British refrigeration manufacturer Precision has announced that, following extensive testing, it will phase out use of R-404A refrigerant in the next few weeks, and move to the HFO blend R-448A, Honeywell’s Solstice N40 for all its freezer and blast chiller products.

HRP has reported that its fgasman.co.uk website, launched in December, has proved popular with United Kingdom contractors. Some 2,500 have registered their details to be able to purchase F-gases legally. Over 100 visits a day have been recorded and a wide range of questions posed for F-Gasman.

The Ladder Association, a United Kingdom equipment body, has revealed the results of its annual search for unsafe ladder practices with jaw-dropping pictures sent in by the public.

Retailers have called on the cooling supply chain for solutions to help them meet a triple challenge of tight margins, smaller store footprints, and new refrigerant choices.

Industry sources in the United Kingdom have raised concern over so-called “easy install” air conditioning units containing HFCs, which are being marketed at non-refrigeration engineers, despite F-gas concerns.

Small compressor giant Embraco has unveiled the first oil-free compressor for domestic refrigerators in the world. The firm said it believes the new concept “will revolutionize residential refrigeration, expanding the possibilities in designing new refrigerators — from format to even additional smart features.”

Researchers at the A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering and the National University of Singapore believe they have created a powerful magnetic refrigerant that is easy to make in the lab, reports the nanotechnology journal nanowerk.

Graham Wright, the new president of heating and cooling manufacturers’ group HEVAC has called on the industry to tackle skills shortages and to keep supporting training, if it is to meet the challenge of increasing legislation.

Acquisitive HVAC firm Swegon has added air handling unit specialist P. Lemmens’ to its portfolio. The firm’s largest product area is compact air handling units with built-in controls. The product range also includes fans, air curtains, and products for heat recovery.

Richard Royal, Walmart’s senior design manager for refrigeration, has set out the global retail giant’s strategy based on increasingly packaged equipment, closer collaboration with the supply chain, and integrated controls systems.