Finding alternatives to HCFC R22 systems

For some six decades HCFC R22 was the world’s 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 so became the subject of a global phase out programme.

This 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.

Basically, under these EC Regulations, for service and maintenance purposes, only the use of recycled or reclaimed HCFC R22 was permitted after December 2009 and even this will be banned at the end of 2014. Already in short supply, reclaimed HCFC R22 is becoming increasingly expensive.

The manufacture of air conditioning, heat pump and refrigeration equipment designed to use HCFC R22 (for the European market) was prohibited in 2004 but most major players ceased production well ahead of the phase out deadlines. As a result such equipment is classified as obsolete and repairs can be difficult. Replacement is now the only cost effective long-term option.

As a Daikin distributor since 1980, Space Air continually invests time and effort to raising awareness of current and imminent legal obligations affecting air conditioning, heat pump and refrigeration equipment installations. We offer assistance with replacement strategies for existing systems, advice on all environmentally acceptable, energy efficient alternatives available from Daikin’s extensive range and finance options.

The main benefits offered by today’s alternatives to R22 based equipment include:

•  Much greater energy efficiency and thereby reduced operating costs
•  Heat pumps can replace cooling only plant, obsoleting secondary heating systems
•  R22 replacement affords the opportunity to re-evaluate today’s capacity needs
•  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 noncritical components is extending down times and risking complete failure.

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