F-Gas Regulations

EU announce F-Gas Regulation update

In order to control emissions from fluorinated greenhouse gases, the European Union has implemented two legislative measures. The second of these – the “F-gas Regulation” – covers all key applications and strengthens existing guidelines originally adopted in 2006.

Controls on the use and emissions of fluorinated gases are now more stringent than any time previously and these now also affect the use of HFCs as refrigerants. The 2014 EU F-Gas Regulation has now replaced the 2006 version, strengthening all earlier requirements whilst also introducing a number of important new practice codes. read more

Q & A – What is F-Gas?

F-Gas is a term used to describe any of a range of fluorinated gases such as CFCs, HFCs and HCFCs which are, or have been in the past, widely used in refrigeration-related applications such as air conditioning. Some F-gases are ozone-depleting whilst others are known to contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

The F-Gas Regulations are EU legislation designed to strictly limit the release of F-gases into the atmosphere. By law, all air conditioning systems containing over 3kg of F-Gas refrigerant must be checked for damage and leaks at least once per year by an F-Gas certified contractor. Andrews Air Conditioning Services holds F-Gas certification accredited by REFCOM and approved by DEFRA and our annual F-gas checks and certification can be incorporated into one of our Planned Maintenance Contracts. read more

Refrigerant Handling Is Serious Business

On the 4th July 2011 it became a criminal offence for anyone to install, remove or handle refrigerant gases, such as those used in air conditioning equipment, unless they hold the latest F-Gas Safe Handling qualifications.  Any company offering these services must hold a valid Company Qualification Certificate from an independent accreditation body such as REFCOM.

REFCOM estimates that over half the air conditioning and refrigeration companies in the UK have not yet satisfied these statutory requirements. read more