What is R22?
Gasses such as R22 gasses have been deemed as harmful to the atmosphere. With targets to reduce carbon emissions and improve climate change the government decided to ban the production of this harmful gas.
In Jan 2009 they ceased manufacturing the gas. It will be illegal from the 1st Jan 2015 to use a R22 unit. So what do you do if you have a R22 unit?
If you have a R22 unit, there are several options to you, however all have an impact on the way the unit is used.
- Continue using the unit until 2015-It will remain legal to continue using RAC equipment containing HCFC (R22) beyond the phase out dates proving they do not require maintenance that involves putting any HCFC’s (R22) back into a system. This means that as soon as your unit requires gas, the unit will become un-efficient or redundant.
- Continue using the unit with Recycled gas-Many competitors have suggested using recycled R22 gas, which is available on the market. However. this is not compliant with DEFRA recommendation. As DX Electrica is accredited with HVCA we would not recommend this solution as it is not cost effective.
- Replace the compressor-you can make your current unit compatible with the new friendlier gases by replacing your compressor. Although to do so you have to use Recyclable R22 which is at a premium rate. This option is only marginally cheaper than to replace a whole new, more efficient unit.
- Replace the unit with a new more efficient unit one-To remove the existing indoor unit and pipework and replace with a new unit. The majority of new units are inverter driven which means that they are more cost effective to run and have both heating and cooling. There is also some government funding available to help smaller businesses make the switch over. Please see fact sheet 9.
