What is R22?

R22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). This colourless gas is better known as HCFC-22, or R-22. It is commonly used as a propellant and refrigerant. These applications are being phased out in developed countries due to the compound’s ozone depletion potential and high global warming potential.

It was banned by the UK government in January 2015 because of its ozone-depleting properties, and since then it has been illegal to either repair or maintain the refrigerant circuit of any R22 system still in use. Any existing R22 systems being removed must have the gas removed and sent for environmental disposal by a licensed contractor.

If you have an air-conditioning system that is over eight years old it is very likely to contain R22 refrigerant, and could stop working at any time. You are not breaking the law by continuing to use it, but you are vulnerable if your business depends on the use of the system. A fault in the refrigerant circuit means the system will need to be replaced.

Your R22 system will become a problem for you at some point; effectively it is a choice of dealing with the problem pro-actively, or leaving it to crop up at an inconvenient time in the future.

There are huge benefits in replacing R22 equipment:

• Enhanced comfort levels
• Lower running costs
• Lowers your carbon footprint
• New equipment comes with a 3 year warranty
• Reduces environmental risk.