Taylor Robinson
Managing Director · 2026-05-10
Fluorinated gases — commonly known as F-gases — are the refrigerants used in virtually all modern air conditioning systems. Since 2015, the EU F-Gas Regulation (now retained UK law post-Brexit) has placed strict obligations on anyone who installs, maintains, or operates equipment containing these gases. If you manage a building with commercial AC, you need to understand your legal responsibilities.
The core principle of F-Gas regulation is containment. Leaks are the primary source of emissions, so the law requires regular leak checking, prompt repair of any leaks found, and proper record-keeping for every system over a certain size. The frequency of leak checks depends on the refrigerant charge: systems with more than five tonnes of CO2 equivalent must be checked annually, with more frequent checks for larger charges or hermetically sealed systems.
Every business operating F-Gas equipment must keep detailed records including the quantity and type of refrigerant installed, quantities added or recovered during maintenance, leak check dates and results, and the identity of the certified technician who performed the work. These records must be kept for at least five years and made available to regulators on request.
Only certified personnel can legally handle F-gases. Technicians must hold an F-Gas handling certificate issued by an accredited body, and companies must be registered with an approved certification scheme. At Aboveboard Group, all our engineers hold current F-Gas certificates and we maintain full compliance documentation for every installation and maintenance contract we undertake.
The regulations also phase down the use of high-global-warming-potential refrigerants like R410A and R404A. New systems are increasingly using lower-GWP alternatives such as R32, which has roughly one-third the global warming potential of R410A. When we specify new installations, we consider not just immediate performance but the long-term availability and regulatory status of the refrigerant being used.
Failure to comply with F-Gas regulations can result in significant penalties — up to £200,000 in serious cases — and reputational damage that no responsible business wants. More importantly, leaking refrigerant wastes energy, increases running costs, and contributes to climate change. Proper compliance is good for your business, your bottom line, and the environment.
If you are unsure whether your current AC contractor is handling F-Gas compliance properly, ask to see their certification and your system records. If they cannot produce them, you have a problem. Contact Aboveboard Group for a compliance audit — we will review your systems, check your records, and give you a clear report on where you stand and what needs to be done.