What’s it all about?
F-gases include the most common refrigerants in use today. The F-gas regulations aim to minimise emissions of these gases, which affect global warming if they escape into the air.
As part of this, there are also regulations on the operators of the equipment and systems that use F-gases. Our operatives are trained and registered with REFCOM to carry out all F-gas regulation related installation and servicing and maintenance. Our registration number is 1000075 and you can check our status at http://www.refcom.org.uk/refcom/company-search.aspx
What are the operator regulations?
- Free access to the system enabling supervision of the components and their functioning and granting access to third parties
- Control over the day-to-day functioning/running (e.g. taking the decision to switch it on or off)
- Power (including financial power) to decide on: technical modifications (e.g. replacement of a component); modification of the quantities of F-gases in the system; checks or repairs to be carried out.
For stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump units over 3kg charge (6 kg if hermetic), operators must:
- Prevent leakage, and repair any leaks as soon as possible
- Arrange proper refrigerant recovery by certified personnel during servicing and disposal
- Carry out leak checks to the schedule shown below
- Ensure that only certified, competent personnel carry out leakage checks
- Maintain records of refrigerants and of servicing
Leak checks are mandatory documented checks on air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. This is to assess how much damage could be caused to the atmosphere if the entire refrigerant was to be released.
Calculating your CO2
The frequency of the test inspections is based around the GWP of the refrigerant, which is then multiplied by the estimated volume contained in each system which then gives you the actual CO2 figure.
- 5 and 50 tonnes CO2 - requires one inspection per year.
- 50 to 500 tonnes CO2 - requires an inspection every six months
- More than 500 tonnes CO2 - requires quarterly inspections.
How often does a system need leak checking?
- R410A (2088 GWP) more than 2.39kg - once a year - 23.9kg twice a year - more than 239kg four times a year
- R407C (1774 GWP) more than 2.81kg - once a year - 28.1kg twice a year - more than 281kg four times a year
- R404A (3922 GWP) more than 1.27kg - once a year -12.7kg twice a year - more than 127kg four times a year
- R134a (1430 GWP) more than 3.49kg - once a year - 34.9kg twice a year - more than 349kg four times
To ensure that you are fully aware of what is required, simply call us and we will give you a full picture of your system, what it contains and then offer you a good, affordable maintenance plan that puts your mind fully at rest.
Call us today on 01438 833600.
