Global environmental legislation is increasingly strict in limiting the harmful effects of human activity on our world and its climate, to protect the ozone layer and reduce global warming. The EU is striking to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C

In force since February 7th, 2024, the new F-gas regulation limits emissions by scaling down production and by improving containment. It highlights a stronger emphasis on proper and safe service of refrigeration systems:
- Regular leak inspections
- Recovery of gases
- Maintenance by trained and certified of service technicians
- Modified leak detection routines based on CO² equivalent charge AND refrigerant charge depending on the refrigerant type without low refrigerant charge limits.

But how exactly does the new legislation affect system owners and operators?

Regular leak inspections
Operators of systems containing a specified amount of CO₂ equivalents of fluorinated greenhouse gases (excluding those in foams) are mandated to conduct leak inspections at regular intervals. The frequency of these inspections is determined by the refrigerant charge in the equipment. Systems must be inspected for leaks based on the CO₂ equivalents per refrigerant charge.

Operators of stationary refrigeration systems, air conditioning systems, and heat pumps that use refrigerants based on HFCs and/or HFOs are subject to these requirements.

Mandatory leak detection systems
Leak detection systems are mandatory for systems with 500 tons CO₂ equivalent for HFCs or 100 kg HFO.

Record-keeping obligations
The F-Gas Regulation requires operators of refrigeration systems to maintain records of legally mandated leak checks. These records must be kept by both the system operator and the personnel or company performing the checks for at least five years. Records are required for systems that necessitate leak checks and must include:
  • Quantity and type of F-gases
  • All quantities of F-gases added during activities such as installation, maintenance, servicing, or leak response
  • Name and address of the recycling or reclamation facility (with certificate number, if applicable) if recycled or reclaimed F-gases are used
  • All quantities removed and reclaimed
  • The company that worked on the equipment (with certificate number, if applicable)
  • Times and results of leak tests, inspections (retesting), and repairs
  • Measures taken to recover and dispose of the fluorinated greenhouse gases if the system is decommissioned

Recovery obligations
Operators of stationary equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases not in foam must ensure that these gases are properly recovered by certified individuals or entities before system disposal and, if necessary, during system service and maintenance. This ensures that the gases are recycled, reclaimed, or destroyed.

Conclusion
System owners and operators should not delay in having their systems professionally maintained and/or modified to accommodate alternative refrigerants under the F-Gas Regulation. Certain refrigerants will be completely banned in new systems in the future. For example, the production of systems using R-404a/R-507 has been banned since 2020.

For peace of mind and to ensure that your system complies with the current regulation, trust in Trane Services’ expertise from qualified service technicians in refrigerant management

  - Highly skilled and certified technicians
  - Operating process according to legislation
  - Efficient refrigerant management: leak detection and recovery
  - Immediate reporting with recommended action plan
  - A range of approved leak detection system

Get help from Trane for Leak Testing