R22 Refrigerant Phase Out

Under the terms of the “Montreal Protocol”, the UK is phasing out all substances that have the potential to damage the ozone layer. One of the last to go is the refrigerant gas R22.

Prior to 2002 the majority of air conditioning systems installed used R22. Thereafter, with the exception of an extension for heat pump systems until 2004, its use in new equipment was banned.

Refrigerant manufacturers are still allowed to produce and supply R22 for use in servicing and maintaining existing systems but a total ban on the manufacture of R22 will come into force at the end of 2009.
Stockpiling of virgin R22 will be illegal and recycled R22 stocks will become a diminishing commodity. 

Businesses using air conditioning systems installed before 2002, or prior to 2004 if they are of the heat pump type, are very likely to find that they contain R22 and will have to very carefully consider their options as the ban on it looms nearer.

If you think you may have a system containing R22, call us at Blue Sky Air Conditioning for a free survey of your system and assessment of your options to comply with the phase-out deadline.