What is FGAS and how does it affect a business?

The governments FGAS is a legal compliance that anyone working directly with refrigerants, must have a clear understanding of the F-Gas Regulations to take the action needed to comply, as well as future-proofing a businesses and buildings it occupies.

Whether an existing system in need of upgrade or a completely new installation, regulatory measures already in place or upcoming developments mean the landscape for air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pumps is constantly changing.

At KSL, we appreciate that negotiating this legislation can be a daunting prospect for end users, but we have been providing outstanding service to our customers since 2000 and that experience means we are here to help you, every step of the way.

FGAS rules and regulations:

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs and HCFCs) are a type of Fluorinated gases (FGAS) which feature in many air conditioning, refrigeration and heat-pump systems.

If released into the atmosphere, can have a harmful global warming effect.

The Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is consistently reviewing the use of FGAS to combat climate change and as a result, businesses are legally obliged to keep their air conditioning system regularly maintained and tested for FGAS leaks.

All operators (be it the business owner, facilities manager or office manager) of air conditioning and cooling systems containing FGAS are legally required to have qualifying equipment leak tested and maintain a record of maintenance and servicing.

The person appointed to carry out this type of work must hold a DEFRA approved Stationary Equipment Qualification Company Certificate (full certificate), issued by Refcom.

FGAS certification and compliancy is enforced by the Environmental Agency and local authorities, with businesses unable to provide the necessary records to prove their compliancy with FGAS regulations receiving a penalty notice and further fines if not addressed.

FGAS rules and regulations apply to all businesses operating an air conditioning, refrigeration system with the CO₂ equivalent charge weight of 5 tonnes and above.

The frequency of FGAS testing is required as follows:

Upcoming regulatory bans

2025: Ban on the use of virgin refrigerants with GWP greater than 750 in the installation of single split air conditioning systems where the charge size is less than 3kg.

Refrigerant affected R134a, R407C, R410A

2030: Ban on the use of reclaimed refrigerants with a GWP greater than 2500 to service equipment where the charge size is greater than 40T CO2 equivalent (approximately 10kg of R404A).

Refrigerant affected R404a, R507

• The F-Gas review is ongoing at the time of writing (February 2023) and is expected to introduce stricter controls on the availability of higher GWP refrigerants.

Q: What options do I have if my current systems operate on high GWP refrigerants or refrigerants that are obsolete?

A: Understanding the options available is important when it comes to considering the next steps for systems affected by the F-Gas phase down. Does the system need replacing or can you use an alternative refrigerant?

Converting to a different refrigerant is usually cheaper and minimises disruption to the property, however any decision should also factor in the amount of working life left in the system and the lifespan of the replacement refrigerant under the F-Gas Regulation.

For air conditioning and mid-temperature refrigeration systems using R22, R407C is a retrofit alternative. Other options are available but R407C is a straightforward replacement with no system modifications required in most instances. R407C will, however, be phased out in 2025 in systems with less than 3kg charge.

R410A air conditioning systems with charges greater than 3kg – including most VRF applications – are not affected. Systems with less than 3kg charge will be banned from 2025, with equipment using R32 an alternative option.

KSL Air Conditioning & Refrigeration can offer expert advice and support to help you and your customers make the right choice and, when replacing the refrigerant is not the best option, we have outstanding air conditioning, refrigeration, and heat pump solutions from all the leading manufacturers such as Mitsubishi Electric and Daikin air-conditioning.

Q: Why must your contractor be F-Gas registered?

A: Under the F-Gas Regulation, anyone responsible for the installation, commissioning, decommissioning, maintenance and repair of stationary HVAC equipment containing fluorinated gases must hold a current F-Gas Certificate.

KSL Air Conditioning & Refrigeration are proud to be certified by the UK’s leading F-Gas register, REFCOM, which was appointed as an official certification body by DEFRA in 2009.

Contact KSL on 01634 290999 or email sales@kinlochs.net to discuss your compliancy questions on the F-Gas Regulations.