Six Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-RZ wall-mounted air conditioning units have been installed at East Cheshire Hospice to provide energy-efficient heating and cooling.
The charity relies on donations for almost 80% of its funding. With a commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2032, the hospice stated that it is also working to reduce energy use and improve the sustainability of its estate.
The air conditioning units have been installed as part of a wider extension and refurbishment project, which enabled the hospice to review heating and cooling across its estate. Mitsubishi Electric noted that the systems provide both heating and cooling to help maintain a comfortable environment for patients, families and staff all year round.
Michelle Walker-Brown, head of facilities and hospitality at East Cheshire Hospice, said: “When we were looking at the options, we were offered the MSZ-RZ units, which offer heating and cooling and fit our need for sustainability. At the same time, the hospice is reliant on charitable donations, so managing energy costs is something we monitor very closely, and these air conditioning units have automatic features to help us avoid waste.”
Each unit is equipped with advanced 3D i-See sensors that monitor room occupancy and optimise temperature distribution and airflow. The sensors can shut down the system when a room becomes unoccupied.
The units also incorporate Mitsubishi Electric’s Plasma Quad Plus filtration technology. The company said this is designed to remove bacteria, allergens and PM2.5 particulates, as well as neutralising viruses.
Installed by Hewitt’s Refrigeration, they use R290 refrigerant with an low global warming potential (GWP) of 0.02. A built-in Wi-Fi interface also allows staff to remotely monitor and control each individual unit.
Brett Hewitt, director of Hewitt’s Refrigeration, added: “I’ve been fully supported with Mitsubishi Electric training as these new units use R290 refrigerant, which is still quite new to the industry. We managed to install everything in a few days and worked around vacant rooms and the hospice’s guests so we could keep disruption to an absolute minimum.”
Plans are also underway to install additional units within other parts of the building to support the hospice’s long-term sustainability goals.
Michelle said: “We pride ourselves on delivering compassionate care in a warm and welcoming place where everyone is treated with dignity, kindness and respect.”