Why are the cost of refrigerants increasing?

In 2015 the EU issued new F-Gas regulations surrounding the use of and types of refrigerants. The purpose of the regulation was to cut the availability of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 79% between 2015 and 2030.

Because of the new regulations, HFCs, particularly those with high global warming potentials (GWP), are likely to become more expensive.  This is to drive the replacement of HFC’s that are harmful to the environment with less harmful refrigerants.

This means that under the phase-down regulations, Europe will face limited availability which is pushing up the price of refrigerants such as R404A and R410A. Manufacturers and suppliers are being given strict quota’s due to the shortage and this has resulted in some price increases of up to 62%.

Manufacturers are already adapting

Most of the world leading manufacturers have already responded by introducing new energy efficient, low carbon solutions that use R32, a low carbon refrigerant. However there is still a long way to go in terms of adapting all technology and making it affordable enough to enable end users to upgrade their systems.

What can you do now?

For those responsible for commercial premises that have air conditioning systems that might contain the outlawed refrigerants, they need to act quickly to either replace their refrigerants or plan to retrofit them before the legacy refrigerants become unavailable altogether.

If you don't know what refrigerant your system is using then you need to act fast.  Loop Air Conditioning can quickly assess your current system and advise you on what your current refrigerant is and your options.

Checklist

1. Call your local service engineer to find out what refrigerant is in your current air conditioning system.
2. Find out if you can replace your refrigerant with one with low GWP.
3. Find out whether a retrofit to your system is possible.
4. Compare the above solutions with installing a new, energy efficient and future-proof system.

Loop Air Conditioning will always advise you of the most cost effective, non-disruptive solutions and hold your hand every step of the way to ensure that you are compliant, safe and cost efficient.

For a quick assessment to discover the best options for you, call us today on 01438 833600.