Air Conditioning Tests
Changes to Air Conditioning Legislation For Owners/Operators from 1st January 2010
If you own or operate air conditioning units or cooling equipment that contain HCFC refrigerants then you must be aware and comply with new legal obligations that come into effect from 1st January 2010.
From this date HCFC’s are being phased out it and will become illegal to sell newly produced HCFC refrigerants in the maintenance and servicing of air conditioning and cooling equipment.
However, recycled or recovered HCFC’s can be utilised until 31st December 2014 but availability will be limited and higher costs involved as this date approaches.
As the owner or operator of air conditioning systems responsibility will rest with them to comply with these new regulations. All air conditioning systems are affected. Owners/operators must take precautionary measures to prevent and repair leaks. Installation, servicing and remedial work must be undertaken by qualified personal. Companies who do not comply may face penalties.
Businesses are cost conscious in the present economic climate and there are currently a number of financial benefits and incentives in upgrading air conditioning systems. These include:
• Tax relief on certain new equipment. (The Government ECA Scheme)
• Newly installed air conditioning systems are likely to be more efficient and therefore cheaper to run.
• New air conditioning systems will have up to 5 years warranty.
• Your company’s carbon footprint should be significantly improved by reducing your CO2 emission.
• By complying you will avoid penalties being imposed.
Why are the R22 legislation changes being made?
R22 refrigerants (HCFC’s) have a damaging effect on the earth’s ozone layer resulting in excessive UV levels. Other damaging effects such as global warming are still the subject of ongoing debate and investigation.
With this evidence and the fact that many air conditioning systems are well into their useful life many companies are choosing to phase them out rather than go to the expense of needlessly repairing or maintaining them. Unlike R22 refrigerants the use of new coolants such as ammonia and R404A will have zero ozone depleting potential. These refrigerants are also proven to be more energy efficient that the R22 refrigerant.
How can Simply Think UK help?
Here at Simply Think UK we have trained surveyors nationwide. Call our hotline number 0845 194 7330 or hit the quotation button. Either way you will assured of a rapid response.
