Solutions

As of January the 1st 2010, the use of virgin HCFCs for servicing air conditioning and refrigeration equipment was banned. This leaves equipment owners with three choices:

• Replace the equipment with kit that uses a non-ozone depleting refrigerant.
• Refrofit the refrigerant with a non-ozone depleting refrigerant designed to replace the HCFC in question
• Use reclaimed HCFCs as an interim solution, but remember that this option is only available until 31/12/2014

The best choice will vary from site to site and factors like equipment age, capacity and cost of replacement will ultimately determine the route forward:

Replace the equipment

New equipment is probably the most costly option, but may be the best solution where:

• The existing equipment is near the end of its useful life
• Where cooling capacity is constrained
• Funding is available to facilitate the purchase of new equipment

Advances in airconditioning and refrigeration technology may provide energy savings that can help off-set the cost of new equipment. New equipment is available from our wholesale partners,
click here for details

Retrofit the refrigerant

Retrofitting the refrigerant is potentially the lowest cost option, as it allows the equipment owner to continue to use the same equipment. A-Gas’ RSTM and Isceon® range of refrigerants range offers a range of refrigerants designed to replace HCFCs. In most cases, these blends offer:

• Similar performance to most HCFCs
• Good compatibility with existing lubricants

What retrofit refrigerant is best for my application? Click here to download our refrigerant selection guide.

Need help with selecting a refrigerant? Click here to complete and submit our online form

Use reclaimed HCFC's

Reclaimed HCFCs are refrigerants that have been cleaned and re-processed to a recognised standard e.g. ARI 700. They provide a legal way to continue to use HCFCs as an interim measure until 31/12/2014. Reclaimed refrigerants offer a cost effective way to extend the life of HCFC equipment where:

• The equipment is due to be replaced before 2015
• Where capacity or other technical issues make retrofitting the refrigerant difficult

A-Gas offers a wide range of reclaimed HCFC including Reclaimed R22, R403B, R408A & R409A. Please contact us for availability of other reclaimed refrigerants.