Update coming for best practice AC guideline

The Guideline supports and enables technicians to provide and install reverse-cycle air conditioners that adequately meet customers’ needs. It is also designed to give customers confidence that the air conditioner will meet their expectations and help them be aware of ongoing maintenance requirements.

The Guideline was last published in 2003 and largely focused on noise issues.

Since then, air conditioning technology has advanced considerably – as has the energy context in which the systems are used.

Regulations have changed, including updates to the National Construction Code. Standards relating to air conditioners, referenced in the original Guideline, have also been updated. This includes AS/NZS 5149:2016, which replaced AS/NZS 1677.2:1998.

In 2018, Standards Australia published AS/NZS 5141, Residential heating and cooling systems – Minimum applications and requirements for energy efficiency, performance and comfort criteria.

The project also comes at a time of increasing use of reverse-cycle air conditioning systems across Australia. This is particularly apparent in Victoria, where the transition away from gas heating and the space heating and cooling activity under the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program are driving uptake. Accordingly, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is supporting the work.

The Guideline will identify and promote practices not currently covered under building regulations such as the NCC, bridging the gap between minimum standards and best practices.

As part of the project, AIRAH is looking for industry experts who would be willing to review the draft Guideline.

If you are interested in participating, please contact technical@airah.org.au

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