F gases
Fluorinated gases (F gases) are used as refrigerants in buildings, for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, to provide cooling for refrigeration or to provide cooling for industrial processes.
F gases are not ozone depleting and they are often used as substitutes for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). However they are powerful greenhouse gases (up to 20,000 times more powerful than CO2) and are listed as part of the Kyoto Protocol basket of greenhouse gases.
As emissions of F gases increase, so their use is coming under greater scrutiny.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are F gases. HFCs are commonly used in buildings and include refrigerants such as R134a, R404A, R407C and R507C.
Other F gases include SF6, perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air conditioning.
- Air conditioning inspection.
- Cooling systems for buildings.
- Greenhouse gas.
- HVAC.
- Ozone depleting substance.
- R22 phase out.
- R404A phase out.
- Refrigerants.
- Refrigerant selection.
- SF6.
[edit] External references
- Gov.uk Managing fluorinated gases and ozone-depleting substances. 2013
- European Commission, Fluorinated greenhouse gases.
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.