The leading news platform for Australia’s HVAC&R industry

The pair coil problem
Louise Belfield investigates recent problems with pair coil that have caused frustration and financial losses for Australian fridgies.
News
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Researchers develop bioplastic metafilm for cooling
An international team of scientists has developed a biodegradable material that could reduce cooling demand.
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NSW seeks input on path to net zero
The NSW Net Zero Commission is seeking public comment to help shape the climate change and adaptation advice it gives to the NSW government.
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Refrigerants Australia releases statement on PFAS
Refrigerants Australia has released a draft statement containing information on the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
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Victoria sets course for all-electric future
As part of its gas substitution roadmap, the Victorian government has announced new building electrification regulations, new minimum energy efficiency standards for rental homes, and funding for manufacturing of heat pumps.
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ASHRAE appoints 2025–26 president
ASHRAE has announced its new president, officers and directors.
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New restrictions for multi-head splits and VRF systems
From July 1, 2025, Australia is implementing a general ban on the import and manufacture of multi-head split and VRF systems that use refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) over 750 and have a refrigerant charge of 2.6kg or less.
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NCVER publishes research on pre-apprenticeships
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has published a new study into the value of pre-apprenticeship programs.
Events
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HVAC&R professionals invited to solar webinar
The IEA SHC Solar Academy and the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) invite Australian HVAC&R professionals to join a free webinar offering actionable knowledge on solar power.
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Registrations open for ARBSQLD
Visitor registration is now open for ARBSQLD, which will take place in Brisbane from August 27–28.
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AIRAH discount for CIBSE high-performance building series
CIBSE has announced a five-part webinar series on high-performance building, offering AIRAH members a discount to attend.
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James Harrison’s hometown to celebrate World Refrigeration Day
Geelong will honour one of its favourite sons with events on June 26 and 28.
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Key talking points from IAQ25
We look back at the major discussions from AIRAH’s 2025 Indoor Air Quality Conference (IAQ25).
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Experts debate the use of CO2 as a marker for IAQ
As a special precursor to its 2025 IAQ Conference, AIRAH organised a hybrid workshop with experts from around the globe to thrash out one vital question: is setting a threshold value of 800ppm CO2 a good idea for maintaining adequate indoor air quality, or not?
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AIRAH expands apprentice awards to 5 states, confirms 2025 dates
AIRAH’s state apprentice awards have expanded to cover five states: SA, Victoria, Queensland, WA, and NSW.
Regulations
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NSW seeks input on path to net zero
The NSW Net Zero Commission is seeking public comment to help shape the climate change and adaptation advice it gives to the NSW government.
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Victoria sets course for all-electric future
As part of its gas substitution roadmap, the Victorian government has announced new building electrification regulations, new minimum energy efficiency standards for rental homes, and funding for manufacturing of heat pumps.
-
New restrictions for multi-head splits and VRF systems
From July 1, 2025, Australia is implementing a general ban on the import and manufacture of multi-head split and VRF systems that use refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) over 750 and have a refrigerant charge of 2.6kg or less.
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NatHERS coming soon to existing homes
The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) has released further details of how it will be expanded to existing homes.
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ASHRAE consulting on emissions quantification standard
ASHRAE and the International Code Council have announced a second round of public review on the proposed Standard 240P.
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Victoria reviewing Professional Engineers Registration Act
The Victorian government is reviewing the Professional Engineers Registration Act 2019 and is giving engineers, industry bodies and other stakeholders the opportunity to provide input.
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Push for consistency in professional registration
Professional registration schemes have been rolling out across the country, but the regime in New South Wales remains something of an outlier. Calls are now growing to bring it into line with other jurisdictions.
Features
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Residential heating and cooling efficiency: Who should take charge?
AIRAH CEO Sami Zheng, Affil.AIRAH, reflects on residential energy efficiency and the important role HVAC can play.
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Commission: Possible
William Lane, F.AIRAH, makes the case for how formal accreditation could improve commissioning practices across Australia’s HVAC and building services sectors.
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The pair coil problem
Louise Belfield investigates recent problems with pair coil that have caused frustration and financial losses for Australian fridgies.
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Key talking points from IAQ25
We look back at the major discussions from AIRAH’s 2025 Indoor Air Quality Conference (IAQ25).
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ATMOsphere returns to Australia with new momentum
From May 12–13, the ATMOsphere conference returned to Australia to continue its work promoting the uptake of natural refrigerants.
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Discussing the future of HVAC&R skills training
AIRAH CEO Sami Zheng, Affil.AIRAH, reflects on learnings from a recent visit to TasTAFE.
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Will Aussie HVAC&R be affected by the chaos of Donald Trump?
Donald Trump’s return to office has had a seismic effect on global markets and muddied the pathway to net zero emissions. Will the Australian HVAC&R industry feel the aftershocks?
Business
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SCSA becomes Reliable Controls authorised dealer in NSW
Specialized Control Solutions Australia (SCSA) has been appointed a Reliable Controls authorised dealer in New South Wales.
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Honeywell launches Connected Solutions
Honeywell has announced the launch of the AI-powered Honeywell Connected Solutions.
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Reliable Controls releases RC-Reporter v3.9
Reliable Controls has updated its reporting software, adding new features and updating others.
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RectorSeal announces partnership with NAVTEK
RectorSeal Australia has announced a partnership with HVAC tool manufacturer NAVTEK Global.
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Reliable Controls RC-RemoteAccess achieves BTL certification
RC-RemoteAccess software from Reliable Controls has achieved BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) certification.
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Hussmann and Refra form partnership
Hussmann has partnered with Refra to provide exclusive supply of natural refrigeration systems in Australia.
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Simon Bradwell, M.AIRAH, appointed ARBS Foundation chair
The ARBS Foundation has announced the appointment of Dr Simon Bradwell, M.AIRAH, as its new chairman.