Antonio Cano (CNI): C&R promotes the exchange of knowledge between installers and manufacturers and technicians

How important is are installation companies in the air conditioning and refrigeration sector? 

Installation companies are the regulatory agents in charge of implementing those installations that are designed to meet a need, while guaranteeing the operating conditions, safety, quality and energy efficiency of these installations. In the same way, and through their experience, they become the fundamental advisory agent for technicians and manufacturers, in such a way that they provide successful solutions for the specific case to technicians and designers, and convey to manufacturers those details that can be improved, or those circumstances in which the equipment behaves in a specific, unforeseen way.

How do they contribute to healthy buildings and well-dimensioned and well-executed facilities? 

He states that their experience makes them key advisory agents for technicians and manufacturers, providing knowledge for specific cases to technicians and designers, and communicating to manufacturers how the product behaves in real installations. This is feedback that is greatly appreciated. On the other hand, the skills and technical capacity of the installation companies' personnel are what make them competitive. 

What role does maintenance play in these facilities? 

Maintenance is the only guarantee that design conditions, safety, quality, and energy efficiency, if any, are preserved over time. Good maintenance is key to the objectives of today's regulations. It is another source of knowledge, as it provides information on how installations behave over time, and the advantages of each type for each case, from another fundamental point of view.

How should their efficiency and contribution to the environment be enhanced?

The key to this is lifelong learning. We are immersed in a market that is constantly changing, and this requires us to be great professionals in order to be able to advise or co-advise the client appropriately, providing the best solution for their case. On the other hand, we are to a large extent awareness-raisers and standard-bearers for energy efficiency and savings, contributing to the improvement of the environment. Relations with manufacturers and technicians in knowledge forums, such as C&R, the International Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Show, are fundamental tools for promoting all of the above, as they are a source of knowledge exchange.

What is the best strategy to meet the challenges facing the sector? 

We believe that the only way to successfully confront the challenges facing the sector is to maintain and strengthen the relationship between professionals by establishing synergies and fluid communications. On this issue, associations have a priority role to play, and we consider that the relationship between associations is very fruitful in this respect, as it ensures knowledge reaches a greater number of professionals as quickly as possible. The C&R fair is the ideal environment to generate meeting points, collaborative projects and the place where great synergies are initiated.