Ban on R22 (HCFC)

HCFCs have been used as refrigerant gases since the complete phase out of the older CFC refrigerants.  The most commonly used HCFC refrigerant is known as R22 and has been in widespread use in applications in many economic sectors. However, all HCFCs are to be completely banned after 31 December 2014.

Therefore, from 1 January 2015, the use of all R22 in the maintenance or servicing of existing refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment will be prohibited. Any operator of equipment running on R22 should consider the impact of this ban and ask for advice from a qualified and certified refrigeration and air-conditioning contractor to ensure that any business-critical equipment is retrofitted with an alternative gas or replaced before that date.  Operators of other equipment that is not considered business-critical may prefer to continue using the equipment; however, it is recommended that operators have a plan in place in the event that the equipment breaks down, as it will be illegal to service or maintain the equipment if it involves the use of R22.

 

If you have any concerns or questions about the systems you have in place, please feel free to call us and we will be happy to go to and see if your systems meet requirements.