Clifford Chance

R22 refrigerants: Action needed on building air-conditioning systems

2 May 2013

This briefing contains the text of an article by Bryan Johnston and Michael Coxall analysing the significant implications for the property industry of the imminent final phase out of the R22 refrigerant which is used in many air-conditioning systems.  A ban on use of R22 will take effect on 1 January 2015 and may require expensive replacement or refurbishment of systems to ensure compliance.  In turn this may have a number of impacts for property owners and tenants, for example, in relation to programming of works, property values and rent, and whether costs can be passed on to tenants.  The article analyses the issues and recommends early action to minimise the possibilities for disruption and disagreement over costs.  It was first published in Estates Gazette on 20 April 2013 under the heading "Don't get left out in the cold". 

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