The leading news platform for Australia’s HVAC&R industry
Digitising HVAC&R workflows: What SMEs should be prioritising in 2026
Lara Blake from Tenderfy looks at the key technological trends that will shape the Australian HVAC&R industry this year.
From our advertisers
News
-
Smart Energy Coalition calls for improved energy efficiency standards
A coalition of more than 100 businesses – including several from the HVAC&R sector – has penned an open letter calling for improved energy standards.
-
ARC launches RHL support pilot program
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has launched a pilot program to provide practical education and on-site support for independent refrigerant handling licence (RHL) holders.
-
Study identifies heat risks for older Australians
New research from Griffith University has found that a bedroom temperature of 24°C at night can reduce heat stress in people aged 65 or older.
-
Summer issues of AIRAH publications out now
AIRAH is ushering in the new year with bumper issues of both of the Institute’s regular publications.
-
Evans leaves ARC after nearly two decades
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has announced the departure of Chief Executive Officer Glenn Evans.
-
ARC announces 2026 licensing fees
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has unveiled its latest licensing fees, which are indexed annually in line with the Wage Price Index (WPI).
-
ARC unveils streamlined reporting tool
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has launched a new “report a breach” form on the ARCtick website.
Events
-
Final call for 2026 ARBS Awards nominations
Nominations for the 2026 event close on Friday, January 30.
-
Dates announced for 2026 AIRAH Golf Days
AIRAH will hold 10 Golf Days across Australia in 2026 – four more than took place in 2025.
-
Abstracts open for IAQ26
AIRAH is accepting abstract submissions for its 2026 Indoor Air Quality Conference (IAQ26), which will take place in Cairns from August 31 to September 4.
-
GBCA announces further speakers for TRANSFORM 2026
Early-bird pricing for the GBCA’s annual conference closes on Friday, January 30.
-
IIAR to host psychrometrics webinar
The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration (IIAR) will host a webinar focusing on moisture in the air from 3–4.30am AEDT on Thursday, January 22.
-
2025 AIRAH National Awards: Bryon Price, L.AIRAH, awarded the James Harrison Medal
Bryon Price, L.AIRAH, has been awarded the James Harrison Medal at the 2025 AIRAH National Awards in recognition of his outstanding lifetime contribution to the HVAC&R profession and to the Institute.
-
2025 AIRAH National Awards: Stefan Jensen, L.AIRAH, wins WR Ahern Award
Stefan Jensen, L.AIRAH, has been recognised with the WR Ahern Award at the 2025 AIRAH National Awards for his outstanding technical contribution to the HVAC&R industry through published research.
Regulations
-
Two weeks left for NSW IAQ inquiry
Public comment to the NSW Legislative Council Health Committee’s inquiry into indoor air quality (IAQ) closes on Thursday, January 29.
-
NABERS Energy update – have your say
NABERS is seeking feedback on a proposed NABERS Energy update for 2030 that will affect how energy efficiency in buildings is measured.
-
Built environment leaders bring sustainable thinking to Parliament House
AIRAH’s Nick Johns-Wickberg shares his experience of attending last week’s ASBEC council meeting in Canberra.
-
NCC 2025 slated for publication in early 2026
Commonwealth, state and territory building ministers met yesterday to agree on the timing of future updates to the National Construction Code – including NCC 2025.
-
GBCA launches updated Green Star tool
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has released its Green Star Buildings v1.1 rating tool, which strengthens action on carbon, nature and circular economy while simplifying delivery for project teams.
-
CBD Program roadmap offers clear pathway to reducing emissions
The Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has released a policy roadmap describing how the Commercial Buildings Disclosure (CBD) Program will be expanded over the next decade to deliver major reductions in emissions.
-
Update coming for Flammable Refrigerants Safety Guide
A project is underway to revise the Flammable Refrigerants Safety Guide, a vital reference to educate and safeguard workers and end-users.
From our advertisers
Features
-
Digitising HVAC&R workflows: What SMEs should be prioritising in 2026
Lara Blake from Tenderfy looks at the key technological trends that will shape the Australian HVAC&R industry this year.
-
Fighting the hidden killer
With Standards Australia recently adopting a mould remediation standard, we look at how this hidden killer can harm both building occupants and HVAC&R technicians.
-
How a cup of tea on Mount Everest can help explain cooling
Dr Michael Riese, M.AIRAH, urges us to rethink how we explain cooling to those without a technical background.
-
Keeping it local: HVAC&R manufacturing in Australia
Despite the challenges facing Australian manufacturing, HVAC&R businesses are increasingly looking to build their capacity locally.
-
Built environment leaders bring sustainable thinking to Parliament House
AIRAH’s Nick Johns-Wickberg shares his experience of attending last week’s ASBEC council meeting in Canberra.
-
The importance of vapour barriers in refrigeration
Bob Jackson, M.AIRAH, explains the importance of hermetically sealing the outer skin of cold rooms to create a vapour barrier.
-
The living machine: How HVAC systems mimic the human body
In the cover feature for the October–November 2025 issue of HVAC&R News, Gary Raman, Affil.AIRAH, argues that the human body is the most advanced HVAC system on the planet.
Business
-
Ziehl-Abegg surpasses 1 billion euros in revenue
The latest sales figures represent year-on-year growth of 12% from 2024.
-
MHIAA and Haier win 2026 ProductReview awards
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia (MHIAA) has taken out two of ProductReview.com’s customer awards in the split system air conditioner category, with Haier taking out the other spot.
-
Daikin opens new Australian manufacturing facility
Daikin has unveiled a new $28.6 million dollar factory adjacent to its existing facility.
-
Refrigerant Handling Codes of Practice now available digitally
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has announced that the 2025 editions of the stationary Australia and New Zealand Refrigerant Handling Codes of Practice are now fully digital.
-
Registrations open for ARBS 2026
Registration has opened for ARBS 2026, which will take place in Melbourne from May 5–7.
-
Fujitsu General extends partnership with Essendon FC
Fujitsu General Australia will continue its 12-year association with the Essendon Football Club, taking on the role of co-major partner within the EFC network.
-
Panasonic releases splittable R32 ducted system
Panasonic Australia has launched its new R32 Inverter NX Series Splittable Ducted Air Conditioning System.