The Case for Replace

The Case for Replace highlights the need to upgrade old R22 air conditioning systems.

Production of R22 air conditioning systems started in the mid 1990’s and the last Hydrochloroflurocarbons (HCFC) systems were legally sold until the end of 2003. Many manufacturers began phasing out production of R22 air conditioning systems before this date which means that even the youngest R22 system being used today, is at least 9 years old. By 2015, the performance and reliability of these R22 systems will have decreased, energy consumption will have risen and the risk of complete failure become more likely.

The vast majority of R22 systems are fixed-speed, which means that they are either ‘Off’ or ‘On’ and when they are on, they operate at full power. Modern systems are inverter-controlled, so the amount of power they consume is modulated to match demand, making them more efficient than fixed speed. Air conditioning control systems are radically different to those used withR22 systems and help ensure that your highly efficient system constantly performs as expected via improved time clocking, optimised temperature control and sophisticated control options

With years of experience and expertise in developing advanced air conditioning, Mitsubishi Electric’s comprehensive range of solutions can improve energy issues whatever the building. Whether you choose to adopt a partial-replacement of your R22 air conditioning or wish to completely change the entire system, both approaches require new products. Mitsubishi Electric’s advanced product range offer something for every eventuality, whether you choose to install a complete system or require a Replace System which can take advantage of existing pipe work, wiring and power supply.

These are ideal for small to medium sized applications. VRF Systems can run numerous indoor units connected to one outdoor unit, making them suitable for medium to large applications. Production of R22 air conditioning systems started in the mid 1990’s and the last Hydrochloroflurocarbons (HCFC) systems were legally sold until the end of 2003. Many manufacturers began phasing out production of R22 air conditioning systems before this date which means that even the youngest R22 system being used today, is at least 9 years old. By 2015, the performance and reliability of these R22 systems will have decreased, energy consumption will have risen and the risk of complete failure become more likely.

The vast majority of R22 systems are fixed-speed, which means that they are either ‘Off’ or ‘On’ and when they are on, they operate at full power. Modern systems are inverter-controlled, so the amount of power they consume is modulated to match demand, making them more efficient than fixed speed. Air conditioning control systems are radically different to those used withR22 systems and help ensure that your highly efficient system constantly performs as expected via improved time clocking, optimized temperature control and sophisticated control options

There are two main types of air conditioning systems; Split-Systems which include the M Series and Mr Slim series, and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems which include the City Multi range. Split-Systems are smaller and typically consist of one outdoor unit running up to four indoor units. These are ideal for small to medium sized applications. VRF Systems can run numerous indoor units connected to one outdoor unit, making them suitable for medium to large applications.

The name Mitsubishi Electric is synonymous with excellence

Founded in 1921, Mitsubishi Electric has evolved and today we offer advanced environmental systems that really can make a world of difference. Modern air conditioning systems offer more than double the efficiency levels of 10-15 year old systems and can also be far more efficient than traditional methods of cooling and heating buildings, resulting in reduced running costs and lower carbon emissions.

What’s driving the need to replace?

At the end of 2014 it will be illegal to use R22 refrigerant to service and maintain air conditioning. The continual rise in energy costs also means everyone involved in the built environment is focusing on energy use and consumption.

The need to reduce CO2 emissions is further driving the demand for improved energy efficiency in every commercial building, whatever the application.

The key issues that are driving the need to improve energy efficiency include:

The complete ban of R22 refrigerant for service and maintenance
Rising fuel costs
The need to reduce CO2 emissions
Increasing legislation
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Uncomfortable environments

Why is R22 refrigerant no longer used?

If you operate R22 air conditioning this ban affects you as it is now subject to the EC Ozone Regulation No. 1005/2009. There has never been a stronger case for replacing aging air conditioning systems as there is now.

The available options

Put simply, there are two courses of action open to those operating an aging R22 air conditioning system.

Option One: Do nothing until the end of 2014 and risk the exposure of site shutdown and/or fines

Option Two: Plan a considered and costed strategy in order to offer a controlled solution and negate the risk

Option One has no immediate cost implications but exposes your business to the practical and financial risks of an air conditioning heat pump system fault or failure. You will also continue to pay higher running costs on your existing equipment.

Option Two will reduce running costs and carbon emissions and the risk of downtime to your business, whilst providing a more controllable, comfortable environment.

Modern air conditioning systems and controls not only maximize comfort levels, they also minimize energy use and can help protect buildings from increasingly tough environmental legislation.

The mechanical nature of air conditioning heat pump systems mean that their efficiency deteriorates with age. An air conditioning unit performance is measured in a Coefficient Of Performance (COP),which is a measure of the electrical energy consumed compared to the cooling or heating energy output. The higher the COP, the less electricity an air conditioning system consumes to deliver the same amount of energy. A huge amount of energy and carbon emissions can be saved by replacing your air conditioning heat pump system to one with a higher COP.

We feel that buildings with R22 air conditioning systems should always have a plan to fully replace such systems in a timely manner and if drop-in refrigerants are considered, then this should only be as a temporary solution.

Recycle: end-of-life

Mitsubishi Electric’s Green Gateway ‘360º model’ encapsulates the whole life span of a product from pre-purchase to end-of-life. As part of this ‘cradle to grave strategy’, we offer an end-of-life recycling service which gives you an easy to use, free of charge and certified route for disposal of old air conditioning equipment, including the refrigerant. High levels of raw materials are recoverable with over 90% of them recyclable. None of the systems are sent to landfill, only to Environment Agency approved facilities.

F-Gas Support

F-Gas Support is a Government funded service, delivered by the Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), which promotes compliance with both F-Gas legislation and regulations governing Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) such as R22.

The service offers a variety of information on the issues and is always a reliable, up to date, Government managed service. It provides guidance to manufacturers, operators, contractors and others who make, sell or work with ozone depleting substances, F-Gas or associated equipment.

Anyone involved with equipment containing F-Gas and/or ODS, will need to ensure that they comply with all necessary legislation. As part of Mitsubishi Electric’s Partner Programme all of our installing Partners are required to be F-Gas certified.

The EC Ozone Regulation

The EC Ozone Regulation (No. 1005/2009) was introduced to control and phase out the remaining uses of all Ozone Depleting Substances(ODS) such as R22 refrigerant. This has led to a total ban on its use for service and maintenance by the start of the year 2015.

Companies will be breaking the law and will face site shut down and/or fines if R22 regulations are not adhered to.

Therefore, replacing R22 air conditioning systems with modern alternatives (such as R410A) is essential. Although R410A has zero ODP, it is governed under the F-Gas regulation which calls for action to contain, prevent, and reduce emissions of such gases. Anyone involved with equipment containing F-Gas and/or ODS, will need to ensure that they comply with all necessary legislation.

For most manufacturers, R410A is now the refrigerant of choice and current Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning heat pump units have utilized this for over 12 years.

For more information please visit: www.eur-lex.europa.eu

The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)

The EPBD directive is the European Parliament’s answer to the demands of the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change. It has been produced to help reduce energy consumption and eliminate wastage within the built environment.

In signing the treaty, the EU has agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, to a level 8% below those of 1990. The Union must also prove that it has made ‘demonstrable progress’ towards this goal, meaning that it has to do something quickly, to have the most impact on cutting those emission levels.

In looking for a ‘quick win’, the EU has found that by increasing its overall energy efficiency, it can make the biggest cuts in greenhouse gases in the least time. Buildings are a particular target because they consume 40% of Europe’s energy. Replacing old, inefficient R22 equipment can therefore help building operators to comply.

Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)

The UK’s response to EPBD comes through the Department for Communities and the Local Government and focuses on three key areas within EPBD to improve the efficiency of our buildings. Each element will often highlight the need to replace old equipment such as R22 air conditioning systems.

These include:

Enhancing building regulations
Introducing certification for buildings
Requiring inspections of air conditioning systems

In order to conform to strict efficiency requirements within the building regulations, Part L promotes conservation of fuel and power in new and existing buildings. It considers all aspects, firstly reducing the need for energy consumption and then ensuring that the energy is used as efficiently as possible, further promoting renewable technologies.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) or Display Energy Certificates (DEC) are required to show the efficiency of a building when sold, built or rented. They promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings and highlight potential areas for improvement.

In order to make informed decisions about the performance of existing air conditioning plant, buildings with systems greater than 12kW must be regularly inspected by an Accredited Energy Assessor. They will give advice and guidance on how to improve the energy efficiency of the system. The assessors report must be kept on-site and the inspection repeated every 5 years.

DECC is responsible for all aspects of UK energy policy, and for tackling global climate change on behalf of the nation.

The Department aims to drive ambitious changes in the way we use energy, reflecting the fact that climate change and energy policies are inextricably linked. DECC has introduced the mandatory Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC EES) to help tackle climate change. Currently under review, it is designed to encourage public and large private sector organisations to improve energy efficiency and cut CO2 emissions.

Organisations with at least one half hourly meter (settled on the half hourly market) who consumed more than 6,000MWh of electricity during 2008, are required to take part in the CRC EES Scheme. It is being discussed that participants will have to purchase carbon allowances based on their annual CO2 emissions.

A publicly available Performance League Table (PLT) shows how each participating company is performing in relation to others based on a set of metrics. The most pro-active companies in terms of energy efficiency and carbon reduction will benefit. Taking a planned approach to replacement of R22 air conditioning systems is a sure way to see a dramatic reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions. As part of the CRC EES Scheme, such companies who do this will be able to decrease the amount of allowances they need to purchase and will be ranked higher in the league table, saving money and raising their profile as a carbon-saving organisation.

For more information please visit: www.decc.gov.uk

By 2015, the performance and reliability of these R22 systems will have decreased, energy consumption will have risen and the risk of complete failure become more likely.

Air conditioning control systems are radically different to those used withR22 systems and help ensure that your highly efficient system constantly performs as expected via improved time clocking, optimised temperature control and sophisticated control options

With years of experience and expertise in developing advanced air conditioning, Mitsubishi Electric’s comprehensive range of solutions can improve energy issues whatever the building.

Whether you choose to adopt a partial-replacement of your R22 air conditioning or wish to completely change the entire system, both approaches require new products. Mitsubishi Electric’s advanced product range offer something for every eventuality, whether you choose to install a complete system or require a Replace System which can take advantage of existing pipe work, wiring and power supply.