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3 5 Multi-Split Air Conditioning
There is currently no ban on new HFC-based multi-split HVAC equipment entering the market. Stakeholders were asked how this lack of a market prohibition has affected the sector in terms of 1) increasing the uptake of climate-friendly alternative technologies; 2) increasing the development of climate-friendly alternative technologies; and 3) increasing the price competitiveness of climatefriendly alternative technologies.
The majority reflected that this lack of a ban has negatively affected the market in terms of alternatives. Seventy-one
percent of survey respondents said it slowed the uptake
of climate-friendly alternative technologies, while 47% said it also slowed the development of such technologies (41% selected "no impact"). The same percentage (47%) believed that it negatively impacted the price competitiveness of alternative technology.
Respondents were asked if they thought this sector would have fully converted to natural refrigerants by now had a sectoral ban been included for 2020. The majority (56%) were positive that this would have happened by this year already.
When asked whether they support a full ban on HFC-based equipment in multi-split air-conditioning by 2024, a 69% majority confirmed that they did.
Figure 3.5.2 What is your preferred refrigerant for use in multi-split/VRF applications?
Figure 3.5.1 Do you support a full ban on new HFC-based equipment in the multi-split air-conditioning sector by 2024?
16 responses
31% No
69% Yes
When asked about their preferred refrigerant for use in multi-split/VRF applications, a different picture was painted – still favouring HFCs (38%) and showing a clear need for stricter policy and the introduction of bans to develop this HVAC&R market sector in a more climate-friendly way. When asked “why” they chose these refrigerants, answers included “for simplicity”, and “it’s all I’ve been taught” – once again highlighting the need for training. “Availability”
