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F-Gas regulations to stay the same after Brexit

Whatever you think of Brexit, it hardly needs an introduction from us. It’s having a massive effect on a huge number of businesses, including air conditioning. One of the main recent takeaways for our own industry is that F-Gas regulations will stay as they are post-Brexit. But what exactly are F-Gases, and why aren’t the regulations being changed?

Let’s dive right in to learn more.

What is F-gas?

Fluorinated gas (known as F-Gas) is a collection of several different types of artificial gases that are produced by human activity. They’re commonly used for industrial functions and in air conditioning or some other coolant systems. This is why they’re not as well-known to residential homeowners, because they don’t come into contact with them in their day to day lives.

How is F-gas used in AC and other cooling systems?

F-Gas is used as an easier way to provide cooling. This refrigerant system using F-gases – mainly Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – is utilised in both air-conditioning systems and other systems that need cooling down either to keep them operational or as part of their function, i.e. a commercial fridge/freezer system.

These types of systems must get checked and maintained regularly to ensure they still meet current regulations and aren’t emitting an excess amount of F-Gas beyond what’s acceptable. Modern heating and cooling systems must work with high-quality F-Gas safely and securely to give everyone peace of mind.

air con unit

How does F-gas relate to the environment?

It was found that many other gases were harmful to the environment even in small amounts, and played a significant part in depleting the ozone layer. When doing so, damaging radiation is allowed through to earth. Along with the switch away from certain compression air spray bottles that were found to be harmful, gas producers switched from gas types used in an industrial setting that were harmful to the environment in favour of F-Gas instead.

It’s true that F-gases are in themselves greenhouse gases which can contribute towards global warming, however this is why both their use and emissions are carefully controlled and regulated. The greater risk with F-Gases is when they’re unregulated; the EU F-Gas regulation ensures there are effective controls and limits across Europe to support the existing European environmental initiatives.

Why no major changes to F-gas regulation post-Brexit?

The EU regulations on F-Gas management and emissions are solidly drafted and have proven to support the initiatives around a cleaner environment. Because of this, after Brexit, the regulatory framework for F-Gas emissions in the UK cooling industry isn’t going to change in any significant way.

As a leading provider of cooling systems to businesses in the UK, Askews is dedicated to providing safe cooling systems that stay within both current and future regulations. The excellent service that we provide all our clients for both cooling and heating remains steadfastly focused on following safe, efficient and environmentally sound practices.

Companies often have environmental policies including reducing waste, increasing recycling efforts and operating in an environmentally-friendly way; we wish to support them in that goal. Businesses can rest assured that, at Askews, we care just as much about the environmental impact of refrigerant systems as you do.

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