Key Takeaways from the IDS Climalife Technical Seminar (April 2026)

The IDS Climalife Technical Seminar held at the end of April brought together engineers, designers and industry experts to discuss critical updates in the refrigerant market and the UK’s F-Gas Phase Down. We found the seminar packed with valuable insights that, in no time at all, will shape how our industry operates. Below you'll find key points and practical takeaways...

IDS Climalife Technical Seminar April 2026, focusing on refrigerant market updates & the UK F-Gas Phase Down

Refrigerant Market Update

After a brief introduction by Climalife's Allan Harper, the seminar delved straight in with a detailed overview - by Climalife's Neil Roberts - of the current refrigerant market, highlighting potential supply challenges and price fluctuations.

The demand for low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants continues to rise, driven by tighter environmental regulations (especially in Europe and the UK) and the push for more sustainable air conditioning and heat pump solutions.

Key points on refrigerant supply and demand

• It was highlighted that there is already limited remaining stock of HFCs (including R410A) in the UK market due to a decrease in the UK F-Gas quota for 2026. It's expected that this will continue into the coming years and worsen as each subsequent year's quota decreases further.

• Lower and lowest GWP refrigerants are available now. But retrofitting and system replacement may be necessary depending on the application.

• The seminar emphasised the importance of planning refrigerant procurement early to avoid project delays and increased cost, especially for large-scale installations and maintenance projects.

  
  

Practical advice for engineers

• Stay updated on supplier stock levels and lead times.

• Consider alternative refrigerants compatible with existing equipment to reduce downtime.

• Train your team on handling new refrigerants safely, as some require different tools and procedures. Tool OEMs such as Fieldpiece and Javac already offer equipment suitable for A2L, A2 and A3 rated refrigerants. Contact our sales team for more information and prices.

UK F-Gas Phase Down Update

A major focus was the UK’s F-Gas Phase Down, which continues to tighten quotas on high-GWP refrigerants. The government’s latest update confirmed accelerated reduction targets: An expected 23% reduction in 2027, and a further 10-28% around the start of 2030. The percentage amount will differ slightly depending on which phasedown path our government decides to adopt.

This means

• The phase down will, within the next few years, restrict the amount of high-GWP refrigerants that can be placed on the market, pushing the industry towards low-GWP alternatives.

• Equipment using refrigerants with a GWP above 750 will face stricter controls and higher costs.

• Air conditioning, heat pump, and cellar cooler systems installed today may outlast the required refrigerant.

  
  

Compliance and best practices

• Ensure all new installations comply with the latest F-Gas regulations.

• Where possible, offer 'future-proof' systems that use low and lowest-GWP refrigerants.

• Where possible, implement leak detection and maintenance programs to minimise refrigerant loss and avoid penalties.

Additional Topics Covered

Beyond refrigerants and F-Gas, the seminar touched on several other relevant areas:

• Training and certification: The importance of ongoing professional development to keep pace with evolving refrigerants and regulations.

• Leak detection: The importance of monitoring and repairing leaks ahead of any catastrophic refrigerant releases.

• Maximising efficiency: The importance of adopting best practices when installing and maintaining equipment, as well as using high-efficiency refrigerants and chemicals that fall within the lowest GWP bracket.

  
  

The IDS Climalife event was well attended by installers, designers and industry experts.

The Future of R410A

As many readers will know, most current VRF and VRV systems use R410A refrigerant. With the availability of R410A decreasing, retrofitting existing systems may be the best solution. For this, Climalife and Solstice Advanced Materials Inc. recommend R454B.

The main issue with this alternative is that it's an A2L, meaning a study by an independent body, alongside a risk assessment, is required prior to any retrofit work being carried out. This, of course, potentially means additional cost and system downtime.

There is also a slight reduction in cooling capacity, meaning under-sized or exactly-sized R410A systems may become inadequate for the spaces they serve. Nevertheless, until new systems running on lower GWP become available in the UK market, retrofitting with refrigerants such as R454B might be the only way forward for a while.

It is uncertain at this time, but R410A may follow a similar path to what R404A saw a few years ago, in the sense that recovered and recycled refrigerant may be an option for some units.

Summary

The seminar reinforced that staying ahead in this industry requires more than technical skill. Understanding market trends, regulatory changes, and environmental impacts is essential. Here are some steps to consider:

• Review your current refrigerant stock to prepare for supply shifts.

• Invest in training for your team on new refrigerants and F-Gas compliance.

• Promote early leak detection to end-users, highlighting its long-term environmental and cost benefits.

• Adopt proactive maintenance to reduce refrigerant leaks and extend equipment life.

  
  

The IDS Climalife seminar made it clear that the future of air conditioning and heat pumps will be shaped by sustainable refrigerant choices and strict adherence to F-Gas regulations. By adapting now, engineers can ensure their work remains compliant, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

For the time being, we will push our system suppliers to keep us updated on the availability of systems using low and lowest-GWP refrigerants. When changes inevitably comes to the UK market, we will be letting you know as soon as possible!

If you want to stay updated on these topics, please do consider subscribing to our email updates or following us on our social media channels. Alternatively, please contact our team if you have any specific questions.

*Freedom Air Conditioning is not responsible for any incorrect or false information in the post above. All information above has been sourced from trusted sources, including the gov.uk website, Climalife's website, and the technical seminar itself.