ADVANTAGES OF SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONING
Choosing the right heating and cooling solution for your home or office can be a tough decision. Many factors can come into play, such as the size and division of rooms, the age of the building, and your budget. Ultimately, there is no one system to suit every building. The best way to choose the right system for your home or office is to thoroughly investigate your options. For some buildings, ducted systems will be the most efficient option, for others, evaporative cooling


Energy Adviser: Save with a smart thermostat
Thermostats aren’t usually the first topic of conversation as summer approaches. But with heating and cooling taking up the bulk of your energy bill, it’s worth it to pay attention. The smartest thermostats today can learn the comings and goings of your family and tune the temperature to your household’s lifestyle. The savings can add up. The idea of thermostats controlling heat dates from about 1620 when someone built a heating controller for a chicken coup. More than 250 ye


Greater protection for subcontractors
The Air-conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA) has welcomed the federal government's review into security of payment laws in the building and construction industry. Currently, these laws are different in each state across Australia which has a significant impact on the level of protection afforded to subcontractors. In its submission the AMCA said the review is critically important for subcontractors because insolvency in the building and construction indu


Plans to upskill workforce welcomed by HVACR industry
A 2017–18 Federal Budget predicated on infrastructure spending and skills growth offers considerable value for the HVACR industry, according to the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH). According to AIRAH CEO, Tony Gleeson, the government’s plan to spend $75 billion on key infrastructure projects over 10 years offers plenty for Australia in general, particularly HVAC&R. “A Budget focused on rail, road and airport spending is obviously a

Internet of Things home automation market set to explode in value in Australia
The Internet of Things home automation market is set to soar in Australia with the market set to approach $5bn dollars within the next five years as smart devices continue to grow in popularity. Research firm Telsyte says Australians are embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution. More than 40 per cent of homes now have at least one IoT device in their home which is up from 29 per cent from the previous year. IoT devices can connect to the internet as well as each othe


Pros and cons of buying a smart thermostat
SALT LAKE CITY — As the weather warms up, you may be wondering whether a smart thermostat is worth the investment. And with the ever-changing landscape of home automation, there are myriad options from which to choose. What does a smart thermostat do? What do smart thermostats provide that the old-fashioned dial on your wall does not? Proponents of the device would say convenience, energy efficiency and peace of mind. These intelligent devices connect to an app on your smartp


Six months prison for illegal R22 sale
A former company owner in Spain has been sentenced to six months in prison after offering the HCFC refrigerant R22 for sale on the internet. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that the individual was sentenced in January at the Madrid Provincial Court. In addition to the prison sentence, he was also fined and prohibited from involvement in any commercial activity related to refrigeration or air conditioning for six years. After closure of his enterprise i


Mitsubishi Electric releases new air conditioning series with R32 technology delivering improved ene
New air conditioning series with R32 technology delivers improved energy efficiency Mitsubishi Electric Australia is introducing the new MSZ-GL series of air conditioners, with innovation built-in to provide fast and exceptionally quiet air conditioning to Australian homes. The new series of air conditioning units feature the R32 refrigerant technology which increasing energy efficiency, improves upon its closest equivalent (R410A) with a third of its global warming potential

Talking point: Industry joins forces to fight Queensland licensing plans
Refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) industry associations are banding together to fight a proposed mechanical services licence for Queensland which could circumvent the RAC industry in favour of plumbing. The Queensland Government is considering a licence model based on the current Victorian model which utilises plumbing as the industry base, rather than the RAC sector. This represents a fundamental shift from RAC to plumbing in Queensland, as the work described in the ‘


Second edition of ATMOsphere Australia
After a successful first edition in Melbourne, ATMOsphere Australia is heading to Sydney this year in May to continue pushing natural refrigerant technology forward. Already established as the most influential forum for discussions on the business case for natural refrigerants in Europe, America and Asia, ATMOsphere Australia 2017 will be a unique opportunity to meet and exchange opinions with the market’s leading end users, contractors, suppliers, policy makers and governmen

