A new type of heat pump which uses carbon dioxide as a refrigerant is set to revolutionise the heating industry and open up a huge new market for the rac trade, according to manufacturer SANYO Air Conditioners.
The new ECO technology, to be launched in the UK by SANYO later this month at RAC09, is based on an advanced air-to-water heat pump that delivers low-cost hot water for heating and domestic use in residential and small commercial premises.
The technology is already widely used in Scandinavia and Japan, where it is challenging the supremacy of the gas-fired boiler as the technology of choice for domestic heating and hot water.
Unlike other systems on the market, the carbon dioxide-based technology produces water up to 65deg C, hot enough to be used directly in traditional radiators without the need for an inefficient electric booster heater, keeping energy costs and emissions low.
The system is the flagship product of a new heating sector business being launched within SANYO Air Conditioners UK. It has been established to develop what the company believes is massive market potential for its new heat pump technology in the UK.
Bob Cowlard, business planning manager, said: “The CO2 ECO system sets a new benchmark for the industry in terms of sustainable technology that delivers. In any objective assessment of performance, it leaves the competition standing.
He added: “The product opens up exciting new market opportunities for acr installers looking to broaden the base of their business. It could help offset what many think will be a difficult year for companies who rely on smaller air conditioning installations as their mainstream work. We will be supporting them every step of the way”.
A new training course has been designed to equip the trade to install and service the ECO CO2 systems. This will enable contractors to become an approved installer and benefit from future grant opportunities. The course will be available throughout the UK during 2009.