Does Africa need a regulated air conditioning industry?

Africa's demand for cooling systems is expanding. But regulating the industry is a struggle A technician positions an R-22 refrigerant on an outdoor air conditioning unit in Lagos, Nigeria, Thursday, July 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

Why do air conditioners sprout from the walls in Abuja?

In Abuja and across Nigeria, air conditioners sprout from the walls as the appliance turns from a middle-class luxury into a necessity in an increasingly hot climate. The industry is governed by regulations prohibiting the release of cooling gases into the air, for example by conducting leak tests after an appliance is fixed.

Are commercial air conditioner manufacturers self-regulate?

Manufacturers who offer direct refrigeration and air conditioning installation services to big commercial customers have tried to self-regulate with safety training and certifications for their technicians, Ajeigbe said. People sell air conditioners on the street in Lagos, Nigeria, Monday, July 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

East Africa Solar Air Conditioning

Q: Do air conditioners in Africa still use R-22 gas?

(AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) According to industry professionals and public records, the most common air conditioners in Africa still use what's known as R-22 gas. This refrigerant is less harmful to the ozone layer compared to the older, even more damaging coolants called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).