Weatherite Launch Complete R22/HCFC Service to Ensure Clients Meet R22/HCFC Replacement Deadline

Story

A new initiative to help commercial property owners ensure their buildings comply with the phase out of R22 and HCFC as part of the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Directive has been launched by Weatherite Building Services Limited.

Whilst the ODS Directive, which aims to completely eliminate harmful CFC’s, came into force nearly ten years ago, it reaches a crucially important milestone at the end of 2009, when virgin R22 refrigerant will cease to become available.

Traditionally, R22 has been one of the UK’s most popular refrigerants for air conditioning systems and chillers but from January 2010, only recycled or reclaimed material (which will inevitably be more expensive) will be available. It is widely believed that although the implications of the directive have been known for many years, UK industry has so far taken little action, with an estimated figure of over 50% of all cooling installations still dependent on HCFC’s such as R22, to enable them to continue operating.

Mike Turton, Sales Director of Weatherite Building Services commented, “There seems to have been a lot of talk in the industry about the withdrawal of HCFC’s, but not a lot of action from end users, and that is the reason we’ve decided to actively promote our range of services. Where we differ from other companies is in our ability to objectively view the whole system and provide clients with a report that outlines the most cost effective way to ensure compliance”.

Weatherite offers property owners, Commercial Building Managers and end users an initial site assessment and a report completely free of charge. The assessment is carried out by experienced engineers and the results of the system analysis will be supported by Weatherite's recommendations for the most economical solution to ensure compliance for each client.

Mike Turton added, “For many customers, the age and condition of their existing equipment makes the replacement of R22 with non-ozone depleting alternatives a viable proposition. However, we are finding that some equipment is not economical for simple refrigerant replacement and in situations such as this we are able to propose direct replacement equipment or systems that will be significantly more efficient to operate, reducing client’s energy costs substantially. And in many government grants and tax allowances are also available to partially fund new equipment purchased.”

Whilst virgin R22 will cease to be available from January 2010, recycled product may be used until 31/12/2014. However, early signs of demand outstripping supply has seen prices for virgin R22 increase by around 40% during 2008, with further increases anticipated throughout 2009 for the remaining available stocks.

“In the not too distant future, everyone is going to have to replace HCFC’s in their system,” said Mike Turton,” at Weatherite, we believe that if clients are pro-active now, we can provide them with the optimum cooling solution that will save them money both now and for many years to come.”

WBS has over 37 years experience in all aspects of building service including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, commercial kitchen ventilation/extraction, data centre/IT cooling, boiler house refurbishment/replacement and all aspects of M & E services. WBS offers its customers a complete building services solution-from one single source including total project management and full design, installation and commissioning activities.

WBS is part of the £40m Weatherite Group, one of the UK’s leading HVAC and Building Services organisations.

View Weatherite's profile: