GREEN MATTERS
Making HVAC systems safer and more sustainable
Despite the many benefi ts of HVAC systems, they are susceptible to gas leaks that, if not quickly identifi ed, pose risks to people, operations, and the environment. Shaun Evers, managing director of Stonegate Instruments, explains how smart gas detection technology can help mitigate these risks.
H
eating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have come a long way from their ancient origins – the Romans essentially developed the fi rst heating systems in the form of hypocausts. Today, these systems are not only an integral part of modern commercial buildings, playing a vital role in creating safe and healthy environments, but they also continue to evolve. They improve indoor air quality by controlling temperature, reducing humidity, and eliminating airborne pathogens and allergens. Estimates of the costs of air pollution to human health in the UK are in the region of £20 billion per year. Unfortunately, HVAC systems are also one of the largest, if not the single largest, consumers of electricity and can also pose a threat to people, profi ts, and the planet. Should they develop a leak, gases, some of which could be toxic or fl ammable, would be released, which can endanger building occupants, drive up operational costs, and negatively impact the environment. Refrigerant gas leaks often go undetected because people cannot always smell, taste or otherwise discern the presence of the gas. It is estimated that 60% of gas escapes before anyone notices, with many toxic gas leaks going unnoticed until workers start to experience symptoms of distress. While the eff ect on people can range from mild to extremely serious, an undetected gas leak could also increase energy
consumption, driving operational costs higher. With energy prices continuing to rise, it’s more important
than ever to keep HVAC systems operating effi ciently. Preventing leaks is one of the most important ways to ensure this, given that refrigerant gas leaks are the foremost contributor to energy loss in modern HVAC systems. When a leak occurs, the system becomes ineffi cient and needs to work harder to maintain capacity. This, in turn, will increase electricity consumption and monthly bills.
Most systems leak refrigerant gases. According to the Carbon
Trust, the average leakage rate in UK systems is around 20% per year. This equates to a reduction in effi ciency of around 11%, which directly translates into increased energy costs. According to several studies, a leaking air conditioning unit consumes almost 20% more electricity than a fully functioning one. It has been suggested that a small continuous leak, left unrepaired for three months, could use an extra 10kW in electricity once it becomes critical. Considering the rapid rise in energy prices, this can quickly add up to several thousand pounds.
Environmental impact
While advancements in gas detection technology can help keep sites and workers safe, there is also an environmental aspect that cannot be ignored. Refrigerant gas leaks contribute to environmental harm in two ways. First, the additional energy used by ineffi cient systems results in greater CO2
emissions.
An 11% increase in energy use can result in an 11% rise in CO2 output, depending on the energy source.
Secondly, hydrofl uorocarbons (HFCs) are synthetic
greenhouse gases with high global warming potential, often thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide. Used in cooling systems, they trap heat in the atmosphere and accelerate climate change. Although they don’t harm the ozone layer like older refrigerants, their persistence and growing use pose serious environmental risks. Replacing HFCs with low- impact alternatives and improving leak prevention are essential steps in curbing their long-term damage. Rapid gas leak detection can help prevent these environmental threats. To protect against this, there are stringent regulations for companies that operate or maintain HVAC and refrigeration systems. These are continuously being updated, with the most recent update in January 2025.
16 June 2025 •
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