Contractors and techs who deal with the components on an HVACR system may not wonder what was involved in bringing that item to market, nor think about the possibility of a better mousetrap. But such matters are on the minds of manufacturers on a daily basis.

Dealing with super-small refrigerant leaks is a challenge, especially when it comes to making repairs. But with the cost of refrigerants rising, such procedures become more and more important.

Manufacturers and associations say galvanized sheet steel may have been the long-time standard for ductwork, but there is a wide range of newer materials such as fiberglass, aluminum, various forms of flexible duct, and one that is especially catching on in Europe and is expected to make a strong impact in North America - spiral metal duct.

The 13 SEER a/c unit installed at my house uses HCFC-22 as refrigerant rather than HFC-410A, and therein lies a story that is indicative of what's been happening in the HVAC industry.

Trendco-Vick is a restaurant supply house in the Atlanta area that offers contractors new condensing units that can be put into otherwise used refrigeration products, providing customers a cost-efficient product with the quality and durability of a newer product.

Efforts at making CO2 work in food service applications are continuing throughout the world. A recent major effort has come in Australia at the Coles supermarket chain.

The food chain - getting food from the production source to the consumer - is becoming more and more complex as is the way refrigeration factors into the process. That was one overall impression from the most recent Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Expo.

It was 36 years ago when Purdue University hosted its first compressor conference and 22 years ago when it added a concurrent refrigeration conference. But despite that long history, the most recent gathering was decidedly forward looking.

The use of CO2, as a refrigerant in the United States, received a big boost with its inclusion in the refrigeration equation at a new 136,000 square foot Sam's Club store in Savannah, Ga.

Research beyond HFCs continues and CO2 is the alternative getting the most attention. At the jointly held 18th International Compressor Engineering Conference and 11th International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference, at least 35 of the 225 papers had CO2 as their primary topic.