Julian Milnes

A global HFC phase-down agreement is set to become a reality following historic negotiations by countries worldwide in November in Dubai, which could see a formal reduction strategy by the end of 2016.

Nippon PMAC has launched 4-pipe system climate control technology for existing 2-pipe installations with no structural alteration required. The system, known as PAFMAC, provides hotel rooms with individual climate control so that hotels can provide a better guest experience while increasing their own profit margins.

European contractors and manufacturers have united against the European Union’s forthcoming Energy Labelling Directive review, which looks to apply the energy consumption rating found on TVs and washing machines to refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump (RACHP) products.

A new report has found that the environmental challenge caused by booming global demand for refrigeration could be far greater than previously thought. Due to changing demographics, particularly in Asia, the number of refrigerated vehicles on the road could feasibly reach 15.5 million by 2025, up from less than 3 million in 2013.

A report by the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) has found that after three years of stagnation the European heat pump markets are recovering. It indicates that 771,245 heat pump units were sold in Europe in 2013, an increase of 3 percent, and early data for 2014 show this trend to continue.

Trane is expanding its United Kingdom chiller portfolio with the addition of a range of multi-pipe chillers designed to simultaneously deliver hot and chilled water. According to the company, the units are suitable for many comfort air conditioning applications and industrial processes where simultaneous heating and cooling is required.

The marketing used by heating and air conditioning firms still plays to traditional gender stereotypes, new research has revealed. A study conducted by PH Media Group has found the typical voice profile used in their audio branding is male and aged 35 to 45.

In 2013, the world air conditioning market was valued at $91.6 billion, having grown more than 6 percent compared with $86.8 billion in 2012 — evidence that the global a/c market is finally out of the woods. 

China has said it will drastically cut HFC emissions by 280 million tonnes of CO2 — similar to the annual carbon footprint of Spain.

Energy that is recovered can be used in another part of the process or can be converted to “high value” electrical power. A technology that can achieve the latter is the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC).