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The Benefits of Choosing an FGAS-Certified Air Conditioning Contractor

  • eriknava13
  • Jun 15, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Sep 18, 2025

What is FGAS certification?

If you are planning to install air conditioning in your home or business, you may have heard the term “FGAS certified.”But what does it actually mean, and why should it matter to you?

FGAS stands for Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases, a group of refrigerants used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Because these gases can have an environmental impact if not handled correctly, the UK government requires that any company or engineer who installs, services, or maintains air conditioning systems must be officially FGAS certified.

Put simply:👉 FGAS certification = legal, safe, and professional installation.

Choosing an installer who isn’t FGAS-certified not only puts your system at risk but can also leave you liable for fines and without warranty protection.


Why FGAS certification matters for homeowners and businesses

1. Safety first

Refrigerant gases are not something a general handyman or electrician can handle. An FGAS-certified contractor is trained to:

  • Correctly charge and recover refrigerant.

  • Carry out leak detection and repair.

  • Ensure your system operates safely in your home or workplace.

For example, one of our customers in Reading had a poorly installed split system done by a non-certified installer. It leaked refrigerant within weeks, wasted energy, and created a safety hazard. We were called in, safely recovered the gas, reinstalled the system correctly, and provided full documentation.


2. Compliance with UK law

Under UK and EU legislation, all work involving refrigerant gas must be carried out by an FGAS-certified engineer.

If your installation is carried out by someone without certification, you could face:

  • Legal penalties and fines.

  • Invalid manufacturer warranty.

  • Insurance claims being rejected.

For example, landlords in Berkshire and Oxfordshire who install AC in rental properties need to ensure it’s done legally. Using an uncertified installer can create liability risks if tenants ever make a claim.


3. Energy efficiency & lower running costs

A professional FGAS-certified installer doesn’t just “fit the box on the wall.” They ensure the system is:

  • Correctly sized for your room or building.

  • Properly charged with refrigerant.

  • Commissioned to manufacturer standards.

This makes a huge difference. A customer in Oxford recently upgraded to a multi-split system for bedrooms and living areas. Because we calculated the correct load and commissioned the units properly, their system now uses up to 30% less energy compared to their old, incorrectly installed unit.


4. Protecting the environment

Modern refrigerants such as R-32 are much more environmentally friendly than older gases, but they still need to be handled responsibly.

FGAS-certified contractors are trained to:

  • Recover and recycle refrigerant during servicing or decommissioning.

  • Avoid unnecessary leaks with proper pipework and testing.

  • Dispose of old gases legally rather than venting them into the atmosphere.

For eco-conscious homeowners in London, this is increasingly important as regulations tighten.


5. Peace of mind & property value

Air conditioning is an investment that should last 10–15 years with proper care. Having it installed by an FGAS-certified company gives you confidence that:

  • The system is legal and safe.

  • Efficiency is maximised from day one.

  • Future buyers or tenants will see the installation as a value-adding feature rather than a risk.


Why choose EACON LTD?

At EACON LTD, we’re not just FGAS-certified — we bring years of hands-on experience with leading brands like Daikin, MHI and Mitsubishi Electric.

  • ✅ Fully FGAS-certified: all work is compliant with UK regulations.

  • ✅ Local expertise: serving Reading, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and London.

  • ✅ Professional surveys: we calculate the right size and placement for your home or business.

  • ✅ Neat, tidy installations: careful pipe routing, cantilever arms, trunking and proper documentation.

  • ✅ Aftercare & maintenance plans: keeping your system efficient for years.


Common questions

Q: Can any electrician install my AC?No. While an electrician can provide the power supply, only an FGAS-certified air conditioning engineer can legally connect, charge, and commission the system.

Q: How can I check if a company is FGAS certified?You can ask for their FGAS certificate or look them up on the official Refcom register. At EACON LTD, we always include our certification number on quotations and invoices.

Q: What if I skip FGAS compliance to save money?In the short term, you may save on installation costs, but in the long run you risk higher running bills, early breakdowns, legal penalties, and invalid warranties. It always costs more to fix a bad job than to do it right the first time.


Takeaway

Air conditioning brings comfort, efficiency, and value to your home or business — but only if installed correctly. By choosing an FGAS-certified contractor, you ensure your system is safe, legal, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

👉 With EACON LTD, you get more than an installation. You get a professional partner who puts compliance, quality, and customer satisfaction first.


📞 Call/WhatsApp: 07802 579 775



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