A replacement plan for R22
HCFC R22 was, for some 6 decades, the most widely used refrigerant in air conditioning, heat pump and refrigeration equipment, however, due to its chlorine content, it was classified as an ozone depleting substance and so became the subject of a global phase out programme that was accelerated in Europe under the European Community (EC) Regulation No. 2037/2000. The regulation was re-cast in 2009 under EC 1005-2009 introducing new controls including leak check and logging requirements aligned with the F Gas Regulation.
With manufacture of Air conditioning, heat pump and refrigeration equipment designed to use HCFC R22 (for the European market) being finally prohibited in 2004, a number of major players ceased production well ahead of the deadlines. As a result this equipment has been classified as obsolete and components to enable repairs can already be difficult and expensive to source. Replacement is now the only cost effective long-term option.
As Daikin Distributors since 1980, Space Air believes that it shares these environmental responsibilities and we have continually invested time and effort to raise awareness of current and imminent legal obligations affecting air conditioning, heat pump and refrigeration equipment installations. We offer assistance with the planning process and replacement strategy for existing systems and advise on all environmentally acceptable, energy efficient alternatives available from Daikin’s extensive and world leading range.
Among the main benefits offered by today’s alternatives to R22 based equipment include:
• Much greater energy efficiency and thereby reduced operating costs.
• Current equivalent capacity output systems often have significantly reduced footprints.
• A recent study showed in many cases that, £1 per kW, modern day equipment is in fact cheaper to purchase.
• There is a much wider choice of indoor fan coil unit options today.
• The life expectancy of modern day systems is generally longer.
One of the most important cost benefits in replacing R22 based equipment and systems will be measured in life cycle terms. The maintenance of R22 systems will already be prohibitive; availability of critical and non-critical components is extending down times and risking complete failure.
However tough it is in the present economic climate to contemplate investing in new air conditioning, refrigeration or heat pump equipment, anything designed to operate with R22 is, in any event, approaching the end of its useful and serviceable life.
Email: R22@spaceair.co.uk
