Trends in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic trade
Technology
There is a growing variety of energy efficient equipment such as variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems and variable speed drives (VSDs). VRFs are being used in all sectors, replacing and retrofitting equipment. There is an increase in the use of variable frequency drives (VFD) and electronically commutated motors (ECM) to control fans, pumps and compressors.
Electronic controls are becoming more sophisticated. There is an increase in the use of advanced electronic control systems such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled transducers and thermostats that require original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specific software and interface hardware cables. These systems and controls are being engineered with greater detail and complexity due to increasing needs for efficiency and reliable operation. Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are required to have an increasing knowledge of computers and automated control systems as a result.
Remote access technology is becoming more common, not just in large commercial but in light commercial and residential applications. It facilitates remote troubleshooting by refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics. Mechanics may have to use electronic devices for troubleshooting and configuring heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) equipment.
In the chiller industry, there is a growth in the use of magnetic bearing technology and compressors to effect an increase in efficiency.
In commercial applications, digital compressor capacity controls are being used more frequently to increase efficiency and effect variable capacity control. There is an increase in the use of hydronic systems and geothermal heat pumps including the generation of hot water via the heat pump.
Some of the changes in these new technologies are driven by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and Green Building technologies.
Materials
There are new piping materials (copper/iron alloys for higher pressure refrigerants, plastic pipe for small systems) that require changes in installation procedures and pipe sizing charts. There are alternative pipe fastening systems such as pressed or crimped fittings which do not require brazing.
There are a variety of alternative refrigerants (carbon dioxide, ammonia [R717], hydrofluorocarbon [HFC] and hydrofluoroolefin [HFO]) and oils which require increased safety requirements, new regulations and special consideration during installation and servicing. The use of hydrocarbon refrigerants and their more combustible properties are being found in small unitary equipment. The industry’s use of new refrigerants has created a greater focus on installing, servicing and piping practices.
The use of microchannel aluminum heat exchangers requires new repair and servicing techniques.
Health and Safety
Due to increased health and safety concerns and regulations, indoor air quality (IAQ) is a priority when installing and servicing systems. As well, governing agencies have an increasing enforcement causing refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics to be much more aware of compliance requirements such as working with pressure vessels, handling environmental spills, applying refrigerant recovery/disposal procedures, and handling hazardous materials and waste.
Occupational health and safety training such as Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), first aid, fall arrest, aerial platform and confined space are necessary in today’s working environment.
Environment
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are often called upon to recommission and update system maintenance procedures to reduce energy consumption and to return to design operating parameters.
In this time of environmental awareness, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics need to take greater care in the planning, installing and servicing of HVAC/R systems. They must be conscious of issues such as ozone depletion, global warming, noise pollution and the effects of the use of chemicals in the servicing and maintenance of equipment. They should also promote the use of environmentally friendly chemicals, components and accessories.
Document Use
Increased documentation and record keeping now play a greater role in refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics’ daily tasks. Electronic document use continues to increase. Cell phones and tablets are used on location for invoicing, work orders and to check manufacturers’ specifications. There is an increasing demand for mechanics to work with clients to explain and interpret documentation.
There are a variety of legal requirements to document refrigerant usage, pressure testing and piping systems. These requirements vary from one jurisdiction to another.