Air conditioning system service and repair is a huge area of business potential for garages and bodyshops. However, just as more and more motor trade businesses in Ireland were waking up to possibilities on offer, many have been discouraged to invest in equipment by the imposition of a new type of refrigerant under EU regulations.

Managing Director of joint venture Hella Nussbaum Solutions, Mark Degenhardt has been speaking about the changes and explains why the air-conditioning service sector is still a great sector for garages and bodyshops to be involved in.

The key factor is that since January 2011 vehicle manufacturers are obliged to equip all new vehicles with refrigerant that has a GWP (global-warming potential) under 150. Thus the commonly used R134a refrigerant, which has a GWP of 1,430, is no longer suitable. After some dispute vehicle manufacturers have now agreed to standardise on a new refrigerant, R1234yf, which has a GWP of less than 1. It is suitable for all climate zones and does not require a complete re-development of existing automotive air conditioning systems. It is estimated that by the end of 2014 there will be in excess of 2 million vehicles on the road using R1234yf worldwide.

Mark Degenhardt, explains that at present only a few vehicles are being delivered with R1234yf, but that as manufacturers implement the new system dealerships and accident repair centres will start to encounter the new R1234yf refrigerant. Labels in the engine compartment will indicate systems filled with R1234yf. Furthermore, these systems have a different connection, so that it is impossible to accidentally connect a standard air-conditioning service unit.

To work on R1234yf systems it is important for technician to have the necessary training and F-Gas certification. Special air-conditioning service units as well as the equipment to analyse refrigerant is also required. Mark says, "It is not sufficient to use a second container and to flush the pipes as was the case in the change from previous refrigerants R12 to R134a.”

New service units will differ from R134a units not only in connections but also in interior components, such as an electric ventilator, which removes the air/refrigerant mixture from the unit in case of a leakage, and an emergency shutoff switch to immediately seal the refrigerant container. The service unit automatically carries out a pressure test prior to every filling of an air-conditioning system circuit to detect any leaks. Since the refrigerant is approximately 10 times more expensive as the R134a refrigerant, a high recovery rate, high-grade filling accuracy and a nitrogen connection for leak tests play an important role. A time-saving power boost system, variable contrast-agent filling, automatic oil management and a powerful refrigerant dryer determine the units' cost effectiveness.

Hella Nussbaum Solutions has developed the HUSKY series to satisfy the need for new air-con service equipment. Bringing together the expertise of the Hella Group with Nussbaum Solutions allows customers to access complete solutions from a single source. This includes OEM expertise, tools, liquids and consumables as well as unprecedented knowledge in the thermal-management sector.

There is no doubt that systems using R1234yf will quickly become commonplace in the market and having the ability to service and maintain these units will become essential. Early adoption of the new equipment also offers progressive businesses the opportunity to secure business early and become recognised experts in this fast expanding area.

For more information visit, www.hella-nussbaum.com