If you run fridges, a cold room or air conditioning, you're using F-Gas — whether you knew it or not. Here's what the regulations mean for your business, in plain English.
What F-Gas is
F-Gases (fluorinated greenhouse gases) are the refrigerants inside most commercial refrigeration and air conditioning. Because they're potent greenhouse gases, the law controls how they're handled to prevent leaks.
What the regulations require
Three things matter for a typical business:
- Certified engineers only. Anyone installing, servicing or decommissioning the equipment must be F-Gas certified. Using an uncertified person is illegal.
- Leak checks. Systems with refrigerant above set thresholds must be checked for leaks at intervals based on the charge size — larger systems, more often.
- Records. You must keep records of refrigerant, checks and any top-ups.
Does it apply to me?
If you have commercial fridges, a cold room, cellar cooling or air conditioning, then yes — at minimum, any work on them must be done by a certified engineer. Larger systems also trigger the leak-check and record duties. All work we arrange is carried out by an F-Gas certified engineer, with the checks and paperwork handled for you. If your air conditioning is over 12kW, you'll also have a TM44 duty — see our compliance guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I personally need F-Gas certification?
No — you need to make sure whoever works on your equipment is certified. As the business, your duty is to use certified engineers and keep the records.
What happens if I use an uncertified person?
It's illegal, can void warranties and insurance, and poorly handled refrigerant leaks lead to expensive breakdowns. Always use a certified engineer.