R22 is a common refrigerant found in many residential and light commercial air conditioning systems.

This refrigerant has been classed as a greenhouse gas with high ozone depletion potential. Between 1994-2004 (which included the peak of R22 sales) around 850,000 split systems were sold in the UK alone. A recent survey revealed 65% of all European cooling systems are still R22 based. After many years of widespread use, R22 refrigerant is being replaced in line with EC Regulation 2037/2000.

Events to date:

•  Since July 2002 cooling-only air conditioning equipment using R22 has not been manufactured

•  Since January 2004 no more heat pump equipment using R22 has been manufactured

• After 1st January 2010 no more virgin R22 refrigerant gas can be used in existing systems

Regulatory requirements still to come:

• After 1st January 2015 no more recycled R22 refrigerant gas can be used in existing systems

How we can help

We are fully conversant with the legislation and can help you modify existing systems to accommodate a different gas or can design a new system with you if replacement is not possible. Guidance can be given on using the ECA to help provide tax relief for this spend.

Your Options

There are alternatives to R22 that can be used as ‘drop-in’ replacements. The two most common are R422D and R427A; R427A requires an oil change whereas R422D does not. However, there are different products with different blends which have the potential to create unstable systems leading to the deterioration of many parts within the system. Using a drop-in replacement will not improve the efficiency or the reliability of your system, it is a step into the unknown. By replacing the system for a modern, more efficient, inverter driven unit can provide significant cost and energy savings. Flowline can provide you with impartial advice on the best options for your particular system following a site survey. Call us on 01268 833 039 for more information or to arrange a survey.