F-Gas regulations explained
Refrigerants are regulated. Here is what the rules mean for homeowners, landlords and businesses with air conditioning.
What F-Gas means
Most air conditioning systems contain fluorinated gases (F-gases) as refrigerants. They are powerful greenhouse gases if released, so their use is regulated. In the UK, the rules cover who can install, service and repair equipment containing them, how leaks are controlled and what records are kept. This page is a general summary rather than legal advice; check the current regulations or your certification body for specifics.
Who can work on the system
Anyone installing, servicing, maintaining or repairing a system that contains F-gases needs the appropriate qualification, and the company they work for needs to be certified through a recognised scheme. As a homeowner or business, you can ask to see an engineer’s certificate and the company’s registration. If an installer cannot show them, that is a reason to ask someone else.
Leak checking and records
The leak check requirement depends on the amount of refrigerant measured in CO₂ equivalent, which depends on both the charge and the refrigerant type. Small domestic systems are often below the threshold at which periodic checks are mandatory; larger commercial systems are often above it. Where checks apply, the frequency increases with system size, and the operator — usually the building owner or occupier — must keep records.
What it means in practice
- Choose an installer who can show their qualifications and company certification.
- Do not let anyone top up a leaking system without finding and fixing the leak.
- If you run a commercial system, ask what applies to it and keep the records.
- Keep the commissioning and service paperwork.
Common questions.
Do I need an F-Gas certified engineer?
Yes. Anyone installing or servicing a system that contains F-gases needs the right qualification, and the company needs to be certified.
Do I have to leak check my air conditioning?
It depends on the amount of refrigerant, measured in CO2 equivalent. Many small domestic systems are below the threshold; larger commercial systems often are not.
Who keeps the records?
The operator of the equipment, with the engineer providing the information.
Talk to the engineers.
Call, message or send the form. We reply the same working day wherever we can.
