Discover, learn and connect – sign up for FRIGAIR 2025 now!

Don’t miss out on one of SAIRAC’s premier events—the FRIGAIR expo, the largest dedicated HERVAC trade exhibition in Africa, taking place from 4-6 June 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.

TCL FRIGAIR 2025 stand design (B12), Image by TCL

With excitement building and exhibition stands filling up fast, now is the time to get involved! Since 1980,

FRIGAIR has been the industry-preferred platform for business, knowledge transfer and networking. This year promises even more excitement and growth for the HERVAC industry.

Join us and explore supplier stands showcasing the latest products, plus take advantage of these valuable opportunities:

• SAIRAC workshops (free)
• SIRAC training seminars (free)
• A first-ever SAIRAC Skills Development Hub where skilled artisans can test and hone their skills

Details of the SAIRAC workshops and seminars, as well as Hub competitions will be announced shortly – stay tuned. Reserve your spot today and be part of the industry’s most anticipated event!

We speak to exhibitors to wet your appetite for FRIGAIR 2025

In this FRIGAIR 2025 preview, we explore a number of exhibiting companies’ plans for the upcoming exhibition and highlight how their continuous growth and innovation work hand-in-hand with their participation in an exhibition which is reshaping the HVAC&R landscape in South Africa and beyond. 

A selection of images from Frigair 2022. © RACA Journal

TCL’s cutting-edge technologies on display

At FRIGAIR 2025, TCL South Africa is launching and/or profiling its:

• R32 Midwall range
• Free Match R32 range
• VRV

Anthony Paul, TCL AC sales manager, says, “TCL’s air conditioning products are designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s industry, focusing on key areas such as energy efficiency, sustainability, and the integration of smart technologies.”

TCL air conditioning products are designed with cutting-edge technologies to meet industry trends and address challenges such as energy efficiency, sustainability, and smart technology. He explains how:

1. Energy efficiency

• Inverter technology: Many TCL air conditioners are equipped with advanced inverter technology, which adjusts compressor speed to maintain the desired temperature while consuming less energy. This results in up to 50% energy savings compared to non-inverter models
• Energy Star certification: Several models meet or exceed international energy efficiency standards, ensuring reduced operational costs and a smaller carbon footprint

2. Sustainability

• Eco-friendly refrigerants: TCL uses environmentally friendly refrigerants like R32 and R410a, which have lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to traditional refrigerants
• Recyclable materials: TCL is committed to sustainability by incorporating recyclable materials in the design and packaging of its air conditioners
• Energy-saving modes: Features like ‘Eco mode’ optimise performance to use minimal energy while maintaining comfort

3. Smart technology

• Smart home integration: TCL air conditioners are compatible with smart home ecosystems like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing users to control their units via voice commands or smartphone apps
• AI-powered climate control: Advanced AI algorithms analyse user preferences and external conditions to deliver personalised and energy-efficient cooling or heating
• IoT Connectivity: The TCL Home app allows remote control, scheduling, and monitoring of air conditioners from anywhere, ensuring convenience and energy savings

4. Health and comfort innovations

• Multi-stage air filtration: TCL air conditioners are equipped with filters that remove dust, allergens and bacteria, ensuring cleaner and healthier air
• Ioniser technology: Some models feature ionisers that purify the air and neutralise harmful particles, contributing to indoor wellness
• Precise climate control: Features like 4D airflow ensure uniform temperature distribution, eliminating hot or cold spots in the room

5. Durable and adaptable designs

• Wide voltage operation: Designed for regions with unstable power supply, TCL air conditioners can operate efficiently under fluctuating voltage conditions better known as Generator mode
• Tropical climate adaptation: Certain models are optimized for high-performance cooling in extremely hot climates, making them ideal for markets like South Africa

6. Affordability with premium features

• TCL strikes a balance between offering advanced features and maintaining cost-effective pricing, ensuring that energy-efficient and smart solutions are accessible to a broader audience.

Paul highlights the TCL Air-Conditioner Industrial Park: “TCL has established a robust industrial ecosystem to foster innovation, working closely with suppliers and engineers. The industrial park in China is a hub for developing and testing cutting-edge technologies.” Furthermore, TCL has collaborated with tech giants to integrate IoT technologies into its air conditioners. Partnerships with companies like Google and Amazon allow TCL ACs to be compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, making them part of smart home ecosystems,” he says.

“The HVAC&R industry is undergoing a major transformation thanks to the power of digitalisation and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies are reshaping how we interact with climate control systems, and their impact is only going to grow in the years ahead. First up, digitalisation and IoT bring a new level of energy efficiency. IoT-enabled systems can fine-tune energy usage by tracking things like usage patterns, weather conditions, and individual preferences. This results in cost savings for users while also lowering the environmental footprint.

“Predictive maintenance is also a game changer. Thanks to IoT sensors, systems can now predict potential issues before they happen, which means less downtime and longer product lifespans. As smart homes become more widespread, HVAC systems are being integrated into broader smart ecosystems. IoT technology helps these systems communicate seamlessly with other devices, making for a more cohesive, user-friendly experience.

“Data analytics is another big part of the digital shift. With digitalisation, HVAC systems can gather and analyse data, giving users insights into system performance and behaviour that can help with everything from optimization to product development.

“TCL is preparing for this shift with air conditioning products that are fully equipped for the digital future.”

One key feature is the previously mentioned smart connectivity. Energy management is another priority. TCL uses advanced inverters and AI algorithms to make sure its air conditioners are as energy efficient as possible. Real-time energy monitoring tools also help users track their energy consumption and make informed decisions about usage. Intelligent diagnostics are built right into TCL’s products. Smart air conditioners can self-diagnose issues and send users alerts or suggestions for fixes via apps. This proactive approach helps prevent operational disruptions and reduces the need for service calls.

“TCL air conditioners also feature smart sensors, like motion and humidity detectors, which adjust cooling or heating based on the room’s occupancy and conditions. This not only keeps the space comfortable but also prevents energy waste. Additionally, TCL’s systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with other smart devices, making them a natural fit for smart home ecosystems.

“In short, digitalisation and IoT are transforming the HVAC industry, and TCL is at the forefront of these changes, equipping its air conditioning products with cutting-edge features that prioritize energy efficiency, ease of use, and sustainability,” says Paul.

New zoo fans

Nico Koegelenberg, managing director of DuctSox, says: “At FRIGAIR 2025, we’re excited to showcase our new ZOO (Zone of Occupancy) fans, a standout addition to our product lineup. These small destratification fans are designed to circulate air within spaces, reducing air stratification in areas with ceiling heights up to 42ms. Despite their compact size, ZOO fans are highly energy-efficient and can significantly enhance airflow, boosting employee productivity by creating a more comfortable environment. Each ZOO fan is customised to meet the specific needs of our clients, and while we won’t have our drop ceiling destratification fan on display, it’s another option we offer for effective air circulation in different spaces.

“In terms of addressing industry trends, all DuctSox products come with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which detail the environmental impact of our solutions. These documents help clients make more informed decisions regarding sustainability. We’re also introducing Opti-X, our latest fabric innovation – the world’s first ISO-5 certified air dispersion fabric. This cutting-edge textile offers antimicrobial, antistatic, and non- shed properties, setting a new standard in both performance and hygiene,” explains Koegelenberg.

“The ZOO fans themselves are designed with non- constriction in mind, ensuring high output efficiency. With the use of Best Available Technology (BAT), they offer premium efficiency, and their innovative impeller design minimises blade turbulence, leading to quieter operation while maintaining top- tier efficiency.” As for how DuctSox products align with current market demands, he notes that the ZOO fans feature control options that adjust fan speed based on temperature differentials between the ceiling and floor levels. This ensures optimal performance and energy savings. Additionally, using DuctSox systems instead of traditional metal ducts helps reduce carbon consumption and promotes a more uniform distribution of airflow throughout the system, contributing to eco-friendly solutions.

“Looking ahead, we see digitisation and IoT playing a crucial role in the future of HVAC and refrigeration. The industry is increasingly demanding connected and smart technologies, with products now expected to offer real-time communication about equipment status. We’re committed to integrating these advancements into our controls, enhancing safety, comfort, and operational efficiency in the spaces where our products are installed,” he adds.

A selection of images from Frigair 2022. © RACA Journal

Refrimate introduces cutting edge products

Raeesa Patel, a representative from Refrimate, recently shared insights into the company’s innovative approach to refrigeration technology and sustainability, ahead of their showcase at FRIGAIR 2025. Refrimate is set to introduce cutting-edge products designed to address industry challenges, including new muto and cyclonic oil separators, R290 condensing units for use in deli fridges, and components for multiplex systems. These new offerings are tailored to enhance performance, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

One of the standout features of Refrimate’s upcoming products is their focus on extending the lifespan of refrigeration systems by addressing a common industry issue—oil-related compressor failures. According to Patel, a staggering 90-95% of compressor failures are caused by oil-related problems. To tackle this, Refrimate is unveiling a state-of-the-art oil separator that ensures up to 99% of oil is returned to the compressor, preventing oil depletion and significantly prolonging the compressor’s life. This innovative solution aligns with the growing demand for more efficient, reliable refrigeration systems in today’s market.

Sustainability is another key focus for Refrimate, especially in light of increasing environmental concerns. “Sustainability and environmental care are becoming increasingly important in all aspects of our lives, and the refrigeration industry is no exception,” Patel emphasises. Refrigerants, which have historically had significant environmental impacts, are now a major focus for the industry. Refrimate is responding by increasing the use of eco-friendly refrigerants and technologies, including natural gases such as CO2 and hydrocarbons, to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Looking to the future, Patel highlighted the growing role of digitisation and IoT (Internet of Things) in the refrigeration sector. “Refrigeration systems will become increasingly connected to the internet,” she says, noting that Refrimate’s products are already being designed to incorporate remote monitoring and optimisation features. This includes the ability to control and monitor temperature, humidity and other critical parameters remotely. The integration of AI-powered systems will allow refrigeration units to learn customer habits and adjust settings to optimize both energy use and performance, ensuring greater efficiency.

Furthermore, advanced data analytics will play a pivotal role in enhancing cold chain management. Refrimate’s products are designed to detect issues early and offer insights for improving refrigeration performance. As the industry moves toward smarter systems, Patel also sees the potential for refrigeration units to communicate with the smart grid, adjusting their energy consumption based on real-time pricing and grid demand.

Collaboration and partnerships are key to driving these innovations forward. While Patel mentions that Refrimate is working with several European companies to advance their technology, the specific names are yet to be disclosed. However, these collaborations are expected to further strengthen Refrimate’s product development, ensuring that their offerings stay at the forefront of the industry.

As Refrimate prepares to unveil its new products at FRIGAIR 2025, the company is deeply committed to addressing the evolving demands of the refrigeration industry. Through technological innovation, sustainable practices, and smart, data- driven solutions, Refrimate is setting the stage for a more energy- efficient and environmentally responsible future in refrigeration

A selection of images from Frigair 2022. © RACA Journal

Electrovent’s excited!

Charles Deacon, Electrovent national sales manager, says, “At FRIGAIR 2025, we’re excited to unveil several new products that will enhance our offering and support our clients in meeting their needs more effectively. Among the highlights are the new Electrovent EPaD Magnet release Non-Return Damper; the Electrovent ECDR- LL Round Low Leakage Damper, the Electrovent EAD-F Class B 2-hour rated low leakage fire door; and the Electrovent ESWL Steel & Stainless Steel Weather Louvre. These additions expand our range while maintaining the high quality, competitive pricing, and fast lead times that our clients rely on, helping them complete projects on time and within budget.”

He says Electrovent is always striving to innovate, particularly in response to current industry trends like energy efficiency, sustainability, and the increasing demand for smart technologies. “We pride ourselves on being dynamic and customer-focused, continually developing products that are versatile and easy to adjust on-site, helping our clients save both time and costs. To support global sustainability efforts, we’re in the process of installing a solar energy system to power our operations, aligning with our green energy goals. Additionally, we’re actively reducing our reliance on paper by moving more of our processes to digital formats, demonstrating our commitment to both environmental sustainability and technological advancement.

“As the market shifts toward eco-friendly solutions and greater automation, Electrovent has been continuously evolving its products to stay ahead. Since our founding in 1977, we’ve made significant design improvements to both new and existing products, ensuring they meet the needs of today’s environmentally conscious and automation-driven market. On the sustainability front, we use scrap metal in-house to manufacture components and recycle all non-usable materials, ensuring minimal waste and greater efficiency in our operations,” says Deacon.

“We’re also proud of the partnerships and collaborations that have helped drive innovation in our product development. By representing international manufacturers like Apreco, TEMET, and Halton Marine in southern Africa, we’ve gained valuable insights into global manufacturing processes and quality standards. This exposure has allowed us to refine our locally manufactured products, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.”

Looking ahead, they see digitalisation and the Internet of Things (IoT) playing an increasingly important role in the HVAC and refrigeration sectors. With the growing reliance on data centers and cloud-based services, we’ve developed products tailored specifically for these applications. As buildings become smarter, the integration of automation and feedback systems into Building Management Systems (BMS) is essential. Their products are designed to meet this demand, offering customisable solutions that help clients optimise efficiency and performance in line with these evolving needs.

The FRIGAIR exhibition is owned by the South African Institute for Refrigeration and Airconditioning (SAIRAC) and managed through organisers Interact Media Defined and Specialised Exhibitions – a division of the Montgomery Group