HVAC includes all of the technology and systems used to control the temperature, humidity, and air quality in a building. HVAC systems are used to provide thermal comfort and indoor air quality, and are commonly found in commercial buildings and industrial settings which require environmental control.
How Big Is The Domestic HVAC Industry?
The UK commercial HVAC market, which includes air conditioning, heating, ventilation and refrigeration, was valued at around £15 billion in 2022. Based on various forecasts this figure is expected to grow over the coming years too.
The commercial refrigeration market in the United Kingdom is a significant industry, the size of which is mainly driven by demand from various end-use industries, such as food and beverage, healthcare, and retail. The growth of the UK’s HVACR market is predicted for a range of reasons, not least the more widespread adoption of energy-efficient infrastructure, which we will discuss further below.. However, we also note that there is ever increasing awareness about the importance of indoor air quality, which was really highlighted during the coronavirus pandemic.
Across the United Kingdom there will be higher demand for commercial air conditioning systems in existing industries, such as healthcare, industry and retail. However there will also be higher demand in other settings too, including schools and public buildings. One of the driving forces for this increased demand is climate change because organisations have a duty of care, which includes maintaining a comfortable environment inside buildings.
Not only will there be higher demand due to changing weather and climate, there will also be the replacement of older infrastructure with new, modern HVACR infrastructure. There will be much greater requirements for smart, energy-efficient systems, which will drive growth in the UK.
How Are Improving Energy Efficiency Standards Impacting Our Work?
The standard used in the UK for measuring the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems are the Coefficient of Performance (COP) and the Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP). The higher the SCOP rating, the more efficient the system. In the United Kingdom there is a great deal of variation in weather through the seasons. Using the SCOP rating gives a really good indication as to the efficiency of the system on an annual basis.
There has been a consistent trend towards energy efficiency, which is being driven at greater pace since energy price increases in 2022. It seems more commercial enterprises are offsetting the costs of replacing older HVAC equipment against the ongoing running costs of outdated infrastructure. Professional companies can advise the most cost effective solutions to help businesses obtain efficient and economical commercial HVAC systems.
What About Safety Standards?
There is always a progression towards safety in any industry. As new technology becomes available and knowledge of systems improves over time, there are always going to be updates to old practices. The UK also has regulations regarding the installation and maintenance of air conditioning systems.
F gas Regulation includes measures to reduce use and emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases. In order to be compliant with these regulations, infrastructure must be checked and maintained regularly, and emission reports must be reported.
These standards are upheld by companies and organisations operating in the HVAC industry. The United Kingdom has regulations that mandate that individuals or companies installing air conditioning systems must be properly trained and qualified. To become certified, individuals must pass a test and obtain an F-Gas certificate, which is valid for five years. The certificate is issued by a certification body that is recognized by the UK government, such as REFCOM.
In addition to the F-Gas certification, individuals may also hold other relevant qualifications such as City & Guilds or NVQ qualifications in air conditioning or refrigeration. It is important to verify that the company you are considering hiring for commercial air conditioning installation is compliant with these regulations and has the proper certifications and qualifications.
The Big Picture
Given that there are combined factors affecting the industry, it is safe to say that continued expansion is likely. This is largely due to the emergence of more energy efficient HVACR systems, which will replace outdated equipment and infrastructure. The replacement of old systems will be driven by the combination of higher energy prices and the relative lifetime cost savings that come with installing new systems. Also, the maintenance and repair of older systems becomes more of a burden over time.
Secondly, the improving safety standards is also likely to drive more commercial HVACR replacements, as old systems simply become more difficult to keep in line with safety and energy performance standards as set out by the UK government.
