UL Solutions - Experts & Thought Leaders

UL Solutions, a pioneer in applied safety science, announced a significant expansion of its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) testing facility in Carugate, Italy, addressing rapidly growing European demand for comprehensive heat pump performance and safety testing. This rising demand in turn is being driven by the widespread adoption of environmentally friendly refrigerants and evolving regulatory requirements. Adopt alternative refrigerants The expanded Carugate laboratory offers HVAC services that provide performance testing The expanded Carugate laboratory offers HVAC services that provide performance testing alongside the company’s established safety expertise, specifically catering to European manufacturers of heat pumps for both residential and commercial buildings. These services aim to help manufacturers adopt alternative refrigerants effectively and enhance confidence that they meet new standards while developing more efficient products. Key new capabilities in the Carugate laboratory Heat pumps efficiently heat and cool by moving existing heat. In winter, they draw heat from outside to warm a building, and in summer, they expel indoor heat to cool it, making this electricity-powered refrigerant cycle more energy-efficient than traditional systems. Key new capabilities in the Carugate laboratory include energy-efficiency, safety and eco-design requirement testing for the environmental performance of air-to-water and water-to-water heat pumps. How efficiently a heat pump moves heat energy Laboratory offers wireless and electromagnetic compatibility analysis of heat pump operation These tests focus on energy consumption in “standby” and “off” modes; how efficiently a heat pump moves heat energy; and sound power level, which measures operational noise.  In addition, the laboratory offers wireless and electromagnetic compatibility analysis of heat pump operation when near electronic devices or electromagnetic emissions. UL Marketing Claim Verification and custom research By complementing these services with UL Marketing Claim Verification and custom research and development programs, UL Solutions acts as a comprehensive service provider for heat pump manufacturers, helping them reduce testing lead times, comply with mandatory regulations and accelerate global market access. UL Solutions acts as a comprehensive service provider for heat pump manufacturers “These enhanced capabilities in Europe reinforce our dedication to offering comprehensive, unified services for the HVAC sector,” said Alessio Dellanoce, vice president and general manager of the Appliances, HVAC and Lighting group at UL Solutions. “Having performance and safety testing conducted at one central laboratory in Europe simplifies the testing process for our customers and helps enable them to get their products to targeted markets faster, all while demonstrating that their products meet safety and efficiency requirements.” Greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 The European air conditioning and commercial refrigeration sectors are navigating a transition shaped by climate change policies, including the need for HVAC testing. European Union’s “Fit for 55” plan, which aims for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 For example, the European Union’s “Fit for 55” plan, which aims for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, requires assessment of heat pumps for energy performance. Concurrently, the HVAC industry is increasingly using alternative refrigerants such as R32 and R454B, as well as natural refrigerants such as R290, necessitating tests to address the unique properties of these refrigerants, particularly their flammability, to demonstrate their safety, performance and regulatory compliance. New laws and consumer demand for sustainable technologies As the HVAC industry evolves with new regulations and consumer demand for sustainable technologies, manufacturers must demonstrate progress toward sustainability without compromising safety or performance. In Europe, UL Solutions supports compliance with EU regulations like Ecodesign and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and is also a certification body for KEYMARK, the European certification mark showing the conformity of products with European standards.

The UL Solutions HVAC performance testing facility in Carugate, Italy, is now accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, as a testing laboratory by Accredia, the Italian national accreditation body. Testing standards for heat pumps The accreditation applies to UL Solutions’ ability to test heat pumps for energy efficiency and noise testing, including the following standards in its scope: EN 14511-1 – Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat pumps for space heating and cooling, and process chillers with electrically driven compressors - Part 1: Terms and definitions EN 14511-2 - Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat pumps for space heating and cooling, and process chillers with electrically driven compressors - Part 2: Test conditions EN 14511-3 - Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat pumps for space heating and cooling, and process chillers with electrically driven compressors - Part 3: Test methods EN 14511-4 - Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat pumps for space heating and cooling, and process chillers with electrically driven compressors - Part 4: Requirements EN 14825 - Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat pumps for space heating and cooling, and process chillers with electrically driven compressors EN 16147 - Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat pumps for space heating and cooling, and process chillers with electrically driven compressors EN 12102-1 - Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages, heat pumps for space heating and cooling, and process chillers with electrically driven compressors - Part 1: Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages, dehumidifiers, heat pumps for space heating and cooling, and process chillers ISO 3744 - Acoustics - Determination of sound power levels and sound energy levels of noise sources using sound pressure - Engineering methods for an essentially free field over a reflecting plane Stringent requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation reflects the commitment to meeting the stringent requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 This set of standards included in the accreditation scope empowers UL Solutions to deliver internationally recognized accredited test reports to manufacturers and other interested parties, including importers, distributors, national surveillance bodies and customs authorities.  This accreditation reflects the commitment to meeting the stringent requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and underscores the dedication to excellence in service and quality. Trust and reliability for HVAC manufacturers As a global safety science pioneer, UL Solutions offers extensive expertise when it comes to regulations and standards, making it a reliable testing and certification provider for HVAC manufacturers. Accredia is a signatory to multilateral mutual recognition agreements, including: The European Cooperation for Accreditation (EA-MLA) The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC-MRA) The International Accreditation Forum (IAF-MRA) Full-service testing and certification provider for testing The ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation demonstrates UL Solutions' expertise in heat pump safety standards, including IEC 60335-2-40 Household and Similar Electrical Appliances-Safety-Part 2-40: Particular Requirements for Electrical Heat Pumps, Air-Conditioners and Dehumidifiers and Pressure Equipment Directive services.  In addition, wireless interoperability, cybersecurity, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio testing can all be conducted at the Carugate location. UL Solutions also facilitates streamlined testing for heat pump energy labeling, research and development related to energy efficiency and noise testing.

UL Solutions, a service provider to the HVACR industry and various other sectors, has become the first official Silver Sponsor of the 2025 EUROVENTSUMMIT, taking place from 24-26 September, 2025, in Prague, Czechia. UL Solutions is a pioneer in applied safety science. It transforms safety, security, and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. The company delivers testing, inspection, and certification services, plus software and advisory offerings that support its customers’ product innovation and business growth. Environment for future generations This year’s EUROVENTSUMMIT is held under the theme #ManufacturingForTomorrow. The event will feature a specialized seminar program focused on sustainability and circularity, as this year’s Summit looks to highlight the work being done to ensure a better environment for future generations.  Participants of the Summit can also look forward to evening networking events where key HVACR industry stakeholders may connect and exchange views on current trending issues. Increase manufacturer satisfaction The event will feature a specialized seminar program focused on sustainability and circularity Dustin Steward, Director and Global Industry Lead at UL Solutions, stated: "We are thrilled to sponsor the summit for the third consecutive edition." He adds, "This event provides an excellent platform to share valuable insights, contribute our expertise towards a safer world and increase manufacturer satisfaction, all while learning from the knowledge of others and foster meaningful connections." Next generation of high-performance technologies Dustin Steward further elaborates: "At UL Solutions, we empower HVAC manufacturers to not only speed up their product launch timelines but also to optimize their efforts in developing the next generation of high-performance technologies. Our advanced testing facilities and deep understanding of regulatory frameworks enable us to support partners in navigating critical certification challenges, such as the A2L/A3 refrigerant transition." He continues, "Furthermore, we help manufacturers highlight their distinct advantages in competitive markets where consumers increasingly prioritize efficiency and reliability. Through our collaborative efforts, we aim to advance innovation, sustainability, and safety in an evolving industry." Future of HVACR manufacturing and sustainability Join Eurovent, Eurovent Certification and Eurovent Market Intelligence on 24-26 September 2025 in Prague at the next EUROVENTSUMMIT to shape the future of HVACR manufacturing and sustainability. Let’s build a more sustainable and competitive tomorrow together!

The HVAC industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven primarily by new environmental regulations and the integration of smart technology. From changing refrigerants to stricter efficiency standards, from smart technology to better sustainability, the HVAC market continues to evolve at a breakneck pace. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: Which current technology will revolutionize the HVAC market in the next 10 years?