Businesses or professionals working with systems that use fluorinated greenhouse gases need to understand the strict, and now changing, F-Gas regulations that are designed to reduce environmental harm. These regulations govern air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump systems, and this guide will explain what the regulations are, how they are changing with the R410A phase out, who they affect and the key steps to achieve compliance. We’ll also highlight the bans and restrictions, why compliance matters from a legal, financial and environmental perspective, and outline alternatives to high Global Warming Potential (GMP) refrigerants.

What Are the F-Gas Regulations and How Do They Affect Me?

The F-Gas regulations on the use of fluorinated gases (F-gases) were implemented by the Regulation (EU) 517/2014, and over nearly two decades have continued to evolve in line with eco-conscious goals. The effect of F-gases is measured based on the GWP, a relative measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere compared to a similar mass of carbon dioxide (CO2). Using a quota system, its main aims are to:

Help address global warming and climate change.
Reduce emissions from refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems.
Encourage the transition to more sustainable alternatives.
Those affected by the regulations include:
Business owners operating systems that contain F-gases.
Facilities managers and compliance officers responsible for ongoing monitoring and record keeping.
HVAC and refrigeration installers and service engineers, like Batchelor Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, must hold recognised F-gas certification.

Key Bans and Restrictions

The UK’s F-gas regulations are tightening year by year, with certain refrigerants phased out entirely and restrictions applied to servicing existing systems. Businesses must prepare for upcoming changes to avoid costly non-compliance.

F-Gas Equipment Bans

2022: New multipack centralised commercial refrigeration systems (≥40 kW) may not use F-gases with a GWP ≥150 (with limited exceptions, e.g. primary circuits in cascade systems). This particularly affects gases like R134a and R404A in those applications

2025: It will be prohibited to place on the market single split AC units with a charge <3 kg if they use F-gases with GWP ≥750. This includes R410A in many small split systems. Larger VRF/VRV and multi-split systems are not affected by this specific rule.

2030: Further phase-down steps will make very high-GWP refrigerants (like R507 and R404A) effectively unavailable for servicing and new equipment because of quota reductions and limits on reclaimed gas use. There is no single 2030 ‘ban’ on R507 alone, but it will be practically phased out.

F-Gas Servicing Bans

Since 2020, the use of virgin F-gases with GWP ≥2,500 (such as R404A, R507) has been banned for servicing refrigeration equipment with charges >40 tonnes CO₂e. Reclaimed and recycled gas can still be used until 2030 in some cases, but businesses should plan ahead for alternatives

Staying Compliant with F-Gas Regulations

So, with all these updates and changes to the UK F-gas regulations, how can you, as a business owner, responsible person or engineer dealing with F-gas systems, stay compliant? These proactive steps will keep your business and refrigerant systems compliant:

Obtain certification – anyone classed as the “operator who uses the equipment”, or those handling F-gas systems, must be qualified and certified. Qualifications can be obtained from these recognised organisations.
Regular maintenance and leak checks – leak checks are part of regular maintenance routines that responsible persons should follow. Depending on the amount of CO2 tonnes of equivalent refrigerant produced, will depend on the maximum interval between checks.
Maintain accurate records – accurate and up-to-date records of refrigerant type, quantity and service history must be maintained.
Proper handling and recovery – ensure safe disposal and recovery of refrigerants to prevent environmental release.

Whether you’re responsible for looking after your AC or updating records, it’s crucial to work with qualified professionals who can perform these duties and keep your business compliant. To receive a free quote on a bespoke service plan for your F-gas systems, contact Batchelor Air Conditioning & Refrigeration.

Penalties and Risks of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the F-gas regulations and the phasing out of R410A, R134A, R407C and R507 refrigerants can result in significant financial penalties and, in some cases, criminal prosecution. Beyond the legal risks, businesses face operational disruption if systems are taken out of use, as well as reputational damage for failing to meet environmental responsibilities.

Alternatives to High-GWP Refrigerants

The main goal of the F-gas regulations is to limit the impact of harmful gases on the environment, and as certain refrigerants are phased out, they will be replaced with alternative, natural refrigerants which have no or little impact on global warming.

Propane (R290) – with a GWP of 3, propane has been successfully used in industrial refrigeration for many years, as well as in domestic fridges and freezers. It is now commonly used in small AC systems and is also becoming more popular in the domestic air-to-water heat pump market as an alternative to R410A.

Carbon dioxide (R744) – now being used in air-to-water heat pump systems and low and mid temperature refrigeration. It is an alternative option to R404A and R134A. With a GWP of less than 1, CO2 is used as the benchmark in terms of GWP when comparing refrigerants.