In Air Conditioning News...

Individual and Fleet clients alike are now facing an increase in operating and maintenance costs as a result of changes in vehicle air conditioning gas regulations from January 1, 2017. The changes have taken a while to come to fruition... but they are now here.

The European Union regulatory changes have been on the table for more than a decade and essentially the introduction of the air gas refrigerant known as R1234yf is claimed to be more environmentally-friendly with a lower global warming potential than the gas it replaces, which is known as R134a. Here at BTE Automotive we both service and repair both system types using OEM approved TEXA units.

However, research by a company called Fleet Assist reveals that many garages, including some franchised dealers, are not yet equipped to work with the new gas as investment in new servicing equipment is required.

The new gas is significantly more expensive than the outgoing gas with potential re-gas costs of over £300 - compared to between £40 and £75 previously - depending on vehicle make and model, the quantity of gas held in the system and labour charges.

Although use of the new gas has been phased in as manufacturers have introduced new models to the market, from January 1, 2017 there was a ban on the use of R134a. That means all cars and light vans registered from that date must use the new air conditioning refrigerant in their systems.

There is no requirement to convert cars built to run on R134a to use the new refrigerant, they may legally be recharged with R134a.

However, further adding to the complexity is that manufacturers could apply for a derogation giving them a 12-month grace period which expired on January 1, 2018 before using the new gas, R1234yf. The derogation, which applied to specifically defined models, was primarily designed to allow manufacturers to register “stock” vehicles (saving unwanted costs).

The reality is that the new regulations (Now inforced) mean all registered cars and light commercial vehicles must use the new gas in their air conditioning systems.

Our experienced and trained technicians are DEFRA approved and regulated to handle refrigerant in the correct methods. As stocks run dry throughout many independents, you can be assured, BTE hold a continuous stock profile to provide cost effective, value for money motoring, even on vehicles that are factory new!

Check out our specific air conditioning page to make a booking or for further information, bteautomotive.co.uk/air-conditioning