RACA Journal I March 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 25
HEAT PUMPS
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HEAT PUMPS? source heat pumps deliver consistent year-round efficiency, Heat pumps continue to gain momentum across the HVAC although higher upfront costs and more complex installation sector, driven by decarbonisation targets, regulatory change remain barriers in some markets. and rapid advances in technology. In a CAREL-hosted webinar, two industry experts unpacked the fundamentals of heat pump SAFETY STANDARDS AND REFRIGERANTS technology, explored market and regulatory trends, and tested As heat pump uptake grows, safety standards and refrigerant participants’ knowledge through interactive quizzes. regulations are becoming increasingly critical. Ciprés highlighted The session was led by Miriam Solana Ciprés, from CAREL’ s the implications of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Knowledge Centre, who focuses on HVAC regulations and market Protocol, which mandates a global phase-down of fluorinated trends, alongside Matteo Valerin, national sales manager for refrigerants. This shift is accelerating the adoption of low-GWP CAREL Nordic, specialising in residential applications including refrigerants, many of which are flammable, placing greater heat pumps. emphasis on compliance with safety standards such as ISO
With more than 400 participants online and over 150 60335-2-40. questions submitted, the webinar highlighted the level of
The standard has evolved in recent years to reflect these interest – and the complexity – surrounding heat pumps today. changes. Updates in 2018 introduced new requirements A key theme of the webinar was the role of heat pumps in global for systems using hydrocarbon refrigerants, while further decarbonisation efforts. As countries work towards emissions revisions in 2022 increased allowable refrigerant charge reduction targets under the Paris Agreement, heat pumps are limits under defined safety conditions, including the use of increasingly viewed as a viable alternative to fossil fuel-based mechanical ventilation. heating systems.
One interactive quiz focused on refrigerant charge limits for
Ciprés noted that replacing traditional boilers with heat propane systems using mechanical ventilation. Valerin explained pumps can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, particularly as that, under current rules, the maximum allowable charge is 5kg, electricity grids continue to decarbonise. Despite this potential, provided all safety measures are correctly implemented. adoption remains relatively low. According to data from the International Energy Agency, only around 10 % of buildings globally are currently equipped with heat pumps. Achieving the target of 20 % by 2030 will therefore require sustained investment, supportive policy frameworks and continued technological development.
The webinar also covered the main categories of heat pumps based on their external heat source: air source, water source and ground source systems. Each has distinct characteristics.
Air source heat pumps are generally easier and cheaper to install, but their performance can fluctuate with outdoor temperatures. Water source systems offer more stable performance but require careful assessment of water availability, flow rates and quality. Ground Heat pump destined for Mr Heat Pumps.
Supplied by Mr Heat Pumps feature
RACA Journal I March 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 25