HVAC Environmental Legislation

The drive towards lower carbon emissions and a greener workplace has led to an extensive range of new obligations which are often complex to interpret. Clean Air can help! We have a keen understanding of the latest regulations and will guide you through your responsibilities. There really is no substitute for practical experience. Our in-depth understanding of HVAC products and technologies combine with an appreciation of 'real life' capabilities. We know what products suit which applications best. This means that you can have confidence that our solutions will be appropriate, carefully considered and cost effective. We expect to save you money and repay capital expenditure quickly by lowering running costs and, where possible, applying for Carbon Trust incentives.

R-22 Refrigerant Ban in Air Conditioning

From 1 Jan 2010 it became illegal to use virgin hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) such as R-22 when servicing and maintaining air conditioning equipment. This is an issue for many as R-22 was the most commonly used refrigerant until about 2002. Until the 31 December 2014 temporary use of recycled/recovered R-22 is possible but availability could be limited and costs high.
From 1 January 2015 sales or use of recycled/recovered R-22 will be prohibited.

Clean Air can help

We will assist you develop a corporate strategy to ensure compliance with the new legislation. Simply call us now and we will audit your equipment and advise you of your options. These include replacement, refit or retrofit. A new air conditioning system may represent the best long term investment - in which case we will calculate likely energy savings, CO2 reductions and the payback period. We will project manage the transition to ensure the smooth integration of new systems and the safe disposal of the R-22 refrigerant.

Three Options

Replace plant

Many R-22 units are now reasonably old and replacement through phase out is often the best way forward. The good news is that new systems using the latest inverter technologies are likely to have a significantly greater cooling capability (up to 15%) and to use far less electricity (on average approx. 50%). The payback period and the opportunity to make significant CO2 reductions can add up to a big incentive to invest (see examples above right.

An added incentive may be the Government's Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme which could allow accelerated tax relief on certain new equipment. Call for further advice, or visit www.eca.gov.uk/etl

Refit or retrofit plant to use alternative refrigerant

Depending on the type, age and condition of equipment in some situations 'replacement technology' means it is possible to adapt systems to use legally permitted HFC's or an HFC blend (drop in replacements). System efficiency and reliability needs to be considered and only qualified engineers can undertake this work.

Continue using recycled refrigerant

Not the long term solution, but until 31 December 2014 it is possible to use a recycled refrigerant - however its availability and cost could well be an issue.