ACR Journal

Let’s face it, the air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump industry is male dominated. And, trying to encourage more women into the industry can seem like a struggle at times.
 
That’s why we started the Women in ACR series, to show that there are more women in our sector than people may think. The articles also show how diverse those women’s roles are in the ACR business.
 
Now, working with the Institute of Refrigeration, there is a new networking group for women to enable easier networking, sharing of ideas, learning and mentoring. It’s called ‘Women in RACHP’.
Join the LinkedIn Group here.

​By the time you read this, the referendum to remain or leave the European Union will almost be upon us and, whilst I am not here to persuade you one way or the other, I think there is no doubt that whatever the result, it is likely to have an impact of some sort on our industry.

​On the one hand, you can argue that our industry suffers from too much red tape and perhaps leaving the union will free us all from bureaucracy – or will it simply take us back to a more unregulated, less safe industry?

Of course, that’s a stupid question. Leak detection is important and it matters. Most air conditioning or refrigeration systems will leak at some point in their lifetime. Some systems leak all the time.

Detecting where the leak is in the system can be a challenge. There are plenty of signs to show that a system is leaking (e.g. pressure drops, decreasing efficiency or, perhaps, the smell). To find the leak there are simple methods (e.g. soapy water), handy methods (e.g. handheld detectors), chemical systems and highly sophisticated methods (e.g. infrared). All are valid and have their pros and cons.

In addition, the EN378 legislation (Refrigerant Leak Prevention and Minimisation) is still evolving but it is close to completion. Unsurprisingly, EN378 has become a top topic on the ACR Journal website (see article here). 

And, the debates continue on which is the best solution or approach to preventing and curing refrigerant leaks. 

Which refrigerant leak detection and prevention methods do you use? 

Will Hawkins

As an industry, we are fairly hidden from the ‘average’ person, who only notices the air conditioning or heating equipment we manufacture, install and maintain, when the weather makes it hotter or colder than usual.

Yet air conditioning engineers actually have a hugely important role to play in helping us all mitigate the effects of modern life on the environment.

There is now a pressing need to address rising fuel prices, climate change and energy security, and the UK Government is introducing tough legislation to help, but clearly, this can only go so far.

By Will Hawkins - Editor

​Ask anyone in our industry about the lack of young people coming into the air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump industry and they will agree that it is a problem.

Not enough young people coming in to work as engineers and technicians means that businesses find it difficult to expand and fulfil customer orders. 

The belief is that our industry is made up of older men. If our website figures are anything to go by, the biggest group of readers is aged between 45 and 54 (26%, in fact). You might have expected that figure.

But, still, there is the worry about the lack of interest from young people in becoming refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump engineers. 

Or, is there a lack of interest?

Over 30% of our readers online are between 18 and 34. That number might surprise you. 
It suggests that we have got a lot interest from young people in our industry. We just don’t know how to engage with them properly.

There is a good initiative coming along this month to encourage young people into apprenticeships through the Trailblazer programme (more news soon on that topic). This is a positive step and will, hopefully, provide a clear pathway for young engineers looking for a career in our industry. 

How do you attract young engineers into your business?

January is the season for a change for many people. Getting a new job or hiring new employees in January is normal in January. It’s no different for the ACR Journal. Our top two news stories online are about people who have changed jobs. 

It is also show season. The AHR Expo in the USA has happened, and The ACR Show in Birmingham is a matter of days away. Later this year, Chillventa is here again. All of this means we should see some interesting new solutions for the heating, ventilation, AC and refrigeration market. 

​However, the third most popular article online in January is about an old favourite – F-Gas. This topic continues to drive much of the new business in the market.

​It was reported at the IOR Technical Committee this month that after seven years of discussion and debate the process for the updating of EN378 is nearly complete.  

This length of time might seem difficult to defend in a time when refrigerant requirements are changing very rapidly, but the task has been complex and required the balancing of numerous competing requests for change (or in some cases no change).  It is difficult to see how the process could be significantly shortened without thoroughly exploring the technical implications of all viewpoints.  

On the 1st October 2015 the SIRACH network (Sustainable Innovation in Refrigeration Air conditioning and Heat pumps) visited Newcastle University and the Joseph Swan Centre for Energy Research.

The event focused mainly on the opportunities, challenges and new solutions offered by district heating and cooling networks. It included technical presentations, an interactive facilitated group networking session and a tour of the Byker District Heating Site at Newcastle.

During warmer periods, air conditioners are pushed to the max, in order to keep their users cool and fresh. Unfortunately, HVAC systems have their limitations too and can quickly overheat if measures aren’t taken to prevent them running out of steam.

​Installers of these units need to know how to handle overheating systems and take steps to ensure any damage is minimised. Below is a list of common reasons HVAC units overheat and how you can help stop them from occurring.

​Questions on the installation options for wine cellars that require effective temperature control are received almost on a weekly basis at our branches, and whilst many are related to commercial premises, we are seeing a growing demand for such systems in residential applications too. 

Gordon Duncan, IOR Project Manager for Youth Engagement, explains how the Institute of Refrigeration is developing its appeal to young people.

Since 2013, when the Institute of Refrigeration launched its “Youth Engagement Project”, working with young people and students, it became a major agenda item for the IOR. As an industry, it has been estimated that only 10% of the workforce are aged between 18 and 24. This represents a risk to the future of the industry to make sure there is the right level of talent coming through.

The IOR Youth Engagement project was set up to combine the efforts of various industry initiatives and schemes and offer a single point of contact through the IOR to encourage interactivity and sharing of expertise and successes in engaging more young people in this rewarding career.

The importance of being prepared

Planning for the worst can seem like a daunting task but understanding how your business will cope in a disaster is incredibly important. Here Russ Baker, UK Sales Director of the hire division at ICS Cool Energy, outlines why a business continuity plan is so important and the basics of putting one in place.

​While the UK may offer a fairly temperate environment, we are not averse to severe weather incidents such as flooding or, on occasion snowstorms. Whilst the weather may be the first thing that springs to mind in terms of crisis management, other incidents such as power outages or even system breakdowns should be of equal concern.