TLDR

• From July 18, 2026, all industrial chillers sold in the EU must include remote performance monitoring and meet higher efficiency and low-GWP refrigerant standards.
• Contractors need to update skills for installing and securing connected chillers, while property managers can use real-time data to prove energy savings and support ESG reporting.
• Key data protocols include BACnet/IP and Modbus TCP, with strong cybersecurity measures required to protect performance data and system access.

Starting July 18, 2026, all industrial chillers sold in the EU must include built-in remote performance monitoring. This new rule means chillers will continuously report energy use and operating status through connected systems. Contractors need to update their skills to install and secure these smart chillers. Property managers can now access real-time data to track efficiency, support energy-saving investments, and simplify environmental reporting. This shift makes connected chillers the new standard across the EU, affecting every industrial air- and water-cooled chiller entering the market from that date forward.

Rule (EU) 2024/2357: scope and must‑haves

Starting July 18, 2026, new rules apply to all industrial air-cooled and water-cooled chillers sold in the EU. These chillers must come with built-in remote monitoring and energy performance data reporting. This means every unit will continuously send information about how it’s running. The regulation also sets minimum efficiency levels, measured by SEER and EER. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and shows efficiency over a typical cooling season. EER means Energy Efficiency Ratio and measures performance at a specific time. Lastly, the rule bans refrigerants called HFCs that have a Global Warming Potential (GWP) above 150. These include common refrigerants like R404A and R507. The goal is to push the market toward more energy-efficient chillers that use eco-friendlier refrigerants while giving operators clear data to track performance.

Who must act now and why it pays

Contractors need to boost their skills in networking and cybersecurity basics. This helps them install and maintain chillers with built-in remote monitoring. They should also pick service tools that support remote diagnostics to fix issues faster and safer.



Property managers can make the most of real-time chiller data. This data helps verify energy savings, unlock rebates, and simplify ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting. Using this information turns HVAC performance into clear, measurable value.



Facility teams and equipment makers (OEMs) should standardize the use of low-GWP refrigerants to meet new rules. They also need to plan for smooth integration with building management systems (BMS) and application programming interfaces (APIs). This avoids costly custom setups for each site and ensures consistent, efficient operation.

Data, protocols, and security to get right

Industrial chillers must report key data like power demand in kilowatts (kW), efficiency ratings (EER and SEER), supply and return water temperatures, compressor status, flow rates, alarms, and fault codes. These details help operators track performance and spot issues early. Communication uses standard protocols such as BACnet/IP, common in building automation, Modbus TCP for industrial controls, and MQTT, a lightweight messaging system for IoT devices. Open APIs are required so data can flow easily into building management systems (BMS) or computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). Security is critical. Data must be protected with TLS encryption, which keeps information private during transmission. Access should follow the principle of least privilege, meaning users only get the minimum rights they need. Network segmentation isolates operational technology (OT) from other systems to prevent breaches. Firmware must be updated promptly to patch vulnerabilities. These steps ensure reliable, secure remote monitoring that meets the new EU standards.

90‑day plan to comply and create value

Start by reviewing your chiller specifications. Update them to use low‑GWP refrigerants, which have less impact on the environment. Require built‑in telemetry—this means chillers must include sensors and software to send performance data remotely. Make sure these systems support open protocols like BACnet or Modbus, so they easily connect with building management systems. Next, prepare your team. Train technicians on setting up devices, securely commissioning equipment, and following remote diagnostics procedures. This helps avoid security risks and speeds up troubleshooting. Finally, focus on data operations. Choose a monitoring platform that collects and stores chiller data reliably. Define how long to keep data and set alert thresholds to catch issues early. Map key performance indicators (KPIs) to track energy savings and operational efficiency. These steps help unlock rebates and simplify ESG reporting. Following this 90‑day plan ensures compliance, reduces risk, and turns new regulations into business opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• Starting July 18, 2026, all industrial air-cooled and water-cooled chillers sold in the EU must include built-in remote performance monitoring and meet minimum efficiency standards. This change makes connected, data-reporting chillers the new norm for the market.
• Contractors need to upgrade their skills in digital networking and cybersecurity to install, maintain, and secure these smart chillers, using tools that support remote diagnostics effectively.
• Property managers can leverage real-time energy and performance data from chillers to verify cost savings, unlock rebates, and simplify environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting.
• Compliance requires using low-global warming potential (low-GWP) refrigerants, standard communication protocols like BACnet/IP, and strong data security practices such as encryption and role-based access controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the new EU regulation (EU) 2024/2357 require for industrial chillers?

Starting July 18, 2026, all industrial air-cooled and water-cooled chillers sold in the EU must include built-in remote performance monitoring and energy data reporting. They also must meet minimum energy efficiency standards and use low-GWP refrigerants, banning certain harmful HFCs.

How will this regulation affect contractors and their work?

Contractors need to upgrade their digital skills to install and maintain connected chillers with remote monitoring. They must also understand basic cybersecurity to protect data and use service tools that support remote diagnostics for efficient troubleshooting.

What benefits do property managers gain from chillers with remote monitoring?

Property managers can access real-time performance data to verify energy savings, qualify for rebates, and simplify ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting. This data helps turn HVAC systems into measurable assets supporting sustainability goals.

What technical protocols and security measures are important for compliant chillers?

Compliant chillers use open communication protocols like BACnet/IP and MQTT to connect with building automation systems. Security measures include encrypted data transmission, role-based access to restrict user permissions, network segmentation to isolate operational technology, and regular firmware updates to prevent vulnerabilities.

Related Topics: industrial chillers, remote monitoring, EU regulations, HVAC efficiency, low-GWP refrigerants, HVAC compliance, energy efficiency, performance data reporting, HVAC maintenance, connected chillers, HVAC technology, Rule EU 2024/2357