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Alternative pathway for Queensland RAC licences
Queensland workers needing an occupational licence for air conditioning and refrigeration work can now apply using an alternate qualification pathway. The new pathway allows an applicant who may not have the required qualifications to use their experience instead. Employees who perform mechanical services work for a licensed contractor, including refrigeration and air conditioning, have until […]
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AIRAH updates 2021 conference schedule
Continuing precautions and restrictions around COVID-19 have led to AIRAH adjusting its 2021 conference schedule. Still slated for Sydney, AIRAH’s The Future of HVAC Conference 2021 will be moved from its originally scheduled dates of September 8–9 to November 29–30. It will also be live-streamed. AIRAH’s Building Physics Forum, originally scheduled to be held in […]
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Tesuco highlights gas welding safety
Tesuco has been highlighting the importance of safe equipment for HVAC&R practitioners, in particular for gas welding. “Since starting 1988, Tesuco has been focussed on supplying gas welding equipment which meets Australian Standards and complies with welding processes and codes of practice,” says the company. “Equipment developed overseas can be outside the scope of Australia […]
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Focus on fire safety in new DAs
AIRAH is releasing two Design Application (DA) manuals that focus on fire, smoke, and (smoke exhaust) air dampers within the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. The DA manuals are titled DA05 Guide to Fire and Smoke Control in Buildings using AS 1668 Part 1, and DA06 Guide to Fire, Smoke and Air Dampers […]
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Shape-memory alloy could replace HFCs
A small company in Ireland has developed a new type of air conditioning system that could negate the need for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Researchers at Exergyn, based in Dublin, worked in secret collaboration with another company – believed to be Carrier – for two years on the project. The system uses a shape-memory alloy (SMA) called […]
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Mitsubishi appoints new HVAC Sales Manager
Mitsubishi Electric Australia has appointed Sam Garside as HVAC Sales Manager for the New South Wales Central market. In his new role, Garside will manage the HVAC business within the Sydney and Central West region. Garside has more than 20 years of industry experience, including positions with mechanical contractors, service-based companies, and several global manufacturers. […]
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NABERS seeks input from warehouses and cold stores
NABERS is seeking industry involvement to expand its rating system into warehouses and cold stores. A national initiative, NABERS has enjoyed great success as a world-recognised and robust rating tool for offices, shopping centres, hotels, and other building sectors. This year it is expanding to the warehouses and cold stores sector and is looking to […]
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Improving refrigerant recovery from split systems
A new report from Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA) has highlighted the concerning volume of refrigerant lost when split systems reach end of life in Australia. It estimates that each year, hundreds of tonnes of refrigerant are not being reclaimed. Factoring in the global warming potential of the gases, this could equate to more than a […]
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Victoria rolling out heating upgrades to 250,000 homes
The Victorian government has initiated the next major stage of its program to help low-income households replace old heaters with energy-efficient reverse-cycle systems. The Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program will help 250,000 low-income and vulnerable households improve their thermal comfort by offering rebates to upgrade gas, electric and wood heaters with energy-efficient reverse-cycle split […]
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Rheem launches new heat pump water heater
Rheem Australia has launched its new generation Ambiheat heat pump water heater, designed to offer a reliable, flexible, renewable option for households. According to Rheem, thanks to the COP of 4.5, households with an Ambiheat installed could save up to 64-71 per cent of their usual water heating energy bill. Rheem Marketing Director, John Collignon, […]
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Aeris Environmental develops filter treatment spray
Australian company Aeris Environmental has developed a new polymer coating for HVAC filters designed to prevent the spread of airborne viruses, including COVID-19. Aeris Guard Bioactive Filter Treatment contains a readily biodegradable active biocide that the company says kills 99.99 per cent of bacteria and viruses including SARS-CoV-2 on the polymer coating. “A single application […]
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Keeping up with the code
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is seeking input on a draft model for continuing professional development on the National Construction Code. The Building Confidence Report (BCR) recommended that each jurisdiction require all practitioners to undertake compulsory continuing professional development (CPD) on the National Construction Code (NCC). In response, the BCR Implementation Team has developed […]
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Gradient CEO reveals details of new AC
In recent years, especially in Australia, split systems have become the default appliance for home air conditioning, displacing the once ubiquitous “window rattlers”. Now, US company Gradient has reinvented the classic design and is offering a sleeker and more sustainable solution. Gradient hopes its new system – created by thermal scientists, engineers and executives from […]
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Kingspan Insulation acquires Thermakraft
Kingspan Insulation has announced the acquisition of New Zealand’s Thermakraft Ltd, positioning itself to provide a broader range of solutions to its customers both in Australia and New Zealand. “We are delighted to welcome Thermakraft into the Kingspan family,” says Kingspan Insultation APAC Managing Director Scott Gibson. “It is a terrific business and market leader […]
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When refrigeration meets quantum physics
An international team of researchers has created a new cooling concept by combining thermodynamics with quantum theory. The team – consisting of researchers from TU Wien, in collaboration with FU Berlin, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and the University of Lisbon – have discovered quantum effects can be used to cool a cloud of ultra-cold […]
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Emerson launches new scroll compressor solution
Emerson has launched its new Copeland 110cc variable speed scroll compressor solution, manufactured in China and available for global distribution. The new product is designed to save energy and provide environmentally friendly improvements for a broad range of commercial air conditioning applications including chillers, data centres and package air conditioners. According to Emerson, the new […]
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Australia’s first zero emissions leisure and aquatic centre announced
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has allocated up to $1.53 million in funding for Brimbank City Council’s mooted zero emissions indoor leisure and aquatic centre. To be located in Melbourne’s west and making use of an $8.1 million integrated energy system, the facility will be an Australian first. The aquatic centre is part of […]
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ABCB launches new website
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has launched a new website. It forms part of a larger effort to develop a more user-friendly online NCC, and provides access to a refreshed suite of digital products that the ABCB says delivers “a tailored and more engaging experience”. The site design was informed by stakeholder consultation. It […]
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ARBS 2022 Industry Awards open for nominations
Nominations have opened for the ARBS 2022 Industry Awards, recognising excellence and outstanding contributions within Australia’s HVAC&R and building services industry. The awards form part of ARBS 2022, slated for April 27–29, 2022, and include the following categories: ARBS Young Achiever Award 2022 ARBS Product Excellence (HVAC) Award 2022 ARBS Product Excellence (Refrigeration) Award 2022 […]
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Update on COVID-19 restrictions for NSW workers
The New South Wales government has responded to requests to clarify the rules for HVAC&R workers in the state. Although some information has already been shared, restrictions continue to change. The update below was received by AIRAH on Monday, August 2 from the NSW Treasury Taskforce. These directions are subject to amendment at any time. […]