F-Gas Regulations Explained
The F-Gas Regulations control fluorinated greenhouse gases used in cooling and refrigeration. This guide explains what they require of building operators, including leak checks, records, and certification.
In short
The F-Gas Regulations control the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases (refrigerants) in air conditioning, refrigeration, and heat pumps. They require leak checking, record-keeping, recovery, and the use of certified engineers, and are phasing down the most harmful high-GWP refrigerants over time.
What the regulations require
Operators of equipment containing F-Gas refrigerants have specific duties: ensuring regular leak checks, keeping records, repairing leaks promptly, and ensuring refrigerant is recovered properly at end of life. The leak check frequency depends on the system's refrigerant charge expressed in CO₂-equivalent tonnes — larger charges require more frequent checks, and systems above thresholds may need permanent leak detection.
- Regular leak checks at frequencies based on CO₂-equivalent charge
- Prompt repair of any detected leaks and a follow-up check
- Record-keeping for each system (refrigerant type, quantity, checks)
- Use of F-Gas certified engineers for work on the circuits
- Proper recovery and disposal of refrigerant at end of life
Leak check frequencies and records
Leak checking frequency scales with the CO₂-equivalent charge of the system, so the same physical unit can require different check intervals depending on its refrigerant type and quantity. Operators must keep records for each system covering the refrigerant type and amount, the checks carried out, any added or recovered refrigerant, and who did the work. These records must be kept for several years and made available to authorities on request — they are the core compliance evidence.
The refrigerant phase-down
The F-Gas Regulations are progressively reducing the quantity of high-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants on the market, pushing the industry toward lower-GWP alternatives. For building operators this means high-GWP refrigerants are becoming scarcer and more expensive, and end-of-life or major repairs increasingly prompt a move to newer refrigerants or equipment. Understanding what refrigerant each system uses, its charge, and its leak history is essential to planning maintenance and replacement — information that should be captured in the asset records.
Related maintenance checklists
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Sources
The regulatory positions on this page come from the following primary sources. Where guidance and legislation differ, the legislation governs — always confirm the requirements that apply to your own site and jurisdiction.
- Fluorinated gases (F gases) — GOV.UK
Frequently asked questions
How often are F-Gas leak checks required?
What records must F-Gas operators keep?
Who can work on F-Gas systems?
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