Why are R22 and the other HCFCs being phased out?

Under the Montreal Protocol, it was agreed that ozone-depleting substances (ODS) including CFCs and HCFCs would be phased out globally. The European Community Regulation No. 2037/2000 set a timetable to remove the most hazardous refrigerants, and virgin HCFCs cannot be used or sold from 1 January 2010. The ban will be completed in 2015 with the extension of the ban also to recycled HCFCs.

Will I be able to use recycled R22?

Yes, but the availability of recycled R22 will not be sufficient to meet needs. Its use will be banned from 1 January 2015. The availability of recycled R22 in the EU is estimated to lie between 2000 and 2500 tonnes/year, falling severely short of the 20,000 tonnes or so that will be required to service all installations continuing to run on HCFCs.

What do I do with the R22/other HCFCs I have?

When safely recovered from the system into recycle cylinders, they need to be returned to the distributors/ wholesalers either to be recycled or safely disposed of, depending on their level of purity and the individual quantities reclaimed.

What are my options?

1. Replace or significantly upgrade equipment – expensive and labour-intense but may be worthwhile if equipment is old and in bad condition

2. Refit (adapt system to work with legal HFC blends) – still quite expensive and relatively labour-intense but may be suitable if equipment needs significant maintenance

3. Retrofit – efficient and most cost-effective solution with minimal operational impact. Very practical if equipment is still in good shape.

4. Try to secure upfront a reliable source of recycled R-22.

What alternatives are available?

There are a number of non-ozone-depleting alternative retrofit solutions available:

• Non ozone-depleting HFC blends
• Retrofit refrigerants (also HFCs)
• “Not in kind” refrigerants, such as ammonia, CO2 and hydrocarbons
  
  

Which alternative should I use?

This is dependent on the application, the system design and equipment used.
We recommend that once you have read the guidance on this site you contact either your contractor or distributor/wholesaler discuss the best option for you.

What system changes will I need to make?

This will depend on the solution that you opt for and the condition of your equipment. In the best situation, you will only have to change the seals and the refrigerant. However, if your equipment is in bad condition, you may need to significantly upgrade or even replace it. Again, we recommend that you seek further advice on your specific needs from either your contractor or distributor/wholesaler.

How long will the new alternatives last before they are also banned?

With the exception of vehicle air-conditioning, there is no legislation currently in place to ban or restrict the supply or use of HFC-refrigerants in stationary equipment. However the F-Gas Regulation is in place to monitor the use, reclamation, recycling and disposal of all HFCs.