A-Gas is urging the refrigeration industry to switch to low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants R-448A and R-449A before shortages of R-404A begin to bite.

Speaking at RAC’s Retail Question Time event, consultant Ray Gluckman, who worked closely with officials involved with the European Union (EU) F-gas regulation, said, “At the moment we don’t have enough end users, maintenance, or installation companies taking the necessary action to meet the targets set by the EU.”

The European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE) hosted event entitled “From HFCs, Heating & Cooling, to Energy Labelling: Europe’s Energy Challenges for 2016 and beyond” brought together representatives from industry, the European Union (EU) institutions, member states, and other stakeholders.

Those involved at the sharp end of refrigerants and testing have underlined warnings that F-gas quotas and the forthcoming bans are on course to create serious supply issues for end users and equipment manufacturers alike — if they don’t plan ahead.

HRP has reported that its fgasman.co.uk website, launched in December, has proved popular with United Kingdom contractors. Some 2,500 have registered their details to be able to purchase F-gases legally. Over 100 visits a day have been recorded and a wide range of questions posed for F-Gasman.

Industry sources in the United Kingdom have raised concern over so-called “easy install” air conditioning units containing HFCs, which are being marketed at non-refrigeration engineers, despite F-gas concerns.

European contractor’s association AREA has launched its guide on the new F-gas regulation, aimed at clarifying the forthcoming changes for professionals who work in the refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump sectors.