FAQs

Will I be able to buy R22 in 2010?

You are only able to buy reclaimed R22 in 2010, but as supply is likely to be limited, planning ahead would be a good idea.

What is the “drop-in” replacement refrigerant for R22?

There is no single replacement refrigerant for R22. The most suitable retrofit refrigerant depends on the operating temperature and the type of equipment. See our quick selection guide here....

Will other reclaimed HCFCs like R408A, R409A & R403B be available after 2009?

Yes, A-Gas has the UK’s most advanced refrigerant reclamation facility and will have limited quantities of these blends available through our distributors.

Can I stockpile R22 for use after 2009?

It will be illegal to do this. All unused HCFCs will need to be disposed of in accordance with EU regulations and records kept to ensure complete traceability

I have a large centrifugal chiller running on R123 – what is the retrofit gas?

R123 was an interim replacement for old R11 systems and unfortunately, there is no replacement refrigerant for this application. Unless you can secure a supply of reclaimed or recycled R123, then new equipment will be the only solution

I have a cabinet running quite happily on R22 – do I have to replace it after 2009?

As long as the cabinet doesn’t leak refrigerant, it can continue to run using R22. If the cabinet needs to be serviced and needs refrigerant, then you will need to have a strategy moving forward. This could be to use a suitable retrofit refrigerant or to replace the cabinet.

I’ve heard that the retrofit refrigerants are not suitable for flooded systems, is this true?

Refrigerants blends with high temperature glide are generally not suitable in flooded systems. Some retrofit blends like the RS range have low temperature glide and have been successfully retrofitted in flooded systems. See a case study here. As this is quite a specialised area, please contact A-Gas for specific advice.

Can you use the Isceon or RS series to top up R22 systems?

No, this will create an unusable refrigerant blend, it is never advisable to mix refrigerants.

Can I re-use R22 I have taken out of a system on other refrigeration kit on my site?

Yes, R22 that is taken out of a system like this can be used in other systems so long as it is used by the company who own the original piece of kit; it is illegal to sell recovered refrigerant for use within refrigeration and air conditioning systems. However, an alternative option is to return it to a licensed waste processor, please contact A-Gas for further details. 

I am looking at retrofitting a system from R22 to R404A, what will this entail?

R404A runs at higher pressures than R22 so you will need to check the pipework is able to take the new pressures as well as checking the PRVs and pressure switches. You will need to replace the TXV and will need to flush the system and convert to POE oil.

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