Thermal comfort indoors is a necessity for well-being. Construction companies know how important it is to offer efficient air conditioning systems, especially in spaces where these systems must operate for many hours, such as shopping centers or office buildings. An efficient HVAC system can save thousands of euros on your energy bill each year.
But it’s not just about money. Improving the energy efficiency of this equipment also reduces its environmental impact. This is one of the regulatory demands of European authorities to achieve zero emissions by 2050. And it satisfies the growing concern of citizens to reduce their carbon emissions.
This framework obliges manufacturers of air conditioning, heating and ventilation equipment to optimise their technologies. One of the major innovations is to incorporate HVAC parts and components in expanded polypropylene (EPP).
HVAC industry trends and EPP usage
Manufacturers are demanding technological innovations that will allow them to adapt to upcoming EU regulatory changes as well as end-consumer concerns. As we will see, meeting these market needs with EPP is very easy.
Regulatory framework: what the UE requires?
Europe wants to reduce its energy consumption. To this end, in 2023, a new Energy Efficiency Directive (EU) 2023/1791 is published in 2023 to reduce energy consumption by 11.7% by 2030, compared to 2020 projections.
One focus of attention is on buildings. Besides energy refurbishment, there is an urgent need to improve the energy efficiency of heating, cooling and hot water systems. The Directive also highlights the importance of the heat pump as a source of clean energy generation.
These new guidelines from the European Parliament and the European Commission oblige manufacturers of HVAC systems to review their products and implement eco-design to meet the new market requirements.
What end consumers want?
But it is not only the new regulations that manufacturers need to consider. They know that their customers look at energy efficiency labels to check consumption and environmental impact. They also ask how much noise the system makes and appreciate lightweight equipment that is easier to install .
In addition, they value the presence of technical HVAC parts that are easy to assemble and disassemble in case of repair. It should not be forgotten that last April the European Parliament approved the consumer’s right to repair their systems, which will condition the design in the coming years.
Benefits of PPE in HVAC systems
One of the key factors in choosing EPP for HVAC systems is that it provides a positive response to the major needs of the market. These include those demanding more efficient and easier-to-install HVAC parts.
Energy efficiency
The cornerstone on which all new EPP applications in heating and cooling are based is energy savings. The natural structure of EPP, consisting of 94-96% air, provides natural thermal insulation that improves efficiency in HVAC systems.
Customisation and speed of assembly
EPP allows the moulding of unique, customised components that replace more complex mechanisms consisting of various parts, screws, or other fastening systems. In addition, these new parts can be assembled using the click-to-fix system, speeding up assembly times.
Lightening of equipment
HVAC systems are bulky and generally quite heavy equipment. Replacing metal components and all hardware with lightweight HVAC parts with EPP greatly reduces weight. This facilitates installation and reduces emissions associated with transport.
Not to mention another eminently practical advantage, but one that is highly appreciated by installers, architects, and decorators: making air-conditioning units or heat pumps lighter means that fewer or more discreet anchorages are required.
Noise reduction
HVAC systems can operate 24 hours a day. Using HVAC EPP components reduces vibrations and dampens the noise level of this equipment in operation.
Greater durability
The end of the cycle of this equipment often comes due to irreparable breakdowns. Often the origin lies in wear of parts due to vibrations. Others, because the very structure of the system makes disassembly unfeasible.
Using customised HVAC component EPP stabilises equipment, reducing vibrations and potential failures. In case of malfunction, the click-to-fix system facilitates repair.
Sustainability
The future Digital Passport, as foreseen in the new Ecodesign Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR), will give a clear advantage to equipment that is easy to recycle or has components made from recycled materials.
EPP (or its recycled alternative in Knauf Industries, RELOOPP®), allows the design of mono-material parts. These are easy to recycle, making EPP a sustainable option for technical parts and components in HVAC.
The future of EPP in the HVAC sector
Innovations in EPP for the HVAC industry have become one of the major R&D breakthroughs applied to industry. All with an excellent cost-efficiency ratio that meets market demand.
Are you interested in see how EPP can improve your HVAC product?
