and will keep you advised on changes in legislation and updates as they occur.
Should you have any questions relating to the F-Gas Regulation, please do get in touch.
The R22 Phase Out
Also known as Refrigerant 22 and chlorodifluoromethane, R22 has been the most commonly used refrigerant in air conditioning systems since the 1950’s.
Its ozone depletion potential (ODP) is 20 times less than most other refrigerants of its time, and in turn it has become the last of the ozone-damaging refrigerants to be phased out.
Click here to find out more about the planned phase-out plans now in effect.
Phase Out of High Global Warming Refrigerants
The early refrigerants that had the potential to damage the ozone layer were phased-out some 10-15 years ago. Whilst these were replaced with new, ozone-friendly refrigerants, they maintained the ability to increase global warming.
As this was recognised, each refrigerant was awarded a ‘global warming potential’ (GWP) rating, and refrigerant R410A (widely used in air conditioning systems today) was amongst those with the highest ratings.
In 2014, the EU introduced a new directive (517/2014) with a focus on reducing the supply of high GWP refrigerants. In 2016 the supply quota was reduced to 93% of the 2015 benchmark, which reduced further to 63% in 2018. The next reduction in supply is schedule for 2021 when the supply will be reduced to 45% of 2015 levels, with the ultimate goal of reducing supply to just 21% by 2030.
This reduction in supply has influenced costs significantly, and whilst the equipment manufacturers are working hard to develop new product ranges that operate on low GWP refrigerants, there is currently no substitute for R410A in some of the larger systems.
Gelidus have been working with many of its clients to keep ahead of this phase-down as it continues. Should you have any questions relating to the management of the high GWP refrigerants, please do get in touch.
Legionella Control
This text needs to be written. Also known as Refrigerant 22 and chlorodifluoromethane, R22 has been the most commonly used refrigerant in air conditioning systems since the 1950’s.
Its ozone depletion potential (ODP) is 20 times less than most other refrigerants of its time, and in turn it has become the last of the ozone-damaging refrigerants to be phased out.
Click here to find out more about the planned phase-out plans now in effect.
Gelidus Limited have an established reputation within the Thames Valley and beyond for trusted air conditioning service. From new installations to maintenance and repairs, rely on Gelidus to bring experience and value to your project.
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Unit 7, Chiltern Enterprise Centre
Station Road
Theale
Berkshire
RG7 4AA