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
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).
- 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.
- Biggest cut in non-A/C markets (e.g. R-404A for refrigeration).
- Growth in use of R-32 as an alternative to R-410A.
- 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)
