From 1 January 2015, R22 will no longer be allowed as a refrigerant in the UK. Reclaimed hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) will no longer be used for either refrigeration or air-conditioning systems manufactured, sold, or serviced here. This has lead experts to encourage refrigeration companies to start looking at R22 solutions right now. Many are already doing so.
In a decision viewed by most in the refrigeration industry as rather anti-climactic, the European Union approved new F-gas regulations on April 14. F-gases (fluorinated greenhouse gases) are believed to be a major contributor to the global greenhouse effect due to their tendency to remain in the atmosphere for prolonged periods. According to the new regulations, the EU hopes to cut F-gas levels by more than 60% over the next 16 years.
Noisy refrigeration units in the Staffordshire town of Lichfield are now going to cost the owner of a local business £5,100. The fine was levied against Dave's Discount Ltd after the shop failed to comply with an abatement order issued as a result of complaints about the units in question. The owner of the shop recently pled guilty at Staffordshire Magistrates' Court.