World News
19th September 2014
US proposes new rooftop efficiencies
USA: The US Department of Energy has proposed new efficiency standards for commercial rooftop air conditioners that could slash energy use by as much as…
19th September 2014
Haier to insulate with 1233zd(E)
USA: Chinese company Haier is the latest refrigerator manufacturer to adopt the new insulation blowing agent 1233zd(E). In a deal announced by Honeywell, Haier will use…
18th September 2014
Trane opens first parts shop
FRANCE: The first Trane Store in Europe, offering original parts and direct support service, opened today in Bordeaux, France. The store, which is planned as…
18th September 2014
Two more deaths in Spanish LD outbreak
SPAIN: The legionnaires disease outbreak in Sabadell, near Barcelona, has claimed two more lives. The two who died today, aged 86 and 84, bring the…
17th September 2014
China begins HCFC shutdown
CHINA: China has announced it will close five of its HCFC refrigeration production lines –16% of total production – by 2015. The announcement, made at…
17th September 2014
Legionnaires’ outbreak claims 2 lives
SPAIN: Another case of legionnaires’ disease was confirmed yesterday in an outbreak in Sabadell, near Barcelona, which has claimed two lives. A cooling tower…
16th September 2014
Industry backs Obama plans to cut HFCs
USA: Leading US air conditioning and refrigeration companies are backing president Obama’s call to slash emissions of HFCs and accelerate a global HFC phase down.…
16th September 2014
Manufacturers maintain R32 is safe
AUSTRALIA: Air conditioning manufacturers’ groups have hit back at suggestions that the low GWP refrigerant R32 is extremely flammable, highly toxic and causes cancer. The…
15th September 2014
Johnsons realigns Building Efficiency business
USA: Johnson Controls is to reorganise its Building Efficiency business, separating its North America branch business from its global products business. The core hvac products…
14th September 2014
Illegal European import of R22 thwarted
EUROPE: An investigation is underway into an attempt to illegally import 60 tonnes of R22 into Europe. The apparent fraud came to light after China's…
12th September 2014
Europe sees air conditioning growth
EUROPE: The non-residential air conditioning market in Europe is continuing to slowly recover lost ground since the last crisis. In a new report, market research…
12th September 2014
Danfoss bids €1.38bn for Finnish drives firm
[caption id="attachment_8178" align="alignright" width="400"] The Vacon factory and hq in Vaasa, Finland[/caption] FINLAND: Danfoss has made a €1.38bn offer for Finnish AC drives and inverter…
12th September 2014
$264,700 fine for ammonia safety failures
USA: A New York ice manufacturer has been fined $264,700 for failing to sufficiently protect workers from potential ammonia releases. Arctic Glacier USA Inc, a…
11th September 2014
Drake & Scull wins Qatar district cooling job
UAE: Drake & Scull Engineering (DSE) has won a contract worth over €23m for a district cooling plant for Lusail, the newest planned city in…
11th September 2014
Ozone layer on track to recovery
The ozone layer is well on track to recovery in the next few decades thanks to the Montreal Protocol and the phase-out of ozone-depleting gases. …
11th September 2014
RectorSeal is Aspen distributor in Canada
UK: Aspen Pumps has appointed RectorSeal, the US manufacturer of sealants, as its distributor in Canada. Houston, Texas-based RectorSeal is already the US distributor of…
10th September 2014
Haier hints at futuristic air conditioner
GERMANY: Chinese manufacturer Haier has hinted at the launch of a new hi-tech design air conditioner in Europe. Rene Aubertin, the CEO of Haier Europe,…
10th September 2014
£5,000 for outstanding achievement
UK: The IoR is seeking to award the individual or group that has made the most outstanding technical contribution to refrigeration in the past year.…
10th September 2014
NAMA seeks more time for HFC comments
[caption id="attachment_8120" align="alignright" width="300"] Eric Dell: "it is essential that the comment period be extended to provide for the industry to adequately determine the impact…
9th September 2014
Arkema to close Spanish R32 plant
[caption id="attachment_8106" align="alignright" width="400"] Arkema's plant in Zamarillo, Spain, is due to close by the end of the year[/caption] SPAIN: French refrigerant manufacturer Arkema is…
8th September 2014
Verifications proposed to energy standard
USA: Multiple compliance options to ensure verification of delivered envelope performance are proposed for the ASHRAE/IES energy standard. According to consultant and ASHRAE standards committee…
8th September 2014
Andrews Sykes opens Paris depot
FRANCE: Specialist UK hire company Andrews Sykes has opened a new depot in Chambly, about 40 minutes north of Paris city centre. By having a…
8th September 2014
India on R22 smuggling alert
INDIA: Customs offices at Indian ports have been alerted to watch out for fresh attempts to smuggle refrigerant R22 into the country. While R22 is…
8th September 2014
Electrolux confirms deal for GE
[caption id="attachment_8073" align="alignright" width="400"] Keith McLoughlin: "an historic moment and important strategic move"[/caption] SWEDEN: AB Electrolux today announced it has entered into an agreement to…
7th September 2014
Produal acquires Zone Controls
FINLAND: Building controls manufacturer Produal has acquired Swedish competitor Zone Controls. Founded in 1990 by Rolf Strand, Zone Controls AB develops and manufactures electronic control…
3rd September 2014
Costco to pay $335,000 for R22 leaks
USA: The USA’s second largest retailer Costco is to pay $335,000 in penalties for failing to repair leaks of R22 refrigerant at its stores. In…
3rd September 2014
Trane gears up for European tour
BELGIUM: Trane is to embark on a major European tour to promote its latest product ranges to customers. The Trane Acceleration Now European Tour glass-windowed…