Trends in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic trade
Technology
With the push for electrification and decarbonization, and the need for equipment to meet current industry and environmental standards, manufacturers are developing equipment with variable speed drives, controls and other technologies to meet requirements. Advancements in technology allow for more accurate monitoring and controlling of temperature, humidity, air quality, pressure, flow and occupancy.
Systems are more complicated than in the past and may require that refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics be trained directly by the manufacturer to access system controls. Design has become significantly more crucial than before to ensure correct, safe and efficient operation.
Some original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components and control systems are not compatible with generic components and cannot be retrofitted. Specialized manufacturer training may be required.
Although some technologies are pre-existing, high-energy efficiency is the catalyst to achieve future sustainability. There is a global mandate for sustainability and green technology resulting in improved control systems and heat transfer methods continuing to emerge and evolve. These include heat recovery systems, variable speed equipment and components, electronically commutated motors (ECM), advanced motor control systems, variable refrigerant flow (VRF), multi-zone equipment, solid-state control systems, electronic control valves, refrigerant control valves, flow control valves for hydronic heating, and oil free compressors. Remote assisted technologies, such as augmented reality, are evolving to aid technicians.
Heat pumps are becoming more common for climate control in buildings due to their significant environmental advantages and cost-efficiency. With the rapid evolution of heat pump technology, especially for air-to-air, air-to-liquid and liquid-to-liquid systems, it is imperative for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics to remain at the forefront of this technology, especially as cold climate heat pumps are continually improving.
There is an increased use of solar panels being integrated into heating, ventilation and air conditioning/refrigeration (HVAC/R) equipment. This requires refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics to stay current with maintenance and service requirements of solar collectors and their associated equipment.
Cloud-based building management systems are becoming more commonplace to remotely monitor and control HVAC/R equipment and systems. Remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance using Internet of Things (IoT), or communication devices are becoming more widely incorporated in HVAC/R equipment.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to optimize HVAC/R system performance and in assisting refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics with troubleshooting, service and training.
Health and Safety
As new refrigerants such as flammable/explosive, carbon dioxide (CO2), A1s, A2Ls, A3s are being introduced, it will be crucial for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics to be knowledgeable of the codes and regulations, and servicing and handling procedures.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a crucial component of safety as jurisdictional and industry standards evolve for worker protection. Improved comfort and wearability allow PPE to be worn by an inclusive workforce when completing tasks.
Tools and Equipment
Smart tools that are now sometimes system-specific require manufacturer training to operate.
There are new tools and equipment for installing piping. Battery powered tools such as powered threaders and press connect fitting tools assist in installing piping in a safer and more efficient manner.
There is an increased functionality of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi wireless probes such as pressure gauges, thermometers, hygrometers, vacuum gauges, temperature sensors, manometers, anemometers, calibrators and combustion analyzers that allow better logging, tracking and reporting of the results. Computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones are also being widely used to connect, analyze, troubleshoot, service, and display data.
As systems evolve, specific tools to maintain and service components have become necessary. Network cabling tools and equipment, nitrogen regulators capable of testing at higher pressure ranges for CO2 and VRF systems, digital manifold gauges, leak detectors for new refrigerants, service connection adapters, gauges capable of reading pressures in a CO2 system are all examples of tools that may be required by a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic.
Products/Materials
CO2 systems operate at higher pressures and therefore must use high pressure piping, fittings and components made of stainless steel, copper and copper-iron.
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics may have to install and terminate the network cables. In some instances, this may be done by another trade or company.
Environmental
Refrigerants with significant global warming potential (GWP) are being phased out in favor of lower GWP such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), hydrocarbons, ammonia and CO2.
Legislative and Regulatory
There have been amendments to the Canadian Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations (ODSHAR) to reduce the supply of hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), which include refrigerants that enter Canada and the demand for HFCs in manufactured products, by phasing down HFC consumption allowances. These reductions will increase in the future. The level and pace of these HFC consumption allowance phasedowns are intended to reduce the GWP of HFCs. Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics must stay current with legislative and regulatory amendments as they continue to evolve including reporting requirements.