LOW CARBON HEATING & HVAC


ENHANCING HVAC EFFICIENCY, SAFETY


AND SUSTAINABILITY Despite the many benefits of HVAC systems, they are susceptible to gas leaks that, if not quickly identified, pose risks to people, operations, and the environment. Shaun Evers, managing director of Stonegate Instruments, explains how


With energy prices continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever to keep HVAC systems operating efficiently


smart gas detection technology can help mitigate these risks


V


arious sectors rely on heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to regulate


internal environments. These systems maintain comfortable temperatures and humidity levels for occupants, ensure the safe storage of perishable goods, and remove harmful particles and fumes to improve air quality. An inherent flaw, however, is their susceptibility to refrigerant gas leaks, which can have serious consequences for human health, system performance, and the environment.


HUMAN HEALTH AND SAFETY Leaked HVAC gases evaporate in the air, becoming harmful to people nearby. Those who are exposed can suffer from skin and eye irritation, coughing, headaches, breathing difficulties, nausea and vomiting. In confined spaces like refrigeration units, higher concentrations can lead to unconsciousness and even suffocation. Additionally, the flammability of some refrigerant gases, such as propane (R-290), poses a potential risk of fire or explosion. A major challenge is that these gases are typically


colourless, odourless and tasteless, making them undetectable without specialist equipment. With the average UK system losing around 60% of its gas before a leak is noticed, detection systems are vital to protect building occupants.


OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL RISKS With energy prices continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever to keep HVAC systems operating efficiently. 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 desired temperatures, leading to increased energy use. 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 identified until 60% of gas has escaped, operators could be paying an unnecessary 33% extra in energy costs to keep their HVAC operational.


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In this sense, refrigerant gas leaks are the chief cause of energy loss in modern systems.


ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Refrigerant gas leaks contribute to environmental harm in two ways. First, the additional energy used by inefficient 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.


Second – and far more damaging – is the


release of hydrofluorocarbon gases (F-gases) contained in HVAC systems, which have a global warming potential (GWP) several thousand times


greater than CO2. Remaining in the atmosphere for decades, these super greenhouse gases deplete the ozone layer that protects the atmosphere from the sun’s harmful radiation. 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. Gas leak checks are now obligatory, with frequencies ranging from three to 12 months, depending on


CO2 equivalent tonnage, while systems with an F-gas equivalent to


500 tonnes of CO2 or above must have gas leak detectors installed. Companies that fail to comply face significant financial penalties, with fines of up to £200k for non-compliance.


ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Summer 2025 “If a leak is not


Modern gas detection systems protect building occupants from exposure to refrigerant gases, and reduce inefficiency and energy wastage caused by leaks


GAS DETECTION TECHNOLOGY Given the environmental, health and safety, compliance and financial risks associated with refrigerant leaks, gas detection systems are invaluable, even in situations where they are not yet legally mandated. In recent years, new regulations have spurred


the development of self-contained gas sensors that enable leaks of toxic and non-toxic gases to be swiftly identified and repaired. Using a semiconductor or an infrared sensing


element, the latest detectors can accurately identify both HVAC and non-HVAC gases. As they can be programmed to do this with pre-defined mixtures of gases and air, this allows their sensitivity to be tailored to the specific environment in which they are installed. Furthermore, by enabling leaks to be addressed quickly, the resultant savings on energy costs can provide operators with a return on investment within two years, while the use of active filters to omit irrelevant gases from detection extends the sensor’s lifecycle. With regards to keeping occupants safe,


modern detection systems feature LEDs that indicate the presence and status of each sensor, together with audio/visual alarms that alert those on-site. In terms of eradicating energy waste, these sophisticated sensors have delivered a return on investment in just two years. Overall, modern gas detection systems provide


several important benefits. They protect building occupants from exposure to refrigerant gases, reduce inefficiency and energy wastage caused by leaks, and prevent systems failing and stock going to waste. In addition, they reduce an organisation’s environmental impact while ensuring compliance with evolving F-gas regulations.


Stonegate Instruments T: 0113 224 4440 sales@stonegate-instruments.co.uk


detected until 60% of gas has escaped, operators could be paying an unnecessary 33% extra in energy costs to keep their HVAC systems operational”


Shaun Evers


www.essmag.co.uk


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