UK F-Gas Consultation: What Proposed Changes Mean for Chiller Users

UK F-Gas Consultation: What the Proposed Changes Mean for Chiller Users – and How ATC Can Help

The UK Government has launched a major consultation on reforming Great Britain’s F-Gas regulations, signalling some of the most significant changes to refrigerant policy since the country established its independent framework post-Brexit. With tightening quotas, long-term sustainability goals, and increased pressure to transition toward lower-GWP refrigerants, organisations that rely on laboratory and industrial chillers should pay close attention.

At Applied Thermal Control, we are actively reviewing the proposals to ensure that our customers are fully supported as the regulatory landscape evolves.

What's Happening?

A more ambitious long-term phasedown of high-GWP refrigerants (HFCs) across Great Britain. The consultation proposes changing the HFC phasedown schedule from 1st January 2027 and adding further steps from 2030 until 2050, moving toward a ~98.6% reduction target by 2048.

Ongoing restrictions for the use and servicing of high-GWP refrigerants. Although the consultation does not propose changes to quota allocation and certain Articles (16, 17, 18) or Annex 6 at this stage.

A review of training and competency requirements for engineers working with both HFC and alternative refrigerants. The document notes that training and certification (Article 10) may be subject to future review.

A call for industry feedback to shape how refrigerant supply, service practices, and equipment placed on the market will be regulated in the future

The consultation is open until 17th December 2025, giving chiller users an opportunity to contribute to the future direction of UK refrigerant regulation.

Increasing Pressure on High-GWP Refrigerants

As the phasedown progresses, refrigerants with higher Global Warming Potential will become more expensive and harder to source. For users of legacy chillers, this may mean higher service and refill costs, greater difficulty sourcing replacement refrigerant, increased operational risk if a fault occurs and refrigerant supply is limited.

For example, the current schedule under Annex 5 would reduce HFCs by 79% by 2030 compared to the baseline; the proposed “high ambition” option aims for a ~98/6% reduction by 2048. Even where no explicit product bans are proposed, quota reductions alone can create supply-chain instability.

Futureproofing Becomes Essential

Whether you operate in a laboratory, industrial process, or OEM equipment, the takeaway is the same: low-GWP refrigerant choices are no longer optional – they are the future of compliant, reliable cooling.

When planning new installations, British users should now consider what refrigerant is used, its long-term viability under accelerated phasedown targets, the safety classification (A1, A2L, A3) and suitability for the site, and how the system can be maintained over a 10-15+ year lifespan.

Lifecycle Cost Planning May Change

As high-GWP refrigerants tighten, operators may see rising maintenance budgets, longer lead times for repairs, and higher overall lifecycle costs for older equipment.

Many businesses are now beginning to review their cooling assets sooner than planned to avoid long-term financial impacts.

Increasing Focus on Competency and Training

The consultation includes discussions about engineering competency for both fluorinated and alternative refrigerants. This is particularly relevant for chillers using A2L (mildly flammable) or A3 (flammable) refrigerants.

Operators may need to ensure that their service provider is trained and certified appropriately, site safety assessments reflect the refrigerant in use, and planned maintenance aligns with new or updated regulatory expectations.

The document explicitly states that training and certify action under Article 10 may be reviewed, and that future measures may include competence requirements for installers handling flammable refrigerants.

How Applied Thermal Control Supports Customers Through Regulatory Change

At ATC, we design, build, and support chillers for laboratories and industrial users across the UK, Europe, the USA, and global export markets. We are already preparing for the next decade of refrigerant transition – and helping our customers to do the same.

Low-GWP Refrigerant Chillers (R290 & R454C)

Our next generation chillers are engineered around refrigerants with dramatically lower GWP values. This ensures long-term compliance with tightening regulations, reduced risk of refrigerant supply challenges, and improved environmental performance without compromising cooling capacity.

Expert Guidance on Replacement Strategy

We can help you to review your existing chiller fleet and assess which units may become costly or risky due to refrigerant limitations, where early planning can prevent operational disruption, and what upgrade paths align with new F-Gas targets.

Global Wide Service Support

Our service team and partner network provide leak checks and refrigerant health assessments, preventative maintenance to reduce breakdown risk, and advice on safe operation of modern refrigerants.

OEM & End-User Support for Future Designs

For OEMs integrating cooling into their equipment, our engineering team can advise on refrigerant selection, system integration, and long-term regulatory compatibility.

What Should Chiller Users Do Now?

Review your current equipment – especially systems using refrigerants with GWP above 1000

Discuss refrigerant strategy with your service provider

Plan upgrades in advance, rather than responding to supply-chain pressure later

Submit feedback to the consultation if your organisation’s cooling operations may be significantly impacted

ATC’s Commitment

Regulatory change can be challenging, but it also pushes the industry toward smarter, cleaner, and more efficient cooling technologies. ATC will continue working with laboratories, OEMs, industrial users, and engineering partners to ensure a smooth, practical transition as the UK shapes its future F-Gas framework.

If you would like support reviewing your cooling systems – or want to understand how the proposed changes may impact your business – our team is here to help.