The event included a briefing on the move to R32 refrigerant for Toshiba splits and multi-splits, plus updates on product development plans for the rest of the year and beyond.

Toshiba is introducing its Super Digital Inverter (SDi) and Digital Inverter (Di) pre-charged with R32 this June 2018, giving customers access to this high-performance, lower global warming potential (GWP) option. R410A-based equipment will continue to be sold until existing stock runs out. Toshiba will continue to supply its award-winning SMMS-e and SHRM-e Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems on R410A, which is more suitable for use with large distributed systems.

David Dunn, managing director of sales for Toshiba Air Conditioning, CIAT and Carrier in the UK, said: “Toshiba is ready to assist the training needs of customers to ensure a successful transition to the lower GWP refrigerants. We will be supporting customers through this transition to ensure it is done as safely and cost-effectively as possible.”

He added: “We want to support the trade through the transition to new A2L non-toxic, mildly flammable refrigerants, and ensure the highest standards of safety for all Toshiba installations.”

In the VRF segment, for which R32 is not suitable, the brands are working on a number of promising new technology options to enable a timely transition away from R410A, which is being phased out under the F-Gas Regulations. These would be fully compliant with the latest requirements under the Ecodesign Directive, which introduces strict new efficiency standards for equipment sold in the EU from 2021.