Yes, this sounds to good to be true, but Panasonic have just announced on the 26th October 2020 the results of research by Texcell into their NanoeX air conditioning filter technology.

Over 99.99% of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) activity was inhibited within 2 hours

Read the full article on the UK Panasonic subsiduary:

Verification of inhibitory effect of nanoe X, technology with the benefits of hydroxyl radicals on novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)

and here on the Panasonic Worldwide website:

Panasonic’s nanoe X helps you brave the new normal with the benefits of hydroxyl radicals proven to inhibit the novel Coronavirus

I personally visited Panasonic Research Labs in Tokyo in September 2019…..long before Covid-19 or Coronavirus were common terms in daily life. They demonstrated the NanoeX filtration in their standard air conditioners. I was astonished at its ability to filter odours and they used strong smelling ammonia to demonstrate this. The research technician also talked in depth about filtering pollen, bacteria and viruses (no mention of Covid-19!). The pollen section caught my attention, as I know this is an increasing problem and we get asked about this regularly in the context of choosing air conditioners.  The technician talked at length about bacteria and virus filtration, but to be frank, I sort of switched of at this point, thinking it was of less value to our customers when considering air conditioning systems.

Roll on 12 months…..how wrong was I!

Until now, we have been reluctant and avoided making claims about Covid-19 filtration when promoting Panasonic air conditioning for homes and commercial properties. However, this incredible new research by Texell shows just how good the NanoeX filtration is at achieving this.

There is nothing conventional about NanoeX filtration…..its not a filter or gauze that air passes through like normal air conditioning systems (although Panasonic air conditioners do also have one of these for larger particles and dust capture).  Read the article if you are technically minded, but in essence, NanoeX air conditioning filtration uses tiny electrically charged water particles to attract microorganisms. These can be bacteria, fungi, pollen and viruses…..including Coronavirus.

Its a patented technology that we will not see in other air conditioning systems and we expect it to be a major differentiator from the other air conditioning manufacturers.

Getting aesthetically pleasing air conditioning and ventilation to shops and restaurants and shops has always been slightly challenging.

Visible ducting used in a restaurant.

This is now changing with innovations in ducting fabrication is now allowing new ways of delivering air conditioning and ventilation to shops and restaurants, helped by the increasing trend for more industrialised and rustic feel to the overall interior design.

Visible ducting used in a retail space.

Instead of trying to hide air conditioning and ducting equipment, interior designers are making a feature of it. Some are even using the ducting to mount lighting. Some types of ducting can also be painted to blend in with the ceiling or to stand out as an architectural feature. 

Visible Oval Ducting

Where design constraints and space limitations demand, such as in ceilings, floor voids and walls, then flat oval duct offers significant advantages.  It also boasts fewer supports and site joints than the rectangular ductwork. The air tight structure ensures less air leakages, improved flow of air, and reduced noise which makes it ideal for use indoors and it’s is also watertight

Oval Ducting

On the 5th June 2017, a news article was published on the BBC website…

How air conditioning changed the world

The article by Tim Harford discussed how instrumental the invention of air conditioning has been to the modern economy. The full article is HERE, but the main points are as follows:

• Early printing presses had huge problems with humidity. To solve the problem a young engineer called Willis Carrier figured out that circulating air over coils that were chilled by compressed ammonia maintained the humidity at a constant 55%. The incidental side effect of this was invention of cooling of the air.
• The growth of shopping malls and theatres has only been enabled because of our ability to cool enclosed spaces.
• Early computer development was only achieve because of our ability to cool the massive temperatures generates by computers. Air conditioning remains a key feature of all large scale computer rooms.
• Air conditioning changed the way we build our buildings. The glass fronted high rise buildings that dominate our large cites could not exist without air conditioning.
• It also changed our demographics. Its hard to imagine the rise of cities like Dubia or Singapore without air conditioning.
• Air conditioning is also responsible for lower mortality rates during heat waves.
• It has made us more productive in offices and improved leaning in schools.

With a fast growing market for VRF heat recovery air conditioning technology, the ability to grow operational efficiencies is becoming more of a realisation than simply a design potential.

A typical VRF heat pump system can remove energy from one space and reject it to another, for example when cooling. The energy would be taken away from the indoor space and rejected outside, with all indoor units of only having the option of operating in the same mode – whether that be heating or cooling.

A heat recovery VRF system provides connected indoor units operating in heating and cooling. Energy removed from a room being cooled can be used to heat other rooms, therefore achieving an energy balance. This could potentially reduce energy consumption by 30%

It is also possible to transfer heat to water via equipment such as LG’s Hydrokits. With a system – connection capability matching fan coils, Hydrokits can achieve water temperature of up to 80degrees, have a potential heating capacity of 30kW from a single unit  as well as producing cold water down to 6 degrees.

The real system efficiency gain is being operational when other connected items are operating in an opposite mode. It is now common practice for a commercial VRF specification to include some method of Hydrokit application, whether to provide domestic hot water or hydronic heat exchangers inside ductwork.

When designing VRF projects, care should be taken to maximise efficiency gains, taking into consideration water flow rates, water temperatures, and the method of emitters being used.

Whilst most people use a low – loss header or thermal store with a supply of water at a single temperature to provide multiple emitters requiring different temperatures, a variation in leaving water temperature from a Hydrokit will have an effect on how efficiently it is performing.

The Hydrokit has the potential to provide two flow/return water temperatures and output signals to valves to divert the flow. There can be a lower setpoint for underfloor heating and a higher setpoint for portable  hot water, which maximises efficiency gains and serving each area as required.

The Hydrokit can regulate its water temperature between points selected at commissioning, enabling heat emitters to avoid overshooting temperature in a design space.   

It is selected on capacity and maximum leaving water temperature for the entire load, so efficiency is not maximised. It is usually found that approximately 80% is for space and heating and about 20% is for portable hot water.  In most cases, the designation of 100kW of high temperature Hydrokits to reach the temperature required for domestic hot water is unnecessary and increases the capital cost for the project and reduces the potential operating efficiency.

Most of the load would be met using R410A to heat water, with the extra temperature required for domestic hot water being achieved using cascade R134a transfer.

Whilst the development of new technologies is important to maximising energy saving methods, we must fully understand their full potential in terms of application at the initial design stages in order to deliver consistently high efficiencies.

The Air Conditioning Equipment

Fine Tuning Ducted VRV Air Conditioning

What is R22 Refrigerant and Why You Must Act Now

If your home, shop, or business still relies on an older air conditioning or refrigeration system, there’s a good chance it runs on R22 refrigerant. While once a standard refrigerant in the UK, R22 has since been banned due to its harmful effects on the environment. In this guide, we’ll explain what R22 is, why it’s no longer legal, and what your options are if your system still depends on it. Dept. Environment Sheet RAC 8

What Is R22 Refrigerant?

R22—formally known as HCFC-22 (hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22)—is a chemical refrigerant that was widely used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems installed before 2010. It was once praised for its efficiency and safety profile compared to older refrigerants like R12. R22 works by absorbing heat from one area and releasing it in another, making it ideal for keeping spaces cool and comfortable.

Why Was R22 Refrigerant Phased Out?

Despite its practical benefits, R22 has a serious downside: it damages the ozone layer. As an HCFC, R22 contains chlorine atoms which, when released into the atmosphere, break down ozone molecules. The ozone layer is vital for shielding the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Its depletion has led to increased health risks such as skin cancer and eye damage, as well as negative effects on wildlife and ecosystems.

The global environmental community responded with the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty designed to phase out substances that harm the ozone layer—including R22 refrigerant.

Key Dates in the R22 Phase-Out (UK & EU)

• 2010: The sale of new R22 equipment was banned in the UK and across the European Union. However, recycled R22 could still be used for servicing.

• 2015: The use of all R22 refrigerant, including reclaimed or recycled refrigerant, was completely outlawed in the UK. Systems using R22 could still operate, but could no longer be legally serviced if refrigerant was needed.

• 2020 and Beyond: The global phase-out continues, with stricter environmental legislation and increased pressure to replace outdated systems.

How Do I Know If My System Uses R22?

If your air conditioning or refrigeration system was installed before 2010, it’s likely to contain R22 refrigerant. You can usually confirm this by checking the manufacturer’s label or rating plate on the outdoor unit. It may list the refrigerant type as:

• R22

• HCFC-22

• Chlorodifluoromethane

Still unsure? A professional engineer can inspect your system and confirm the refrigerant type.

What Happens If I Keep Using an R22 System?

Although operating an existing R22 system is not illegal, continuing to do so carries several significant risks:

1. Unserviceable Equipment

If your system develops a leak or refrigerant-related fault, it cannot be legally repaired using R22. This could leave your cooling system inoperable, especially during peak usage periods.

2. High Operating Costs

Older systems are often far less energy-efficient than modern alternatives. This means higher electricity bills and a larger carbon footprint.

3. Spare Parts Are Becoming Obsolete

Finding replacement components for ageing systems is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive.

4. Insurance and Compliance Risks

Depending on your building’s use (especially in commercial or public settings), continuing to operate an outdated system could put you at odds with insurance or regulatory standards.

What Are My Options?

Now that R22 is no longer legally supported, you’ll need to consider one of the following options:

Option 1: Do Nothing

You could continue using your existing system until it fails. However, this approach carries a serious risk. Once it breaks down, repairs involving refrigerant are not legally permitted, potentially leaving you without cooling for days or even weeks.

Option 2: Retrofit Your System

In some cases, older systems can be adapted to work with a modern refrigerant. This involves flushing the system, changing the oil, and replacing certain components like the expansion valve or compressor.

Advantages:

• Cheaper than full replacement

• Quicker turnaround

Disadvantages:

• Not all systems are compatible

• Energy efficiency may not improve significantly

• Still based on outdated technology

Option 3: Replace the System

The most future-proof and environmentally responsible option is to replace your old system entirely with a new one designed for modern refrigerants like R410A or R32.

Advantages:

• Up to 50% more energy-efficient

• Quieter and more reliable

• Better temperature control

• Fully compliant with current regulations

• Lower environmental impact

Though the upfront cost can be higher, long-term savings on energy bills and reduced maintenance often make this the most cost-effective solution.

Financial Benefits of Upgrading

• Energy Efficiency: Modern systems use less electricity to achieve better performance, which can lead to significant savings over time.

• Tax Relief and Incentives: Certain commercial systems may qualify for capital allowances or government-backed energy efficiency schemes.

• Increased Property Value: Upgrading your HVAC system can enhance your property’s appeal and future-proof your investment.

Legal and Environmental Responsibilities

Continuing to operate an R22 system doesn’t just pose operational risks—it also raises environmental concerns. Businesses especially have a responsibility to ensure their buildings meet environmental compliance standards. Non-compliance can affect reputation, customer trust, and even result in penalties.

If your system leaks, not only can it no longer be serviced legally, but the leak itself may be in breach of environmental regulations due to the emission of harmful gases.

Why Upgrade Now?

Waiting until your R22 system fails will only increase costs, downtime, and inconvenience. Replacing your system proactively:

• Gives you time to explore options

• Allows for a smooth, planned transition

• Reduces the risk of emergency breakdowns

• Lets you take advantage of seasonal promotions or government incentives

How We Can Help

At Air Intelligence, we understand that replacing an air conditioning or refrigeration system is a big decision. That’s why we offer:

• Free system assessments

• Clear, honest advice

• Tailored upgrade plans

• Professional installation

• Ongoing maintenance and support

We work with homeowners, retailers, restaurants, offices, and commercial sites across the UK to ensure their systems are modern, efficient, and regulation-compliant.

Conclusion

R22 might have served us well in the past, but its time is up. With the phase-out now fully in effect, the risks of relying on an R22 system—from legal restrictions to environmental damage and rising energy costs—are too great to ignore.

By upgrading to a modern system, you’re not only protecting your property—you’re also investing in efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

Ready to future-proof your air conditioning?
Get in touch with Air Intelligence today to arrange your free consultation.