AIR CONDITIONING, COOLING & VENTILATION
Increasing use of R32 for larger VRF air conditioning
As sustainability becomes a growing priority in the built environment, designers, contractors, and installers are seeking HVAC technologies that offer energy-efficient, low- carbon solutions.
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n the UK, buildings contribute to over 40% of total carbon emissions – with nearly 90% of that stemming from heating and cooling systems. To address this, Part L of the Building Regulations sets the benchmark for energy efficiency in buildings by encouraging improved insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and other measures aimed at reducing operational carbon emissions.
Alongside this, Fluorinated gases (F-gases) contribute around 3% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. The F-Gas Regulations are part of a legislative drive which seeks to reduce the harm that hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) refrigerants have on global warming. As part of F-Gas, CO2 is used as the base mark with a global warming potential (GWP) of 1. The F-Gas Phase-Down Programme is designed to drive manufacturers toward the adoption of lower-GWP refrigerants, reducing the environmental impact of HVAC systems. It’s important to note that this is a ‘phase down’ and not a ‘phase out’ – with the regulations now based on the tonnes of C02 equivalent of all refrigerants sold or traded in Europe. Today, the most common refrigerant for larger air conditioning is R410A which has a GWP of 2,088, so it is easy to see why this whole area is being looked at. That is also why we have seen a move to R32 in many smaller systems, with its GWP of 675 (two thirds less than R410A). The Phase-Down programme will see limits on the amount of existing HFC refrigerant that can be imported into the EU and UK and, in addition to the smaller air conditioning systems utilising R32, we have now sees larger VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) air conditioning units introduced which use R32.
This has and will allow the industry to transition smoothly to a situation where we still get the performance and efficiencies needed for our buildings, using refrigerants and equipment that delivers a much lower GWP overall.
Building on success
This next generation of lower GWP refrigerants for VRF systems brings numerous advantages, and as a global leader, Mitsubishi Electric is committed to developing innovative, energy- efficient solutions that support our customers and help the UK achieve its current and future sustainability targets.
Our City Multi VRF air conditioning system has been a market leader since its introduction over 30 years ago.
Suitable for medium to large buildings that demand high performance with optimum efficiency, City Multi delivers the flexibility of design, installation and operation that make it the popular choice for retrofit projects to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings. With R32 becoming the refrigerant of choice in the air conditioning sector, we expanded our R32 offering in 2020, to include City Multi VRF systems with Outdoor Units up to 30kW, compatible with both ceiling cassette and ceiling concealed ducted indoor units. Given R32’s classification as mildly flammable, it’s essential to incorporate appropriate safety measures – such as leak detectors, alarms, and automatic shut-off valves – to ensure safe operation. With this in mind, we’re now building on the
current industry focus around evolving standards and legislation by further enhancing our VRF product range.
The New City Multi R32 VRF YXM Range
This time, the innovation isn’t the use of R32 - that’s already well established. What’s new is a completely redesigned
16 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER OCTOBER 2025
chassis, packed with advanced technology that takes performance to the next level. Building occupants can expect improved comfort, greater energy savings, and all the familiar benefits of a VRF system with true plug- and-play simplicity.
Our new City Multi R32 YXM VRF solution not only meets the latest legislative requirements but also delivers market-leading seasonal efficiency. With an expanded range of options, up to 113kW, it simplifies both design and installation – making it easier than ever to deliver high-performance climate control. Our most versatile VRF system to date, the new City Multi R32 YXM VRF features a patented 2-pipe design, significantly reducing the number of brazing points and conserving valuable riser space typically crowded with other mechanical services. The system is simple to design, with only basic height and length limitations between the outdoor and indoor units, helping to streamline and shorten the design process. Our compact indoor units, combined with an advanced control and communication network, further enhance the system’s efficiency – enabling smart features that lower operational costs and reduce carbon emissions. City Multi R32 YXM VRF is available to specify now and to install from Spring 2026 and will deliver system capacities from 12kW to 113kW, with a wide range of indoor unit options. Both Heat Pump and Heat Recovery (simultaneous heating and cooling) options are
available to deliver market-leading seasonal efficiencies, reducing both running costs and operational carbon emissions
The systems new ultra-compact, modular chassis design has a 6% smaller footprint than the market average, reducing embodied carbon emissions. In addition, our unique Patented Vertical Flat Tube Heat exchanger increases overall system performance and flexible piping configuration with a new vertical extension to 113m, make it ideal for high-rise building designs.
BS EN378 part 3 compliant safety measures
are also included with extended leak detector life of 30 years, and the system offers market- leading low noise levels and a 5-step low noise mode for customisable sound performance.
Have a Specification Project suitable for City Multi R32 YXM VRF?
The new City Multi R32 VRF YXM range is available to specify now and will be available to install from Spring 2026. If you are a consultant and have a UK specification project suitable for our new City Multi R32 VRF YXM range and would like to speak to a Mitsubishi Electric Account Manager, or simply to register for future updates, please visit:
https://info.les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/ CityMultiYXM.html
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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