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SUSTAINABILITY


Delivering HVAC safety, savings and sustainability


Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have become essential for controlling temperature, humidity and air quality in modern buildings. Prone to refrigerant gas leaks, they also pose health, financial and environmental risks. Shaun Evers, managing director of Stonegate Instruments, explores the consequences of gas leaks and how smart gas detection technology can eradicate risk


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efrigerant gas plays a critical role in the heat transfer operations of HVAC systems, absorbing or releasing heat energy to achieve


desired temperatures. When a leak occurs, the system’s ability to move heat is reduced, forcing it to run for much longer to maintain temperatures. As a result, energy consumption and costs rise, together with related CO2 emissions. According to The Carbon Trust, the average UK


system loses around 20% of its refrigerant gases every year. To maintain capacity with such a loss, systems would require 11% more energy. However, as most leaks remain undetected until 60% of the gas has escaped, keeping the system operational could mean paying 33% more in energy costs. Given that even well-maintained HVAC


systems consume considerable amounts of energy, refrigerant gas leaks are a significant cause of energy inefficiency and unnecessary overspending. Moreover, the energy waste resulting from leaks markedly increases a facility’s whole-life carbon emissions. Leaked HVAC gases also pose health risks to a building’s occupants. Exposure can lead to symptoms ranging from skin and eye irritation, headaches and nausea to coughing, breathing difficulties and vomiting. The hazard is more serious in confined spaces, where higher concentrations can result in unconsciousness and even asphyxiation. For building operators, a major safety obstacle


is that refrigerant gases are generally colourless, odourless and tasteless. Without specialist equipment, they remain undetectable, leaving occupants vulnerable to exposure.


Environmental damage


With a global warming potential (GWP) several thousand times that of carbon dioxide, even small refrigerant gas leaks can have an excessive impact on the environment. Annually, HVAC leaks contribute approximately 720 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions to the global carbon footprint. In 2022, the combination of refrigerant loss and energy usage meant HVAC systems were responsible for 3.2% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Due to their high GWP, even small losses of


refrigerant gases can amplify a building’s whole-life carbon footprint, putting decarbonisation strategies and net-zero goals at risk. For owners and


Above: Shaun Evers, managing director of Stonegate Instruments


them to operate within pre-defined mixtures of gases and air. Safety is also enhanced through the use of


built-in LED indicators and audio-visual alarms that alert facilities personnel immediately when a leak is detected. Integration is also possible with building management systems, enabling automated responses to be activated. By facilitating the rapid response to leaks, gas


operators required to meet SECR regulations, this can also impact reputation and increase scrutiny from stakeholders.


Advances in gas detection technology


The risks to the environment, energy spending and human health underline the importance of reducing HVAC-related gas leaks. As leaks can be caused by vibration, corrosion and low-quality insulation, regular maintenance, on its own, often proves ineffective. However, by implementing proactive monitoring, supported by advanced gas detection technology, issues can be discovered and addressed before matters deteriorate. The latest advances in self-contained gas sensors


mean identifying and fixing leaks is now simpler and more cost-effective. Equipped with semiconductor or infrared sensing elements, modern detectors identify both HVAC and non-HVAC gases with precision. Moreover, their sensitivity can be customised for specific environments by configuring


detectors can deliver energy cost savings that provide a return on investment within two years. Some systems also utilise active filters that prevent irrelevant gases from being detected, a feature that prolongs sensor lifecycles and reduces maintenance costs.


Proactive safety and sustainability


While HVAC systems have become a prerequisite in many modern buildings, refrigerant gas leaks continue to pose significant risks to human health, finances and the environment. Smart gas detection technology provides a


proactive means to ensure safety by safeguarding occupants from hazardous exposure to refrigerant gases. Furthermore, by minimising HVAC inefficiency and energy wastage, it improves system performance, reduces maintenance and cuts the cumulative emissions caused by leaks and inflated energy consumption. For building operators, service designers and


contractors, modern gas detection systems offer not only enhanced safety but a practical means to develop resilient, low-emission facilities that deliver long-term environmental benefits.


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