DOMESTIC AIR CONDITIONING
manufacturers, distributors and, perhaps more importantly, installers tend to focus on commercial rather than domestic applications. The reason for this may be based on concerns regarding the environmental impact of market growth in domestic air conditioning, but also the existing installer skill sets which are generally more aligned to the needs of the commercial business environment than addressing the specifi c demands of a homeowner. Nevertheless, the market is increasingly seeing heat pump air conditioning installation in existing homes, for example in conservatories, which commonly suff er from being too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. Comfort cooling is also being demanded by homeowners in master bedrooms and main living rooms, where even in our relatively short periods of extreme summer heat, conditions may become uncomfortable. Such applications can be addressed by individual split systems but more sophisticated options are also available.
Recently published research in Building Research and Information (BRI) provides robust evidence on the nature and extent of overheating in the UK’s domestic buildings. The research suggests that overheating is a growing problem, nationwide, that can render buildings uninhabitable in summer months. The changing climate with increasingly hot summers and heatwaves may also be driving the increasing demand for domestic air conditioning. With government fi gures stating that gas, oil and direct electric heating systems currently represent the 61% of residential energy consumption and carbon emissions, heat pump based air conditioning systems can provide a way of reducing these emissions compared with direct electric, mains gas and oil fi red systems. These potential advantages can even outweigh the additional impact of the comparatively limited summer periods (and spaces) where the equipment would be required to operate in cooling mode.
When it comes to energy consumption relating to both home heating and hot water, government fi gures put the UK Residential total at a staggering 84%. Clearly, changing to low energy light bulbs and switching off electrical appliances helps, but if the carbon footprint of homes is to be signifi cantly reduced in the future, we really should be addressing the heating and hot water systems.
What domestic air conditioning options are
Air conditioning systems not only provide air to air heating and cooling but also air to water heating and hot water services. Humidity control is also an essential part of creating a comfortable environment and many unitary, split type air conditioning units and systems can off er a dehumidifi cation function that ensures humidity is lowered without changing room temperatures. In addition many units also incorporate air
purifi cation fi lters to improve indoor air quality by absorbing microscopic particles, removing odours and reducing potential for allergies. Automatic fi lter cleaning features available with some indoor units can reduce energy consumption simply by limiting effi ciency losses caused by dirty fi lters.
Modern fan coil units are quiet and deliver improved air fl ow patterns, reaching the furthest corners of a room, plus ‘intelligent eye’ sensors can direct air fl ow away from occupants to reduce draughts and automatically activate economy mode when no presence is detected. Systems are available with a user-friendly wireless control, with the option of connecting to an online control system.
Air to water heat pump systems have been designed to replace the conventional domestic central heating boiler and so can be off ered as whole house heating solutions. Some systems can also provide cooling in specifi c areas. Such heat pump systems and are generally more effi cient than conventional central heating boilers. Sleep or night modes reduce noise by running the heat pump compressor and fan more slowly. Timer options very similar to those available with conventional central heating systems, allow occupants to set systems to automatically switch on and off - useful to save energy by having the system switch off during the night or when the home is unoccupied.
Watch points and concerns The increasing demand in domestic air conditioning needs to take into account potential issues regarding compliance with industry standards, regulation and legislation. This is much less of a concern in new build developments as these are generally approached on an established commercial basis. Highly skilled and suitably qualifi ed contractor/installers are available to address the demand for air conditioning in commercial projects. But in the domestic or residential sector more care needs to be taken to ensure the protection of the homeowner/consumer and that installations are carried out by competent installers in full
compliance with planning consents and where applicable, building regulations and legislation – for example, the F-Gas regulation. There is also a need to be mindful that the HFC or F-Gas phase down is encouraging air conditioning and heat pump manufacturers to develop products that use refrigerants with lower Global Warming Potential. This will introduce fl ammable or mildly
fl ammable refrigerants into systems, which will require extra care in handling. The growth in domestic air conditioning installations must be underpinned by best practices, standards and legal requirements.
However it is a concern that homeowners will be much less aware of such matters and that suppliers or installers used may not be suitably competent or qualifi ed.
Each home counts
In the context of these issues, the industry should endorse the recent BEIS funded report Each Home Counts available at
www.ior.org.uk - also referred to as The Bonfi eld Review. The report is the result of an independent review of consumer advice, protection standards and enforcement for energy effi ciency and renewable energy. Domestic air conditioning is not covered
specifi cally, but the principles set out in the report should apply. A quality mark to help build consumer trust with impartial information and guidance to aid informed consumer decision making and installation measures, would be welcomed to ensure that any growth in the domestic air conditioning market includes adequate consumer protection and adheres to environmental, safety and good practice standards. The Institute of Refrigeration is a membership body representing individuals working in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump technologies. It numbers 2000 members including service technicians, installers, designers, manufacturers, researchers and teachers.
www.ior.org.uk for more details.
www.acr-news.com
March 2017 45
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