Leak Detection

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) represent the largest remaining use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in the EU. 

HCFCs are mainly used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.

The use of HCFCs in new equipment was banned in 2001. From 1 January 2015 the use of ‘recycled’ and ‘reclaimed’ HCFCs to top up or service existing equipment is also banned. 

You can still use your old equipment, but you can’t do any work that involves breaking into the refrigerant circuits, without using a qualified engineer.
 

Qualified Engineers

Skuddair employ and only use F-Gas qualified engineers to carry out these checks, recover refrigerant, or maintain and service equipment that contains HCFCs. 
 

Check for leaks

If you continue to use refrigeration or air conditioning equipment containing HCFCs, you must take measures to prevent leaks of HCFCs, like regularly maintenance of your equipment. 

A qualified engineer must check your equipment for leaks: 

• Every 12 months if it’s ‘charged’ with (contains) 3kg or more HCFCs and isn’t hermetically sealed
• Every 12 months if its charged with 6kg or more HCFCs and is hermetically sealed
• Every 6 months if it’s charged with 30kg or more HCFCs 
• Every 3 months, if it’s charged with 300kg or more HCFCs 

Most commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems aren’t hermetically sealed.