If your buildings are still reliant on R22-based air conditioning, we can provide a complete and cost-effective solution. European-wide legislation introduced at the beginning of 2015 banned the use of R22 refrigerant for topping up existing systems.

To further reduce the risk of leaks to atmosphere, the regulation also made it illegal to open, or break into pipework on air conditioning systems containing R22, effectively making it impossible to repair or maintain R22 system.

Although it is not illegal to continue operating existing R22-based air conditioning, buildings reliant on R22 system are very exposed.

Who is affected?

Many thousands of buildings in the UK are thought to still operate R22 air conditioning. For many years, it was a mainstream refrigerant; during the late Eighties and Nineties, a large proportion of the small splits and VRF type air conditioning installed was based on R22.

The ban on the use of R22 has been known about for some time, and many of those affected have addressed the problem. However, a significant number of R22 systems remain, and the clock is ticking.

With the introduction of the recent ban, equipment that still runs R22 is effectively obsolete. Those most at risk include commercial offices, hospitals, hotels, data centres and food processing facilities.

How we can help?

Our Complete R22 replacement service provides everything you need to address the problem and ensure continuity of cooling for your buildings.

There are two main solutions, depending on the age and technical suitability of the particular equipment:

Conversion: If equipment has a significant working life remaining, it may be worth retrofitting to operate on a non-ozone depleting alternative refrigerant. This involves safely removing the R22, flushing to remove oil and contaminant build-up, and replacing with new alternative refrigerant and lubricant. It may also require replacement of filter driers and seals.

The benefits of conversion

Extends use of existing equipment;

Reduces capital outlay, although conversion costs can be significant depending on the equipment;

Minimises disruption to the building.

Replacement:

If equipment is older, and approaching the end of its working life, retrofitting may be harder to justify on cost grounds. In this case, it may make sense to replace old equipment with new. In buildings where continuity of cooling is critical, this may be the preferred option in any case, to eliminate exposure.

The benefits of replacement

Capital costs can be quickly offset by the often very significant improvements in energy efficiency achievable with new equipment;

Lower servicing and maintenance costs on new, modern plant;

Existing air conditioning may no longer be able to fully meet current cooling and heating requirements, as a result of office reorganisation or increasing intensity of use over time. Replacing old equipment enables capacity to be matched to the actual loads, resulting in a more comfortable building and more productive occupants;

Eliminating exposure to R22 related issues by installing modern, high efficiency air conditioning, not only protects the value of a building, it can enhance it.

How it works

Our experienced field surveyors visit your site(s) to identify equipment still running on R22. We then produce a report for you highlighting any problem areas, identifying possible options, and making recommendations for the most cost-effective solution.

This includes a clear statement of the comparative costs and benefits of either converting or replacing equipment.

Armed with this information, you can then make an informed decision about the best solution for your building(s) and your budget.

Why you should act now?

Due to the lead time on conversion and replacement projects, it important that work is planned well in advance.

Problems with leaks or breakdowns are more likely to occur during the summer months, when demand for repair and installation services is greatest.

It therefore makes sense to address R22 issues as soon as practicable, so that the required work can be planned and carried out in an orderly way, while resource is available.

Contact us today to arrange a site visit

Get in touch now, and we can arrange a suitable time for an experienced engineer to visit your site(s) and assess the extent (if any) of your R22 problem.