AIR CONDITIONING
Improving HVAC effi ciency, safety and Sustainability
Though heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems provide industrial, commercial and large residential environments with temperature and humidity control, improved air quality and user comfort, their propensity to leak hazardous refrigerant gases presents signifi cant challenges for operators. Shaun Evers, managing director of Stonegate Instruments, explains how smart gas detection technology is helping to overcome these issues.
H
VAC gas leaks cause substantial environmental damage, with some super-greenhouse gases having a global warming potential (GWP) several thousand
times greater than CO2. As these leaks have made the refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump industry the leading source of F-gas emissions, strict regulations now make HVAC operators, together with installation, maintenance and disposal contractors, responsible for stopping leakages1
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At the same time, gas leak checks have become obligatory and leak detection systems must be installed on all HVAC systems that contain F-gas equivalent of 500 tonnes of CO2 or more. Organisations that do not comply or permit others to breach the regulations can face penalties of up to £200k.
Health & safety risks Leaked HVAC gases evaporate in the air, making them harmful
to people in the vicinity. Those who are exposed can suff er
from skin and eye irritation, coughing, headaches, breathing diffi culties, nausea and vomiting. They are particularly hazardous in confi ned areas, like refrigeration units, where higher concentrations can lead to unconsciousness and suff ocation. Moreover, the fl ammability of some refrigerant gases poses a potential risk of fi re. A key challenge for operators is that these gases have no
colour, taste or smell, making them imperceptible to human detection. With the average UK system losing around 60% of its gas before anyone notices, detection systems are vital to prevent occupants from harm.
Preventing fi nancial waste With the rising cost of energy impacting all businesses,
keeping HVAC systems running effi ciently is vital. Preventing leaks is one of the most important ways to ensure this, given that the more gas that escapes, the harder the HVAC system has to work to maintain temperatures. Research from The Carbon Trust indicates that the average UK system loses around 20% of its gases each year, which requires it to use 11% more energy to maintain capacity. If a leak is not identifi ed until 60% of gas has escaped, operators could be paying an unnecessary 33% extra in energy costs to keep their HVAC operational. In this sense, refrigerant gas leaks are the chief cause of energy loss in modern systems.
A technological solution Considering the environmental, health & safety, compliance
and fi nancial risks associated with refrigerant leaks, gas detection systems are invaluable, even in situations where they are not yet compulsory. Over recent years, new regulations have spurred the development of self-contained gas sensors that enable leaks
16 February 2025 •
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