HCFC R22 refrigerant was phased-out under the Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations EC 2037/2000 & 1005/2009, yet we are still receiving enquiries and orders for Daikin parts, including compressors, specifically for products designed to use the banned refrigerant HCFC R22.
For the European market, manufacture of equipment designed to contain HCFC R22 ceased between 2000 and 2003, so we are talking about equipment that is at least 12 years old and in most cases has exceeded typical life expectancy.
From 1st January 2015 it became illegal to use HCFC R22 refrigerant for service and maintenance purposes.
Our concern is that purchasers of these spare parts are either unaware of the legislation or are using or considering so-called drop-in R22 alternative refrigerants.
Reliable, leak free, R22 equipment can be legally operated until it fails. However, in the event that it could technically be repaired, once the existing R22 refrigerant charge is removed, it is illegal to re-charge/re-commission the system using R22. Should we, in such circumstances, simply stop selling parts for equipment designed to use HCFC R22?
Operators of such equipment basically have 2 choices:
Of course we are sympathetic to the potential cost burden imposed on customers as a result of the R22 phase out, however we believe the advantages in replacing the equipment, which has already exceeded normal service life, outweigh the disadvantages.
The retrofitting of any refrigerant, other than the original equipment was designed to use, is not recommended by Daikin, the manufacturer we have represented for over 34 years. Consequently no warranty is available on any component, including compressors, where an alternative refrigerant is used. Great care should be taken if considering any alternative drop-in refrigerant for a number of reasons, including:
The dilemma is whether or not we continue to supply parts for equipment designed to operate with HCFC R22. Our decision for the time being is to maintain supplies, for as long as they remain available, however, we will remind customers of the legislation and the pitfalls of temporary/interim solutions, and offer to quote for replacement Daikin equipment.
Space Airconditioning plc,
Willway Court, 1 Opus Park,
Moorfield Road,
Guildford,
Surrey,
GU1 1SZ
Phone: 0333 0069 755
Mitsubishi Electric will host a CIBSE Journal webinar on Wednesday 24th April 2024 at 1pm to discuss the legislation and initiatives driving changes in the way we will need to heat, cool and ventilate large commercial buildings to reach net zero emissions in the UK.
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