R32 Refrigerant
K EDWARDS • March 15, 2023
Most end users don't know - or care - what refrigerant their equipment uses. But they should. With the continuing rising cost of R407C and R410A, which have been the mainstays of air conditioning refrigerant for the last 20 years or so, maintaining existing air conditioning equipment is becoming increasingly more expensive for systems that are no longer considered up to date. R32 refrigerant is being used as their replacement and most, if not all, manufacturers now use R32 in their latest ranges of equipment. So why is R407c and R410a refrigerant becoming so expensive and what can you do about it?
Legislation
Well, the requirements of the 2014 EU fluorinated greenhouse gas (F-gas) regulations, which include the phasing out of HFC’s, means that manufacturers need to not only reduce refrigerant emissions in their systems but also make them increasingly more energy efficient.
Advancing heat exchanger technology, improved design and manufacturing processes, more rigid preventative maintenance all aid the overall aim, but the most important element is utilising refrigerant with a lower GWP (Global Warming Potential).
From 2009 to 2012 HFC sales in the EU averaged 183 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year. This provides the baseline for the phase down which will be enforced on to the EU market every year until 2030 and, incrementally, less and less HFC refrigerant such as R407c and R410a, will be available. Already we have significantly less refrigerant available to the market, as you can see below
Would an R32 system be right for you?
Of course, R32 has many advantages in that its a high pressure refrigerant, with lower GWP and ODP ratings than its ancestors. It's efficient, its cheaper than the older refrigerants and it's likely to be on the market for along time to come. However, it can not be used as a 'drop in' refrigerant; that is to say, you can't simply remove the old refrigerant and insert R32 in to an existing system. R32 is slightly flammable under the right conditions so great care must be used when handling it and, importantly, when designing a system which uses it. Bedfordshire Air Conditioning recommends that all old, failing or redundant equipment be replaced with new equipment specifically designed to operate on R32 refrigerant. Contact us for further information.
Why Air Conditioning is Essential for Bedfordshire Businesses: Comfort, Productivity, and Profitability
and what you should look out for!
What is all the fuss about?
What is Radon?
The general answer is - whatever suits the individual! But, there are other more specific factors which can assist you if you're wondering about the 'perfect temperature' for your a/c system. The ideal indoor temperature can vary depending on several factors, including the season, humidity levels, and the age and sex of the occupants(1). Here's a detailed overview: Winter During winter, maintaining a balance between comfort and energy efficiency is crucial: Healthy Adults: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends setting indoor temperatures to around 18°C for healthy, well-dressed individuals (2). Elderly and Children: For older adults, young children, or those with health conditions, the ideal temperature is slightly warmer, around 20°C. (3) Summer In summer, the goal is to keep indoor spaces cool without excessive energy consumption: General Recommendation: Aim to keep indoor temperatures between 20-22°C (4). If using air conditioning, you may wish to consider setting your setpoint to around 23-24°C to save energy while maintaining comfort. As a rule of thumb; the higher the ambient temperature, the higher your setpoint can be to still feel comfortable. Humidity's Role Humidity levels significantly impact perceived temperature and comfort (5). High Humidity: Feels warmer, so maintaining an indoor relative humidity (RH) between 30-50% can help manage comfort efficiently (5). Low Humidity: Can feel cooler but may cause dryness; using humidifiers in winter when heating is on can balance this. Water features, fish tanks/bowls and pot-plants located in the appropriate room can assist with this as well. Gender and Age Considerations: Men and Women: Studies indicate that women generally prefer slightly higher indoor temperatures than men. The average neutral temperature can be about 2-3°C higher for women. Infants: Ideal room temperatures for infants range between 16-20°C to reduce risks associated with being too warm or cold (3). Older Adults: Keeping main living areas around 20°C ensures comfort and reduces health risks linked to colder environments (3). Tips to Maintain Ideal Temperature: Insulation: Proper insulation helps maintain temperature consistency and reduce energy costs (4). Ventilation: Ensuring good ventilation, especially in high humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms, helps maintain comfort (5). Smart Thermostats: Use smart thermostats to automatically adjust temperatures based on occupancy and time of day. By balancing temperature and humidity, you can create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for everyone. (1) feta.co.uk (2) www.zmescience.com (3) www.britishgas.co.uk (4) www.doubleglazingnetwork.com (5) www.groundworks.com
We are often asked what are the health benefits for those people using modern air conditioning systems, so we thought we'd outline them in a little detail! Modern air conditioning systems offer several health benefits for individuals in the UK: Improved Air Quality: Advanced filtration systems in modern AC units remove pollutants, allergens, and dust from the air, creating a cleaner and healthier living environment. This is especially beneficial for people with respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies. Humidity Control: By regulating humidity levels, air conditioning prevents the growth of mould and mildew, which can exacerbate respiratory problems and trigger allergies. This is also true for a/c systems used in heating throughout the winter months! Better Sleep Quality: Maintaining a cool and comfortable temperature in the bedroom can improve sleep quality. Cooler temperatures help the body relax and fall asleep faster, leading to more restful and uninterrupted sleep. Like the above, this is also true in winter as well. Reduced Heat-Related Illnesses: During heatwaves or hot weather, air conditioning provides a cool refuge, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Decreased Insects and Parasites: Air conditioning units help keep insects and parasites out of the home, reducing the risk of bites and associated diseases. This is caused by increased air quality, closed windows/doors thus decreasing insect ingress points and better humidity control. Enhanced Comfort: Consistent temperature control ensures a comfortable living environment, reducing discomfort associated with extreme weather conditions. Support for Mental Wellbeing: A comfortable and healthy indoor environment can positively impact mental wellbeing, reducing stress and promoting overall happiness. These benefits make modern air conditioning systems a valuable addition to homes and workplaces, contributing to both physical and mental health. Most of the above are obvious when you think about it and are ably supported by those with a/c in their homes, shops and offices!
We're often asked by prospective client; 'So, is Air Conditioning a recent thing then? I never used to see it as a kid'?
We get asked a lot about the efficiency of modern A/C units and, in truth, its a complex query with many answers. In an era where energy efficiency is paramount, modern air conditioning units have made impressive strides. These advancements are not just about cooling our homes and offices, but doing so sustainably and economically. 1. Energy Efficiency Ratings: Today's AC units come with improved SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. Higher SEER ratings mean more efficient units, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills. 2. Smart Thermostats: Integration with smart home technology has revolutionized how we control our indoor climate. Smart thermostats learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly, ensuring optimal comfort while saving energy. 3. Inverter Technology: Unlike traditional units that operate at full capacity until the desired temperature is reached, inverter ACs adjust their speed to maintain a constant temperature. This reduces wear and tear on the unit and significantly cuts down on energy use. 4. Eco-Friendly Refrigerants: Modern units use refrigerants that are less harmful to the environment. These eco-friendly options not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also improve overall system efficiency. 5. Regular Maintenance and Upgrades: Regular servicing of AC units, including cleaning filters and checking for leaks, ensures they operate at peak efficiency. Upgrading older systems to newer, more efficient models can also provide significant savings. In conclusion, the efficiency of modern air conditioning units is a blend of advanced technology, smart controls, and eco-conscious materials. These innovations not only enhance our comfort but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
and do you need to be worried?
We are often asked; "Can more than one indoor unit be connected to just the one outdoor unit?" In a word - YES! This type of system is called a multi-split system and differs slightly from a split system, which is a system which has one outdoor unit connected to one indoor unit. A multi-split system is a design of a/c system that shares similarities with a split system but allows for multiple indoor units to be connected to a single outdoor unit. In a multi-split system, each indoor unit serves a separate zone or room within the building, providing individualized climate control. These indoor units can vary in type and capacity, such as wall-mounted units, ceiling cassettes, or ducted units, depending on the specific requirements of each space. The outdoor unit of a multi-split system contains the compressor, condenser coil, and fan, which is similar to a traditional split system. However, it is designed to accommodate multiple refrigerant lines connected to the various indoor units and this is the primary difference between the to systems Multi-split systems offer several advantages: Flexibility: With the ability to connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit, multi-split systems offer greater flexibility in terms of zoning and installation options. This makes them suitable for buildings with multiple rooms or areas that have different cooling or heating needs. Space-saving: By consolidating the outdoor equipment, multi-split systems help save space and reduce the 'footprint' and visual impact of HVAC installations, especially in situations where installing individual split systems for each room may not be feasible. Energy efficiency: Multi-split systems often incorporate advanced technologies, such as variable-speed compressors and individualized temperature control, to optimize energy consumption and reduce operating costs. Cost-effectiveness: While multi-split systems may require a higher initial investment compared to single-split systems, they can offer cost savings in the long run, particularly for buildings with multiple zones or rooms that need to be cooled or heated. Customization: Multi-split systems allow for customization based on the specific requirements of each space, including the selection of indoor units with different capacities, styles, and features to meet the occupants' comfort preferences. Overall, multi-split systems provide efficient and customizable cooling and heating solutions for buildings with multiple rooms or zones, offering comfort, space savings, flexibility, and energy savings.
