It is now common knowledge among those with air conditioning jobs that starting from January 1, 2010, the use of R-22 refrigerant will be banned in the United Kingdom. Only five years after that, starting from January 1, 2015, no more recycled R-22 can be used.

This change presents great opportunities for those with jobs in air conditioning, as it is estimated that more than 100,000 air conditioning systems currently operating in this country are still using R-22 refrigerant. Soon, these systems will have to be replaced or upgraded to a more environmentally friendly refrigerant, such as R-410A. Despite the gloomy forecasts for the economy, now is the time that those with air conditioning jobs discuss with their clients the valuable chance to invest in modern and energy-efficient air conditioning systems.

One of the best options is the varied refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning system, whose advances in the last five years have been most outstanding. The system’s performance has been considerably enhanced with innovative designs and components, new refrigerants and advanced control schemes. Even better, the use of inverter-driven heat pumps enables the system to provide cost-effective and environmentally beneficial heating and cooling throughout the year, making air conditioning jobs much easier.

Results of a recent study conducted by Mitsubishi Electric show that a properly commissioned, fully maintained and accurately controlled modern VRF heat pump air conditioning system is 515 percent more efficient at heating than a boiler. Compared to traditional combinations of chiller and boiler, the VRF system is 338 percent more efficient at heating and cooling. These figures can be used by those with jobs in air conditioning who are able to take advantage of the legal requirement to stop using R-22 refrigerant and prove the case for change to their clients.

Furthermore, in-depth market analysis indicates that although the VRF air conditioning system can be a relatively high capital investment, it is increasingly gaining popularity around the world, thanks to its ability to adapt to a wide range of building types and cooling and heating loads. Those with jobs in air conditioning also tend to recommend the VRF system, as these professionals understand the expectations of their clients for the level of indoor comfort and the ability of their air conditioning systems to respond to changing climatic conditions.

Finally, although medium to large offices remain as the key market for the VRF system, more hotels are discovering its strengths because they often require not only simultaneous heating and cooling but also low noise levels. Particularly in the South East of England, where average winter temperatures are now 2.7 degrees Celsius higher than they were in the early 1960s, the highly flexible VRF system is capable of mixing a range of indoor units to suit different room layouts within a hotel. Only one outdoor unit needs to be looked after, which makes jobs in air conditioning noticeably easier. The use of sophisticated controlling schemes, such as wireless and networking technologies, also helps saving time and maintenance expenses.