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Author: Mark Vender
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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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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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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 […]
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Shane Carmichael speaks on Dunnair acquisition
After the announcement that Air Change was set to acquire Dunnair, HVAC&R News spoke to Air Change general manager Shane Carmichael about the move… What made Dunnair an attractive proposition for Air Change? Air Change has traditionally offered unique and innovative products for niche applications. The acquisition of Dunnair provides us the opportunity to supply […]
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Super-desiccant holds promise for AC systems
A new carbon-based desiccant has been developed by scientists at the University of New South Wales – and it could be a game-changer in applications such as packaging, electronics and air conditioning. The revolutionary drying agent is made from layers of graphene oxide and significantly outperforms current desiccants; it is twice as absorbent as the […]
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New standard for facilities management
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published the fourth standard for facilities management, ISO 41001. Stan Mitchell, Chair of the ISO technical committee that developed the standard, said that ISO 41001 will help organisations by establishing a common approach and set of processes that can be used throughout the world. “ISO 41001 has the […]
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Trump pressed to commit to HFC phase-down
While the HFC phase-down has begun in earnest in Australia and Europe, the USA – one of the world’s largest users of HFCs – is yet to commit. Now, 32 major players in America’s HVAC&R industry have written an open letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to ratify the Kigali Amendment and commit to […]
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Sustainability Victoria offers money for HVAC upgrades
Sustainability Victoria is offering funding of up to $30,000 to boost the performance of commercial buildings and realise the huge savings in energy and greenhouse gas emissions it has identified in a new report. The report, Next Wave Refresh 2018, analyses Victorian commercial building stock, including retail, healthcare and accommodation in Melbourne metro and regional […]
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Reece confirms Heatcraft NZ purchase
Reece has officially taken ownership of Heatcraft’s New Zealand operations, after announcing the acquisition from Swedish company Beijer Ref at the end of March 2018. Daniel Palumbo, Reece Group general manager of operations, says: “We’re excited to recently take ownership of Heatcraft’s operations in New Zealand and work with our new colleagues to continue providing […]
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Global AC stock to triple by 2050
A new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that the global stock of air conditioners in buildings will rise from 1.6 billion to 5.6 billion by 2050 – amounting to 10 new ACs sold every second for the next 30 years. While that might sound like good news for the HVAC&R industry, the […]
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Air Change acquires Dunnair
Dunnac Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Change Pty Ltd, has acquired the Dunnair air conditioning business from Mechanical Air Supplies Pty Ltd effective from April 9, 2018. Air Change general manager Shane Carmichael has confirmed with HVAC&R News that Dunnac will trade under the Dunnair banner and will continue to supply the […]
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Barangaroo takes top honours
Barangaroo South in Sydney has been named development of the year at the 2018 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards. “Barangaroo South is a truly iconic international project which has recalibrated the way Australians think about precinct-scale urban renewal,” said Property Council chief executive Ken Morrison. On completion in […]
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Rock gods in glass
Western Australian glass company Cooling Brothers has supplied DigiGlass panels that pay tribute to one of the greatest rock groups of all time – Led Zeppelin. The images of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant are a part of “Legends Corner” for Rock Art Building-01 in Melbourne – a permanent public art exhibition. The installation is […]