R22 is now banned from use.

R22 is now banned from use.

It’s now time to consider your options with our R22 Audit.

What is R22 and why is it banned from use?

R22 is the refrigerant gas found in the majority of air conditioning equipment over 10 years old.

R22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) which can potentially cause ozone depletion if leaked into the atmosphere. In 2003 R22 was banned from use in newly manufactured air conditioning systems.

How does this affect you?

If your building uses air conditioning and it was installed before 2003 it is likely now at risk.

Organisations that fail to act risk site shutdown and or fines under EC Ozone Regulation No 1005/2009.

However, an estimated 750,000 units which run on R22 are still in use today. If you have an air conditioning system which relies on R22 it is essential that you have a plan in place to phase it out.

R22 – your options

 1. Switch to using clean ‘drop in’ refrigerants

These alternative gases are similar to R22 however they are much less harmful with zero ozone depletion potential.

Pros:

• Minimal capital outlay
• Minimal short term disruption

Cons:

• Not all manufacturers endorse the use of ‘drop in’ refrigerants
• Drop in refrigerants are costly
• Increased potential for breakdowns
• Availability of spare parts for R22 systems is decreasing – some are no longer available at all
• Running costs of R22 systems are up to 50% higher than new modern systems
• Energy usage and impact on the environment of R22 systems is far greater than modern systems

2. Replace technology (replace the indoor and outdoor units only, leaving existing wiring & pipework in place)

Pros:

• Modern systems are up to 50% more energy efficient
• Running costs are therefore 50% lower
• Increased system reliability
• They run on clean energy and impact on the environment is significantly reduced
• Warranty periods reduce the cost of repairs
• Lower capital outlay than replacing the entire system (as pipework is recycled)
• Faster & less disruptive than replacing the whole system

Cons:

• Initial capital outlay (although still cheaper than replacing the entire system)
• Notable short term disruption
• This option is not always possible and some systems will need to be completely replaced.

R22 Audit

Complete Cooling Systems Ltd offer an R22 Audit to help owners understand why it makes perfet sense to replace ageing systems with those that are more energy efficient and controllable.  We can help businesses to review their air conditioning systems and see if it really can make financial sense to replace their old equipment, whilst advocating the all round better use of energy.

If you would like any further information regarding our R22 Audit service please contact us now.

Why Choose Us?