Osaka: Japan's Daikin Industries Ltd and other global air-conditioner makers are becoming increasingly concerned about global warming and using a more eco-friendly refrigerant, R32, in their new products.
Takayoshi: Sharing R32 with other firms
R32 is a newer refrigerant that has three times less potential to cause global warming than the current product.
The refrigerant was developed by Daikin and adopted in Japan two years ago.
Miki Takayoshi, president of Siam Daikin Sales Co, the Thai distributor of Daikin air conditioners, said energy savings and global warming are increasingly important issues for air-conditioner makers.
Companies now realise the use of refrigerants can lead to carbon dioxide emissions and ozone depletion.
With the rise of environmental concerns, Daikin has stressed developing new refrigerant technology to reduce the negative impact on the planet.
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, part of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, states the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from air conditioners seriously depletes the ozone layer.
The current use of R22 and R410A refrigerants releases HCFC gas, a substitute for CFCs.
All HCFC production must be completely phased out in industrialised countries by 2020 and developing countries by 2030.
In Japan, Daikin has fully migrated to R32 use for its residential air conditioners. Other makers have just begun to adopt the new refrigerant.
In Thailand, the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol has approved the use of R32 in the air-conditioning industry, with plans to phase out HCFCs by 2017.
To maintain a healthy environment, Daikin has allowed Japanese and other air-conditioner makers to use R32.
"It's difficult for air-conditioner makers to apply the new refrigerant in a short time," Mr Takayoshi said. "So we have to educate people to be more concerned about the global warming problem."
Daikin will promote its new residential air-conditioner models with R32 at first, followed by commercial and industrial units.
Tighter regulations on electric products are being enacted worldwide as part of efforts to combat global warming.
Innovative inverter air conditioners, which use less electricity, are a choice for consumers.
In the developed world, inverter air conditioners draw attention from consumers in Japan, Europe, Australia and the US.
But in Thailand, inverter air conditioners represent just 10% of residential use, as they retail for 30% more than regular models.
Economies of scale could reduce such prices in the future, depending on demand and market acceptance.
Mr Takayoshi said most Thai consumers base their decision to buy an air conditioner on pricing, noise and design.
Buying an inverter air conditioner is a long-term investment, given its 15-year lifespan and lower energy bill.
"Innovation in air conditioners means not only helping to save the world but also reducing the biggest electrical expense for households and commercial facilities," Mr Takayoshi said.
Siam Daikin aims at sales growth of 10% to 7 billion baht this year.