Which refrigerants will be permitted in the UK from 2025?
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Stefano Fonseca is an energy and environment engineer with over six years of experience in technical building equipment (TGA). He combines technical expertise with a passion for understandable communication. For more than five years, he has been writing as a freelance editor about renewable energy and sustainable living, in particular about photovoltaics and heat pumps.
From 2025, the regulations governing refrigerants in the United Kingdom will change fundamentally. This raises questions about permissible alternatives and the impact on technology and the environment. As these developments significantly affect the future of heat pumps, a closer look at the new UK-specific regulations provides valuable insights.
What are F-gases?
F-gases (fluorinated gases) are synthetically produced gases that contain fluorine. They are used as refrigerants in various applications, including heat pumps and refrigeration systems. While effective, F-gases have a high global warming potential, contributing significantly to the greenhouse effect when released into the atmosphere. Their climate impact is considerably greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO₂). To mitigate this, the UK is progressively reducing the use of these gases, guided by its national F-Gas Regulation.
Background: The F-Gas Regulation in Great Britain
Following its departure from the EU, the UK established its own independent F-gas Regulation. The core of this framework is the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2009, which has been subsequently amended to create a distinct regulatory path for Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). This legislation aims to drastically reduce emissions from fluorinated gases, primarily hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), through a phase-down mechanism and specific use bans.
The UK is currently on a trajectory to reduce HFCs placed on the market by 79% by 2030 compared to a 2011-2013 baseline. Furthermore, the government has consulted on a more ambitious phase-down to achieve a 98.6% reduction by 2048, although this is not yet law. A key element of the existing regulation is the ban on the use of refrigerants with a GWP of 750 or higher in certain new systems from 2025.
Which refrigerants are permitted from 2025?
From 2025, only refrigerants with a GWP of 750 or less will be permitted for use in new single-split air conditioning and heat pump systems with a charge of less than 3kg. This encourages the adoption of both natural and synthetic alternatives that are less harmful to the climate.
Natural refrigerants such as Propane (R290) and CO₂ (R744) are excellent alternatives due to their low environmental impact, though they may come with specific safety requirements. Synthetic alternatives like R32 are already established and compliant, while modern solutions like R1234ze combine extremely low GWP values with modern technology, though often at a higher cost.
The following table provides an overview of common refrigerants, their GWP, typical applications, and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Which refrigerants are banned from 2025?
From 1 January 2025, refrigerants with a GWP of 750 or more will be banned in new single-split systems under 3kg in Great Britain. This prohibition primarily targets common refrigerants like R410A (GWP: 2088), which can no longer be used in new installations of this type. These gases have been widely used due to their high efficiency but are now being phased out due to their significant climate impact.
This ban has consequences for manufacturers, installers, and operators.
What are the requirements for manufacturers and installers?
Manufacturers and installers must adhere to the strict requirements of the UK F-Gas Regulation.
- Obligations for new systems: Manufacturers are obligated to use refrigerants with a GWP of 750 or less in new equipment covered by the ban. Operators must ensure that any new installations comply with these legal requirements.
- Training for professionals: Installers and service technicians require specialised training to handle flammable (e.g., Propane) or toxic (e.g., Ammonia) refrigerants. The F-Gas Register, managed by schemes like REFCOM, requires engineers to hold a valid Level 3 F-Gas qualification to work legally on these systems. These certifications ensure that installations are safe, compliant, and efficient.
- Recovery and disposal: Operators must ensure that old refrigerants are recovered by certified personnel and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. The Environment Agency oversees compliance with these regulations.
What is the impact on the heat pump industry?
The UK's F-Gas Regulation has far-reaching implications for the heat pump industry.
- Technological developments: Manufacturers must invest in research and development to adapt their systems to permissible refrigerants like R32 or Propane (R290), focusing on efficient and safe technologies.
- Market trends and prices: The transition to environmentally friendly technologies may initially increase the production costs of new heat pumps. However, older models with non-compliant refrigerants may decrease in value.
- Availability: The transition may initially lead to temporary shortages as demand for training and new, compliant heat pumps increases.
- Promotion of environmentally friendly technologies: The regulations create incentives for the development of sustainable solutions. Government programmes may offer support for the transition to modern heat pump systems, making them more attractive to end customers.
Why are refrigerants like R410A banned from 2025?
Refrigerants like R410A have a high GWP value (2088) and thus contribute significantly to the greenhouse effect. From 2025, they are banned in new single-split systems under the UK's F-Gas Regulation to reduce the emission of climate-damaging substances and promote climate protection.
Which refrigerants are particularly environmentally friendly?
Natural refrigerants like Propane (R290), CO₂ (R744), and Ammonia (R717) are particularly environmentally friendly. They have a very low or zero GWP and represent a sustainable alternative to fluorinated refrigerants.
How does the transition affect costs?
The transition to new refrigerants can increase the initial purchase costs of new systems, as they often require special technology and safety measures. In the long term, however, operating costs can be reduced, as many of the new refrigerants are more efficient and future-proof.
Do I have to replace the refrigerant in my existing heat pump with a more sustainable one?
Existing, functional systems can continue to be operated with their current refrigerant. A replacement is only necessary in the event of defects or necessary repairs where the refrigerant is no longer available. For new installations, however, the stricter requirements apply from 2025.
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