Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs and HCFCs) are a type of Fluorinated gases (F-gas) which feature in many air conditioning, refrigeration and heat-pump systems. If released into the atmosphere, they can have a harmful global warming effect.
The Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is consistently reviewing the use of F-gas to combat climate change. As a result businesses are legally obliged to keep their air conditioning system regularly maintained and tested for F-gas leaks.
F-gas certification and compliancy is enforced by the Environmental Agency and local authorities. Businesses unable to provide the necessary records to prove their compliancy with F-gas regulations will receive a penalty notice and further fines if not addressed.
F-gas rules and regulations apply to all sizes and types of businesses operating an air conditioning, refrigeration system with the CO2 equivalent charge weight of 5 tonnes and above. The frequency of F-gas testing is required as follows:
|
Tonnes CO2 Equivalent Charge Weight |
FGas inspections |
|
5-50 tonnes |
At least every 12 months |
|
50-500 tonnes |
At least every 6 months |
|
500 |
At least every 3 months |
A leak detection system must be installed on equipment containing the F-gas equivalent to more than 500 tonnes of CO2. If a leak is detected, the system alerts the operator and the service company responsible for your equipment. The leak detection system must be checked once a year to ensure it is working correctly and to comply with F-gas regulations.
Remain compliant with Planned Preventative Maintenance
At Sannick Ltd we offer businesses of all sizes Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) for their air conditioning and commercial refrigeration systems. Each PPM package is designed to meet the needs of the individual business and the air conditioning system in place and ensure full F-gas compliance.
As part of every PPM package our Refcom certified engineers carry out scheduled visits to keep your system efficient and F-gas compliant all-year-round. On your behalf we will maintain your F-gas records to keep you legally compliant with F-gas regulation.