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F-gas regulation

The F-gas regulation and what it means for the HVAC-R market

No HFC ban but a phase-down, why?

Why a phase-down?

›› The EU wants to reduce the environmental impact of f-gases, by reducing the CO2 equivalent consumption of HCFs

No ban nor phase-out:

›› HFCs are important in many applications because of their energy efficiency, safety and economic benefits
›› HFCs are phased-down to a level that allows sustainable growth & investments, beyond 2030

F-Gas phase-down

Measuring HFCs in CO2 equivalents

The phase-down targets are expressed in CO2 equivalents [= kg x GWP] and are not refrigerant-specific. The legislation doesn’t ban any specific refrigerant completely. This means that there is no doubt that the relevant refrigerants will be available during any equipment’s lifetime (e.g. R-410A for DX systems).

Measuring HFCs in CO2 equivalents
  1. Phase-down scheme for new HFC gas. Reused HFC gas is not subject to the phase-down scheme, therefore the total demand is above this line.
  2. Biggest cut in non-A/C markets (e.g. R-404A for refrigeration).
  3. Growth in use of R-32 as an alternative to R-410A.
  4. Reserve R-410A for specific applications, e.g. VRV, ...

We are ahead of F-gas regulations

The environment has a special place in our heart, that’s why it plays a very important role in our corporate philosophy. We are a leader in environmental legislation and innovation because our products:

  • Use lower GWP refrigerants

    • R-410A (2,087,5) ◊ R-32 (675): - 68%
    • R-404A (3,922) ◊ R-407H (1,495): - 62%
    • R-134a (1,430) ◊ R-1234ze(E) (7): - 95%
  • Have a reduced charge

    • Up to 30% reduction thanks to R-32
    • At least 15% reduction thanks to microchannel
  • Refrigerant reuse at end-of-life

    • R-410A will be available during lifetime of installations

No general ban on refrigerants, but some applications have GWP limits

Examples of the GWP limits in the HVAC-R sector ›› Daikin already has the answer today!

GWP limits in new applications

  • Single split air conditioners with a refrigerant charge below 3kg
        › GWP limit of 750 from 2025 
        › Daikin’s market-leading action, switching from R-410A to R-32 (GWP 675)
        › Portable air conditioners GWP limit: 150 
  • No limit on single split above 3kg
  • No limit on multi split/VRV systems
  • Stationary refrigeration equipment
        › From 2020: a ban on refrigerants with GWP > 2,500
        › From 2022: GWP limit of 150 on multipack centralized refrigeration systems for commercial use with a capacity of 40 kW or more
        › Except for cascade systems where the primary refrigerant circuit has a GWP limit of < 1,500

GWP limits on servicing installations

  • No Service ban for heating sector
  • No Service ban for A/C sector
  • Service ban for all stationary refrigeration equipment with refrigerant charge > 40 TCO2 eq (e.g. R-404A system 10kg)
        › Use of recycled refrigerant allowed until 01/01/2030
        › Use a low GWP refrigerant to replace existing refrigerant (e.g. Daikin: use R-407H to replace R-404A)

Download our F-gas leaflet

 

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