R22 The facts

If you are still running air conditioning equipment containing R22 it is not only important to know how the law stands, but also how the systems are effected and what can and can't be done.

 

Firstly the basics; R22 refrigerant has been used for many years but contributes to the depletion of the ozone so the government  put restrictions in place to phase out its use as more efficient and less damaging refrigerants have been introduced.

 

Key dates:   

 

1st December 2014  - Systems operating on R22 refrigerant will be classed as "not serviceable" from December 2014.

 

31st December 2014 - Only reclaimed or recycled R22 refrigerant may be used from January 2010 until 31st December 2014.

31st December 2014 -  A complete ban of R22 refrigerant, including reclaimed or recycled will be effective on 31st December 2014

Our Take:

For those wishing to prolong the life of the equipment it may continue to be used without any restrictions as long as the system has no leaks and does not need to be topped up with additional refrigerant. A drop in gas (R417a) can be used within most systems, if new gas is required.  The R22 refrigerant must be removed completely and environmentally disposed.

The downside:

It must be kept in mind that the compressors will  be subject to greater loads and thus additional wear. If any other part of the system fails, it is very unlikely that replacement parts can be procured due to the age of the system.

The Manufacturers:

Toshiba

Some research has been done on R417A and it was found to give a 6 – 10% drop in performance and a 15 – 25% increase in power consumption.  

Mitsubishi Electric

The official guide line is not to use them. They will reduce the efficiency and shorten the compressor life as the units are not designed on the ‘drop in’ refrigerants.

Fujitsu

Fujitsu have never done any tests with ‘drop in’ refrigerants, therefore cannot comment on the life expectancy or efficiency of the system if alternate refrigerant is used.

Hitachi

All of our systems are tested with their specified refrigerants, so all COP’s, duties and the general durability is tested and based with that units specific refrigerant.

Daikin

Daikin have not carried out any testing with ‘drop in refrigerants’. If the customer wishes to try a ‘drop in’ refrigerant, Daikin can take no responsibility for the performance of the equipment, as the refrigerant utilised will not be the refrigerant that the equipment was originally manufactured to work with. Doing so will be entirely at the risk of the owner of the equipment.

Time to replace?:

Efficiency New refrigerant R410A which has a zero ozone depleting potential is also more energy efficient than the R22 refrigerant. In addition to this, due to the significant technological developments of heat pump technology, older forms of air conditioning run less efficiently than the systems available today. Up to a 30% increase (and in some cases over) in efficiency can be achieved with R410A inverter air conditioning in comparison to older style R22 equipment. Increased efficiency equates to less energy consumption, lower subsequent energy costs and lower CO2 emissions.

To discuss any air conditioning requirements call Air Control on 0845 607 6841.