World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

System efficiency more important than GWP

Jordan Smith: “There is no question that GWP matters and that the industry should be supporting all efforts to invent and test new, lower GWP solutions”

USA: Lower GWP refrigerants are important in reducing the contribution of refrigeration and air conditioning on climate change, but operators should not neglect improving system efficiency or reducing leaks.

So says Jordan Smith, executive director of GlobalFact, the Global Forum for Advanced Climate Technologies backed by a number of major refrigerant producers.

“There is no question that GWP matters and that the industry should be supporting all efforts to invent and test new, lower GWP solutions,” says Smith. “However, GWP is not the only piece of the carbon impact equation. Frankly, it’s not even the most important piece. Operators should focus on improving system efficiency, including reducing leaks.”

He recognises that operators are relying on the mantra that lower GWP leads to lower carbon emissions to make critical business decisions, and that, for the busy operator, digging deep into system operations to improve efficiency is daunting.

“A straightforward directive like “lower your GWP” is simple,” says Smith. “And simple solutions are enticing, especially when they are proven to work. Without a doubt, converting to a lower GWP refrigerant can help a business meet its environmental goals. But importantly, it’s not the only way to meet those goals. 

“In fact,” he argues “it’s not even the best way.”

Jordan Smith lists leak management and peak efficiency from correctly installed and maintained systems as critical.

“Refrigerant GWP is only harmful to the environment if it leaks. If it does not leak, a refrigerant’s GWP has no environmental impact whatsoever. What matters more, and it matters regardless of leak rate, is energy consumption. For residential systems, leaks account for as much as 3% of a system’s total environmental impact. Indirect emissions from energy consumption account for 97% or more.”

Reducing leaks is also closely tied to system efficiency. A leaky system that contains less than a full charge will run less efficiently. 

“Inefficient systems consume more energy, resulting in increased carbon-equivalent emissions. Put simply, the increased efficiency of a low-leak system goes much farther in reducing carbon impact than merely switching to a lower GWP refrigerant.”

Poorly installed HVACR systems lose as much as 40% of their expected efficiency. “The climate impact of this poor installation is double the impact of a properly installed system that leaked 100% of its refrigerant, regardless of the refrigerant’s GWP,” says Smith.

“Finally, leak rates don’t magically improve over time,” he says. “Without proper attention, leaks can get worse. Addressing them head on and quickly will reduce direct emissions and, more importantly, reduce indirect emissions by way of increased system efficiency.”

Latest News

28th March 2024

CO2 compressor for multiple applications

ITALY: Frascold’s new TK HD series transcritical CO2 compressors are designed for a wide range of refrigeration and air conditioning applications, as well as high-temperature heat pumps up to 100°C.
28th March 2024

Copeland releases 50hp scroll in Asia

CHINA: US compressor manufacturer Copeland is to launch a 50hp scroll for heat pump OEMs in Asia.
27th March 2024

Daikin redesigns Perfera R32 air conditioner

BELGIUM: Daikin Europe has announced a next generation All Seasons Perfera R32 air conditioner with redesigned indoor and outdoor units, making them easy to install and use.
27th March 2024

Press fittings go large

UK: Conex Bänninger has expanded its >B< MaxiPro range of press fittings with the addition of a 1⅝in fitting.
27th March 2024

Distilling the zero carbon benefits of heat pumps

IRELAND: An Irish distiller is now producing carbon neutral whiskeys following the installation of high temperature heat pumps from Finnish manufacturer Oilon.
27th March 2024

Daikin acquires Danish distributor

DENMARK: Daikin has acquired its Danish HVAC distributor BKF-Klima A/S from Swedish refrigeration and air conditioning wholesaler Beijer Ref.