Alongside our TM44 inspection programmes, ACI Reports provides consultancy and monitoring services for air conditioning systems in line with the latest F Gas regulations under The Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015.
We advise clients of their legal obligations, delivering accurate f gas report findings and tailored solutions to ensure compliance. We also support organisations that require ongoing f gas reporting across single or multiple sites as part of our TM44 service.
Understanding F Gas Regulations
Fluorinated gases (HCFCs, HFCs, and CFCs), known as F Gases, are used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Releases of them are known to deplete the Earth’s protective ozone layer, with a global warming effect of over 20,000 times more than carbon dioxide (CO2).
To protect the environment, legislation is now in place to limit the volume of F gases released into the atmosphere, with agreed phase down targets of 24% by 2027. Currently, systems containing more than 2.4kg of refrigerant must undergo routine leak checks, in accordance with strict F gas regulations.
ACI Reports provides comprehensive testing services to manage these requirements. We invite you to contact our team to discuss how we can support your compliance needs.
The F Gas Phase Down
The UK continues to follow a long-term phase down plan that reduces the supply and permitted use of higher GWP refrigerants. The UK government is currently reviewing the fluorinated gas regulations, with a view to "achieving an almost full phase-out of HFCs by 2048, a 98.6% cut with changes being introduced from 2027". (DEFRA Press Release from November 2025). Following a public consultation in November 2025 where these proposals were outlined, it is more important than ever to plan ahead and ensure the continuity of your cooling.
Our F Gas Regulation Services
We offer F Gas compliance support for end users and facility management companies, plus air conditioning and chiller service and maintenance project management.
We can advise on the options available, which may involve retrofitting equipment to run on one of the new generation of environmentally friendlier refrigerants, or replacing aging plant with new equipment.
Cooltherm Consultants offer tailored improvement and retrofit schemes for both DX air conditioning and chilled water systems, for industrial process applications, data centres and commercial buildings to ensure that your F Gas air conditioning systems meet regulatory requirements.
Conducted as part of a TM44 inspection programme, ACI Reports delivers a comprehensive consultancy and monitoring service for air conditioning systems in accordance with F Gas regulations. We work with clients on a case-by-case basis to provide accurate F Gas report documentation, tailored advice, and cost-effective solutions to ensure compliance.
Our assessors will:
- Develop an adequate compliant testing & and recording regime
- Create and maintain appropriate F Gas registers
- Advise clients & and their contractors on the correct procedures
- Inform advise clients on changes to F Gas regulations
- Support your ongoing F Gas reporting for audit or compliance needs
F Gas Certification and Competency Requirements
F gas work must be carried out by qualified and certified contractors. Engineers need recognised F gas handling qualifications, and the organisation responsible for the equipment must ensure that only certified personnel carry out inspections, servicing and leak checks.
At ACI Reports, we work within these requirements to ensure all activity aligns with UK F Gas regulations and industry standards.
Registration
Owners of air conditioning systems or equipment that contain more than 2.4kg of F Gas refrigerants must maintain records detailing:
- The quantity & type of each refrigerant used in the system
- The equivalent quantity of CO2 for each refrigerant that has been disposed of, recovered, or added to the system
- The date of each leak check & corresponding results
- Identity & details of the contractor who carried out the service
Registers are a core part of UK F Gas regulations, ensuring that all activity relating to refrigerant movement is recorded correctly for compliance inspections. At ACI Reports, we can help business create and maintain your F Gas Registration. Contact us to find out more.
F Gas Regulations: Your Legal Obligations
With greater concerns surrounding climate change, F Gas regulations get tougher every year. The primary aim is to prevent leaks, reduce harmful emissions and ensure proper record keeping.
Testing requirements vary depending on the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of each refrigerant:
- 5 to less than 50 tonnes of CO2 equivalent – at least once every 12 months
- 50 to less than 500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent – at least once every 6 months
- 500 tonnes or more of CO2 equivalent – at least once every 3 months (for older equipment such as electrical switchgear installed before 1 January 2017)
F-Gas Operator Responsibilities
The "operator" is defined as the person or organisation with technical control over the equipment and is legally responsible for F-gas compliance.
While portable, plug-in equipment is generally exempt from most requirements (aside from basic leak prevention), stationary systems with a charge of 5 tonnes CO2 equivalent or more also carry specific legal duties.
Operators responsibilities include:
- Leak Management: Prevent leaks and perform immediate repairs.
- Certified Personnel: Ensure only qualified technicians handle refrigerant recovery, servicing, and leak testing.
- Mandatory Inspections: Adhere to the required leak-check schedule.
- Record Keeping: Maintain detailed logs of all refrigerant volumes and service history.
F Gas Leak Checking Schedule
If leak detection systems are installed, testing intervals can be reduced:
- 5 to less than 50 tonnes of CO2 equivalent – every 24 months
- 50 to less than 500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent – every 12 months
- 500 tonnes or more of CO2 equivalent – every 6 months (for modern equipment)
- Where a leak is detected and repaired, an additional check must be carried out within one month to ensure that an effective repair.
Guidelines for the frequency of testing should be recognised as minimum requirements.
By implementing the latest leak detection technologies and adhering to these regulations, you can help mitigate environmental impact while ensuring compliance with UK law. Calculate the carbon dioxide equivalent quantity of an F gas here.
F-Gas Maintenance and Servicing Records
Operators of stationary systems with a charge of 5 tonnes CO2 equivalent or more must maintain records including:
- Refrigerant data: The type and quantity of F Gas installed, added, or recovered.
- Identification: Details of the operator and the specific company or technician performing the service.
- Leakage checks: The dates and results of all inspections.
- Certified maintenance: It is the operator’s legal responsibility to verify that all servicing personnel are fully certified and competent to perform the work.
Why Choose ACI Reports for F Gas Compliance?
At ACI Reports, we help clients maintain accurate F Gas registers, plan ahead for equipment servicing and prepare for regulatory updates.
Our accredited consultants can ensure the consistent and regular scheduling of inspections, so your systems remain compliant with UK F Gas regulations.
We provide trusted support for organisations that require dependable guidance on UK F Gas regulations. Our team delivers practical advice tailored to your system type, refrigerant and compliance schedule.
Why our F Gas clients choose us:
- Accredited consultants with experience across commercial and industrial environments
- Clear and practical guidance to support leak checks, registers and F Gas reporting
- Regular scheduling and reminders to ensure compliance
- Support with record keeping and preparation ahead of audits
- Independent advice that aligns with UK and long term refrigerant strategies
Why Choose ACI Reports for F Gas Compliance
At ACI Reports, we provide trusted support for organisations that require dependable guidance on f gas regulations. Our team delivers practical advice tailored to your system type, refrigerant and compliance schedule.
Why clients choose us:
- Accredited consultants with experience across commercial and industrial environments
- Clear and practical guidance to support leak checks, registers and f gas reporting
- Regular scheduling and reminders to ensure compliance
- Support with record keeping and preparation ahead of audits
- Independent advice that aligns with UK and long term refrigerant strategies
We have a team of experienced F Gas consultants ready to help you achieve and maintain your F Gas Compliance
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FAQs about F Gas Compliance
What are F Gas Regulations?
UK F gas regulations are UK laws that control the use, handling and leakage of fluorinated gases used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. The purpose of the regulations is to reduce emissions from high GWP refrigerants.
Is it a legal requirement to have an F Gas Register?
Yes. Any qualifying system containing more than 2.4kg of refrigerant must have a maintained and up to date register.
How long does an F Gas certificate last?
There is no single expiry period for an f gas certificate. Inspection frequency depends on the systems CO2 equivalent and must be followed throughout the equipment’s life.
How many companies are reported under F Gas Regulations?
Thousands of UK businesses fall under these rules due to the widespread use of qualifying air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Reported numbers continue to grow as regulations change and tighten.
What is F Gas in air conditioning?
F-gases are synthetic refrigerants used in air conditioning systems to provide cooling. They possess a high global warming potential if released into the atmosphere. To mitigate this environmental impact, UK law strictly regulates their use, requiring owners to ensure regular, professional leak inspections and proper gas management.
What is F Gas used for?
F gases are primarily used as refrigerants in cooling and heating systems, including air conditioning units, commercial refrigerators, and heat pumps. They are essential for heat transfer in these systems, allowing them to effectively absorb heat from an indoor space or fridge and release it outside.
In addition to cooling, F gases are also used in:
- Fire Protection: As fire-extinguishing agents in specialized systems.
- Foam Blowing: As foaming agents for insulation materials.
- Technical Aerosols: As propellants in certain specialized spray products.
- Electrical Switchgear: Primarily (sulfur hexafluoride), used as an electrical insulator in high-voltage equipment.