R22 and R410A air conditioning: repair, keep or replace?
What the R22 servicing ban and the HFC phase-down mean for older commercial air conditioning, and how to decide when to replace R410A systems.
Short answer
R22 systems can still run, but they cannot be topped up with R22, so most refrigerant-circuit repairs are no longer possible — replacement is usually the realistic option when they fail. R410A systems can be serviced and repaired as normal; plan replacement when they become unreliable or costly to run, not because of a ban.
R22: what the ban means
R22 is an HCFC that damages the ozone layer. Since 1 January 2015 it has been illegal to use virgin or recycled R22 to maintain or service equipment in the UK. You may keep running an R22 system, but if it leaks or needs work on the refrigerant circuit, it cannot be recharged with R22.
Drop-in replacement refrigerants exist, but they usually reduce capacity and efficiency and need careful engineering. For most commercial systems of that age, replacement is better value.
R410A: no ban on use
R410A is an HFC with a GWP of 2,088. There is no ban on using or servicing existing R410A systems. New single split systems under 3 kg in Great Britain can no longer use refrigerants with a GWP of 750 or more, and the HFC phase-down is reducing supply, which can raise the price of R410A over time.
When to replace
- Repeated faults or a failed compressor
- Leaks that recur after repair
- Rising running costs or poor performance
- A refurbishment or change of use
- An R22 system that now needs refrigerant work
Re-using pipework
Existing pipework can sometimes be re-used if it is the right size, in good condition, clean and compatible with the new refrigerant and its pressures. We test and flush before relying on it.
Questions
Can R22 be replaced with R32 in the same unit?
No. R32 needs equipment designed for it. Replacement means new indoor and outdoor units.
Is R410A being banned?
Not for existing systems. Restrictions apply to some new equipment and supply is being phased down.
Sources
Related services
- Air conditioning replacement and upgrades
- Decommissioning and refrigerant recovery
- Air conditioning repairs
- F-gas leak checks and records
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change; check the current position with the relevant authority for your building.