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Category: News
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Inquest rules ammonia accident preventable
An inquest was held into how a man died during an ammonia explosion at the Carlsberg Brewery in Northampton, England. The coroner believed that David Chandler, 45, died almost instantly when an ammonia leak caused a dormant compressor to explode in his face. The unit had previously been disconnected, but during an attempt to move […]
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Webinar on commercial refrigeration
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage is holding a free webinar about commercial refrigeration at 10.30am on August 1. The webinar is titled “Commercial refrigeration – keeping your costs cool!” and will run for 30 minutes. It is being facilitated by independent energy-efficiency expert Nick Palousis, and is recommended for business professionals wanting to better […]
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Consensus for World Refrigeration Day?
Support for an annual World Refrigeration Day is growing, with June 26 mooted as the day to mark the industry’s contribution to the world economy and society. Stephen Gill, refrigerant consultant and President of the Institute of Refrigeration, hopes World Refrigeration Day will serve as a means of raising awareness of refrigeration and the role […]
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Extreme weather triggers AC overload
Temperatures of over 43°C in Southern California and the associated increase in air conditioning demand has led to a series of blackouts across Los Angeles. And it may be a sign of things to come. Almost 100,000 customers in LA were left without power during a heatwave that set new records. According to the Los […]
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CFC-11 still being used illegally
Earlier this year, reports emerged of a “mysterious” rise in CFC-11 (trichlorofluoromethane) quantities in the atmosphere. This was surprising, because CFCs had been phased out by the Montreal Protocol due to their harmful effect on the ozone layer, and were thought to be virtually extinct. Now, a new report from the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) […]
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Tougher NCC critical for climate
There is an urgent need for stronger energy standards for residential housing and buildings under Australia’s National Construction Code (NCC). So says Australia’s insulation industry, claiming that tougher standards are critical to ensuring they are ready for and committed to a zero-carbon future. “We need certainty for the industry now, with a building code that […]
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Heatcraft offers CO2 training
Heatcraft’s first round of industry CO2 training will begin this month. It is open to refrigeration contactors and consultants who are interested in specifying, selling, installing, commissioning and servicing CO2 systems. According to Heatcraft, the content will provide “first-hand experience for all participants to gain an understanding of CO2 refrigeration technologies, providing hassle-free installation, start-up […]
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NT information session: HFC phase-down
The Department of the Environment and Energy is holding an information session in Darwin on July 19 about the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phase-down. The session will cover what it means for HFC users, including equipment owners and technicians. The session will also cover other changes to the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Program to reduce […]
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Honeywell announces “breakthrough” non-flammable AC refrigerant
Honeywell has announced a new non-flammable refrigerant called Solstice N41 for stationary air conditioning systems that it says could replace R410A, and could also potentially be a rival for R32. The HFC phase-down has prompted the search for alternatives to high global warming potential (GWP) gases such as R410A. At present, many original equipment manufacturers […]
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Free training from Mitsubishi Electric
Mitsubishi Electric Australia is running free, tailored air conditioning service and installation training courses around the country. Now in its 15th year, the annual series of courses takes a hands-on approach to learning with product simulators, as well as information on new systems and essential regulation updates. The training is available to all industry members. […]
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Energy Rating seek feedback on chiller policy
Energy Rating are holding two public consultation meetings in July regarding proposed updates to liquid chiller policy. Melbourne: 19 July, 10am–12pm at the Waverley International Hotel, 301 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley Sydney: 20 July, 10am–12pm at Stamford Plaza, Sydney Airport RSVP required by Friday, 6 July. Energy Rating are also looking into the possibility of […]
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IWBI speaks on new WELL standard
Last month the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) unveiled an updated version of its building standard. Known as WELL v2, it is being rolled out globally in pilot form. “Since our launch in 2014, we’ve learned a lot from the thousands of WELL users, practitioners and researchers who have embraced WELL as a tool for […]
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NSW to invest half a billion in school air conditioning
The NSW government has announced that it will allocate $500 million in the state budget for air conditioning. The new policy, called Cooler Classrooms, is intended to provide improved learning environments for classrooms and libraries in up to 1,000 schools. “This funding will ensure thousands of classrooms that previously did not have air conditioning will […]
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Andrew Leach leaves Actrol
Andrew Leach is vacating his position as Actrol business development manager, although he has made it clear he is not “retiring” – Leach says he is likely to continue working with the industry in some form. During his 26 years in the sector, Leach has seen a lot of changes and acquired a lot of […]
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AC Electrical Safety rules changing June 30
Important changes to the registration system for household air conditioning units are set to take effect on June 30. Under the Electrical Equipment Safety System, all units must be declared with the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) and documented to AS/NZS 60335.2.40 with registration before selling. The new rules state that for units that use […]
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States sign up to Skilling Australians Fund
South Australia, the Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and New South Wales have signed up to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF). The establishment of the SAF is a commitment by the Australian Government for ongoing funding for vocational education and training (VET) with the aim of making a lasting positive impact on skilling Australian […]
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ARC’s free tool for trainees
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is offering a free digital temperature sensor to trainee licence holders undertaking the first year of a refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship. The initiative is aimed at supporting the training and development of future HVAC&R technicians. Kevin O’Shea, chair of the ARC RAC Industry Board, said that the idea was […]
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UNESCO recognises refrigeration pioneer
It’s not often that HVAC&R makes the front page, but James Harrison, the founding father of refrigeration, was recently mentioned at ABC online news for his role in helping Geelong earn the status of UNESCO City of Design. Harrison is credited as the inventor of the mechanical refrigeration process for creating ice – he patented […]
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Hot tips from A.G. Coombs
The efficiency of condensing water heaters or boilers has made them a popular choice for new installations and as plant replacements. Recognising this, A.G. Coombs has issued an advisory note providing advice on the design, selection, installation and maintenance of such units. “Condensing boilers achieve higher efficiency by using the waste heat in flue gases […]
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Giant “water battery” and solar planned for USC
The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) plans to be carbon neutral by 2025, and will use a giant “water battery” run by solar panels to achieve its goal. Project partner Veolia will build, install and operate 5,800 rooftop solar panels and a 4.5 megalitre water storage tank at USC’s main campus at Sippy Downs […]