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To inform our customers of the single most important changes to the air conditioning industry in modern times
How it effects you as end users
Explain your options good and bad
Dismiss some of rumours and scare mongering
AimsAims
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When R22 is released into the atmosphere the ultraviolet rays from the sun cause it to decompose and chlorine is released into the stratosphere
The chlorine then reacts with the ozone, reducing its quality and leads to ozone depletion in turn this allows harmful ultraviolet rays to reach the surface of the earth giving rise to both health and environmental issues
In response to this, the international community signed the Montreal protocol to phase out ozone depletion materials by 2030. However in Europe the ban will take place at the end of this year
The most harmful ozone – depleting substances such as C.F.C.S – R12 etc were banned in the 1990’s
This lead to ‘less’ harmful ‘transitional’ refrigerant like R22 being banned between 2001-2004 depending on size
Background to HCFC Phase Out
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Background To HCFC Phase Out
H.C.F.C – Hydrochlorofluorocarbon better known to us as R22 Refrigerant
Commonly used in Air Conditioning systems until 2004, and is arguable one of the best performing refrigerants ever inventedIt is estimated that up to 20,000 systems could be still operating in the UK
Question to ask yourself: Was the air conditioning in your premises installed before 2002?
When will R22 be banned?
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Recycled R22 will be banned after December 2014
Now’s the time to replace R22 systemsR22 Replacement: Countdown to December 2014
R22 Replacement: Likely customer impact
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R22 supply shortages and delays could impact on
Refurbishment programmes
Routine Maintenance
Compressor Repairs
Refrigerant replacement
Normal operation of HVAC systems
Energy efficiency of building operation
R22 Replacement Options
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Risk of system failure
Ageing system
Increased running costs
Higher Co² Emissions
At some point you will have to change the system
Do Nothing Wait and See
R22 Replacement Options
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Increased running costs
High degradation of system components
Expensive to buy and Install
Reduced capacity
Comes with no manufacturer’s warranty
Short term solution
Retro Fit using Drop-in refrigerants
R22 Replacement Options
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Removes the risk of having potentially redundant equipment after the end of this year
Replace
New systems are highly efficient using the latest technologies therefore reducing fuel consumption – saving you money
By removing R22 equipment you are reducing the risk of harmful chemicals destroying the ozone layer
R22 Replacement Options
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H.F.C (Hydrofluorocarbons) R407C, R410a etc all have zero ozone depleting potential (ODP) so offers a more environmentally friendly alternatives to CFCs and HCFCs
Modern Alternatives
The downside is HFC have medium to high G.W.P (Global warming potential)
R22 Replacement Options
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Natural Refrigerants
Natural refrigerant are chemical which occur in natures Bio-Chemical processes. Ammonia (R717) Carbon Dioxide (R744) Propone (Care 40) Etc
They do not deplete the ozone layer and make a negligible or zero contribution to global warming
These products were used as refrigerants prior to the 1950’s before Fluorocarbons became commonplace
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F-Gas Regulation
The European Union F-gas Regulation (No842/2006) became law on 4th July 2006
F-Gases such as R407c, R410a and R404a
If you are handling, recovering, supplying, installing, manufacturing or own equipment containing HFC
refrigerants in stationery equipment you now have legal obligations under F-Gas Regulations
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F-Gas Regulation
10,000 Miles
The objective of the regulation is to contain, prevent and thereby reduce emissions of Fluorinated greenhouse gases
A leak of 1KG of refrigerant causes approximately the same environmental damage as driving a van. . . . . . . . . .
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An annual ‘Non intrusive’ leak test for applications with 3KG or more (unless the equipment is hermetically sealed)
Leak Test Requirement Under F.Gas
30KG or more ‘Non Intrusive’ leak test is required 6 monthly
At least once every 3 months for applications with 300KG or more of F-Gases Leak detection systems must be fitted on applications with 300KG or more of F-Gases, and when these are in place, checking requirements are halved
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A record of maintenance and servicing activity must be kept for each system
In a word: Yes
Leak Test Requirement Under F.Gas
The law states if you are the legal operator (owner) of the air conditioning you are responsible
If a leak is detected and repaired, a further check must be carried out one month to ensure that the repair has been effective
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Records must be available on site for inspection and include quantity and type of F-Gas in each systems the amount of gas added or taken out, and the reason for this must be recorded along with any disposal information
Leak Test Requirement Under F.Gas
Penalties for either ‘operator’ or service provider failing to keep records may include enforcement/ prohibition notices
The identity and competence of personnel involved in the F Gas check should also be added and of course the dates of the test and results