R-22 Refrigerant Ban in Air Conditioning

If your air conditioning system is over six years old, now is the time to review the following EC legislation, EC2037/2000 which introduced an immediate ban on the use of CFCs and a phase-out programme for the production and use of HCFCs including the commonly used R-22. From 1st January 2010, it will be illegal to use virgin hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) such as R-22, which is a commonly used refrigerant when servicing and maintaining air conditioning equipment. Until the 31st December 2014, temporary use of recycled/recovered R-22 may still be possible but availability could be limited and supply costs may be considerable higher. From 1st January 2015, the use of R-22 will be prohibited and any air conditioning system which uses any R-22 at all will be banned.