The new F-Gas regulations became law on 4th July 2006 with the majority of measures taking effect from 4th July 2007.
The main objective of this regulation is to contain, prevent and thereby reduce emissions of the flourinated greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto protocol. The regulation addresses containment, use, recover, destruction, reporting, labelling, training and certification on the market prohibitions for the flourinated gases.
The relevant parts affecting refrigeration and Air Conditioning are detailed below:
Containment
Operators of stationary refrigeration, Air Conditioning and heat pump equipment shall use all measures which are technically feasible and do not entail disproportionate cost to prevent leakage of HFCs and as soon as possible repair any detected leakage
An operator is defined as the natural or legal person exercising actual power over the technical functioning of the systems covered by this regulation. A member state may in specific situations designate the owner as being responsible for the operators obligations.
These operators shall ensure system are checked for leakage by certified personnel, as defined by the training and certification requirement.
Leakage Inspection
Systems shall becheck for leakage dependant on refrigerant charge
3kg charge - check at least every 12 months
30kg charge - check at least every 6 months
300kg charge - check at lease every 3 months
The application shall be checked for leakage within 1 month after a leak has been repaired to ensure the repair was effective
Operators of equipment containing 300kg or more shall install leakage detection systems - these must be checked every 12 months
"Checked for leakage" means that the system is examined for leakage using direct and indirect methods.
Record Keeping
Operators of equipment with more than 3kg will need to maintain records on the quantity and type of HFC installed. Any quantities added or recovered during maintenance, servicing and disposal will need to be recorded along with leak checks and any actions taken. These records need to be made available upon request by the authority.
Recovery
Operators of refrigeration, Air Conditioning and heat pump equipment are responsible for putting in place arrangements for the proper recovery by certified personnel who comply with the training and certification requirements.
Many of the latest Air Conditioning systems will qualify for enhanced capital allowances. Enhanced capital allowances are a system designed to offer companies the benefit of writing off the cost of capital expenditure in year 1, rather than over a period of years.
This will not only be for the cost of the equipment, but also the labour, installation materials and direct costs associated with the installation (such as electrical work directly attributable to the Air Conditioning installation). There are qualifying criteria designed to encourage the purchase of energy efficient products. This is a complex subject and will require the services of an accountant
To find our more information and for a full list of equipment that qualifies on the ECA list please visit: www.eca.gov.uk
Air-Conditioning Specialists - Maximum Cooling Services
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NABARRO LLP
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"The service provided by Maximum Cooling and Rob in particular to be outstanding. Any problems, should they arise are always dealt with promptly and efficiently, with minimum disruption to our staff." Nicola Makin
VOW Europe Ltd
Air-Conditioning Specialists - Maximum Cooling Services
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