It’s so quiet – that was the first reaction of a high-end audio and video equipment retailer, Bang & Olufsen, after their shop became the first user of a Daikin Sky Air R32 air conditioning system with a Seasonal Smart High COP Roundflow cassette indoor unit.

The system is part of Daikin’s Bluevolution range, featuring the lower global warming potential refrigerant R32.

Paul Blake, director of the Bang & Olufsen selected dealership at Bexleyheath, South East London, says the new system is so good that his family business is now considering upgrading to the same equipment for its other four B&O outlets in Cambridge and the south east. “For us it’s all about the customer experience,” says Paul Blake. “It’s the only way you can achieve on the high street – if you can’t win them over in the showroom, you’ll lose them to the internet.

“The old system had become quite noisy, so we had to switch it off every time we did an audio demonstration. That was not good for the customer experience. Without air conditioning, the temperature inside the shop could reach an unbearable 40oC in high summer. With the new system everyone is comfortable – as we proved during a recent event with more than 40 people packed into the shop.”

Coulsdon-based Daikin installer Technicool Air Conditioning took less than a day to remove the old components and fit the new 7kW system. Technicool’s Spencer Johnson says: “It was a simple installation – even with replacement of the refrigerant pipework. It was less than 10 metres between the indoor and outdoor units, and the pipe run was easily accessible. The outdoor unit comes pre-charged with refrigerant, which also saved time.

“As it was the first of its type, a Daikin engineer was on site the following day to check the installation and formally commission the system.”

Paul Blake says: “A customer originally recommended Daikin, and we felt that having the best in air conditioning was in keeping the B&O brand image. The old system served us well – and 20 years is a pretty impressive service life. We had no hesitation in staying with Daikin for the new system. With R32 being the current front-runner in refrigerants, we are confident that we are future-proofed for most – if not all – of the next 20 years.”

Daikin’ s R32 Bluevolution range includes Sky Air and Split systems and offers future-proof and affordable air conditioning solutions. These are quick and easy to install – with reduced leak-check requirements and latest technology.

The new range provides the highest Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) ratings, offering improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. The Bluevolution range is part of Daikin’s response to the F-Gas legislation, which involves a phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons and a move to more environment-friendly refrigerants.