Looking forward - industry and legal changes!

What’s happening now — and what it means for you

If you’ve ever thought about installing air conditioning (A/C) in your home or business — or you already have a unit — it’s worth knowing that UK rules and laws around air-conditioning and refrigerants are changing. The goal: reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and make sure systems are safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly. GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2

One big change: the phase-down of so-called “F-gases” (commonly used refrigerants like hydrofluorocarbons, HFCs) is being pushed further. GOV.UK+2BRC+2 As part of that, many older refrigerants are being phased out and replaced by lower-impact gases (lower global-warming potential). That may affect what systems are available for purchase now — and how you might maintain or top up an older system. GOV.UK+2aura-ac.co.uk+2

At the same time, there is growing pressure on energy efficiency and climate resilience: homes and buildings are being built or renovated in ways that reduce heat loss in winter — but that can make summer overheating more likely. The government’s guidance for residential buildings now considers overheating risks when assessing ventilation and cooling options. Living Environment Systems+1

What this means for you  (as a homeowner / tenant / landlord / business owner)

• If you buy a new A/C or heat-pump system, expect that it will almost certainly use a “low-GWP” refrigerant (less damaging to the climate) rather than older high-GWP gases. That’s good for the planet — but may slightly influence the cost or type of system available.

• If you already have an existing A/C or heat-pump, especially if it’s older, it may become harder or more expensive to get refrigerant for servicing or repairs. That’s because older refrigerants are being restricted or phased out.

• You probably don’t need to worry about formal leak-checks and paperwork, in a typical home, but you will in a business. The detailed leak-check obligations under the F‑Gas Regulation apply only when refrigerant capacity (measured in CO₂ equivalent) goes above certain thresholds. Most domestic AC units fall below those thresholds, but units installed in businesses will usually be captured by this requirement. Heatable+2GOV.UK+2

• That said — regular servicing is still wise. Even if it’s not legally required, a well-serviced system runs more efficiently, can save on energy bills, reduces risk of refrigerant leaks, and might extend the life of the unit.

  
  

What to ask or check if you get a new A/C system

If you’re thinking of installing air conditioning (or a combined heating/cooling air-to-air heat pump), here are some good questions to raise with vendors or installers:

• What refrigerant does the system use? Is it a “low-GWP” refrigerant?

• Is the installer certified and compliant with relevant regulations for refrigerant-handling (so you remain within legal safety and environmental rules)? Is the company REFCOM registered and are their engineers F Gas certified? Ask to see the certification

• What maintenance is recommended — and what happens if you need a refill or repair several years down the line?

• If your home is well-insulated (for heat efficiency) — have they considered overheating risk, ventilation and summer cooling in the overall plan (not just heating)?

Why long-term, this shift matters

This new direction in UK regulation and building standards is pushing A/C and air-to-air heat-pump systems toward lower-carbon, more efficient, and more environmentally responsible solutions. For homeowners, that may eventually mean:

• Less risk that older, hard-to-service systems become obsolete or expensive to maintain in future.

• More choices for modern, energy-efficient heating and cooling — increasingly important as UK summers get hotter.

• Systems that meet higher environmental and safety standards, potentially adding value to your home or improving comfort year-round.

A few practical takeaways

• Before buying or installing A/C, treat it as a long-term investment: check refrigerant type, maintenance requirements, and installer credentials.

• If you already own a system — consider upgrading sooner rather than later, especially if it’s older or uses high-GWP refrigerant. Do you know what refrigerant is currently being used in your system?

• Even if mandatory leak-checks don’t apply in a typical home, consider regular servicing anyway. When was the last time your system was serviced?

• Think beyond just heating in winter: with new insulation and building comfort standards, cooling and ventilation in summer are becoming more important for many UK homes.