R32 not available until 2015
11th February 2014
UK: Daikin’s split system air conditioners running on R32 refrigerant will not be available in the UK until next year.
Although officially launched in Europe in the latter part of last year, Daikin UK will not launch its Ururu Sarara split with the low GWP, “mildly flammable” refrigerant until proper training has been established.
Speaking to the Cooling Post, Daikin’s legislation specialist Graham Wright confirmed that a 3kW unit running on R32 has been successfully trialled in Bristol and that the tools and lubricants to use with R32 are now in place. However, as pioneers of R32, Daikin is keen to ensure that the installation sector is fully conversant with dealing with this new refrigerant before introducing the equipment.
With revisions to the F-gas regulations set to ban the use of refrigerants with a GWP over 750 in small splits (under 3kg charge) by 2025, R410A will no longer be acceptable. With a GWP of 675, R32 is the most likely replacement with all the major Japanese manufacturers now producing R32 splits in the Far East.
