ACTIVE COOL / INSIGHTS
Industry perspectives, practical knowledge and ideas for the future. Articles by Peter Weston M.AIRAH.
25 articles · Latest first
28 min read
After 30 years in HVAC+R, I’ve seen our industry from every angle — as a trade-qualified refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic, as an engineer, and as a business owner who built a company from…
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4 min read
As Queensland gears up to host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, our cities, precincts, and industries are being reshaped by what will be the largest infrastructure investment in the…
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34 min read
This report presents a comprehensive molecular-level analysis of refrigeration, moving beyond macroscopic principles to explore the intricate atomic and molecular interactions that govern heat transfer…
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4 min read
Let’s start with a statement we all agree on: safety matters. No one in the HVAC+R industry wants to see a technician injured on the job. But here’s the uncomfortable question we need to ask:
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2 min read
In Australia’s energy-hungry building sector, HVAC systems can consume up to 50% of total electricity use—especially in commercial and tropical-zone settings. Yet one of the simplest, most…
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2 min read
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are critical in improving indoor air quality (IAQ), particularly important in Australia due to increasing challenges from bushfire smoke, urban pollution,…
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2 min read
In Queensland, our warm and humid climate provides the perfect environment not just for enjoying the outdoors but, unfortunately, also for mould growth—particularly within HVAC systems. Left unchecked,…
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2 min read
If you're involved in Australia's HVAC+R industry, you've likely felt the pinch of climbing insurance premiums and tightening regulations around refrigerant handling and system performance. But what's…
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3 min read
In Australia's commercial sector, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems are critical to operational efficiency, occupant comfort, and public safety. Despite their…
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3 min read
In today's increasingly connected world, smart Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems have become essential components in large facilities, including hospitals, data centers, office…
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6 min read
Cyclones are a significant and recurring natural phenomenon affecting Queensland, bringing destructive winds, torrential rainfall, and widespread flooding. While northern Queensland experiences the…
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3 min read
Hydrocarbon refrigerants, such as propane (R290) and isobutane (R600a), are rapidly gaining popularity across Australia due to their minimal environmental impact and energy efficiency. These natural…
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4 min read
Throughout history, humanity has found inspiration in countless ways—from philosophical thought and scientific breakthroughs to acts of kindness, personal growth, and artistic creativity. These aspects…
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2 min read
The story of refrigerants and their effect on our ozone layer is a remarkable example of environmental crisis turning into global collaboration and success.
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5 min read
Air conditioning is essential in Australia’s diverse climate, from the humid tropics to the scorching outback and the urban heat of our major cities. But what if I told you that something as simple as…
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5 min read
Commercial rack refrigeration systems are the backbone of large-scale cooling operations, serving supermarkets, grocery stores, food processing plants, cold storage warehouses, and pharmaceutical…
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6 min read
For HVAC+R professionals in Australia, working with electrical components is part of the job. Whether it’s servicing air-conditioning units, troubleshooting refrigeration systems, or installing control…
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4 min read
In an era of rapid technological advancements, the demand for efficient, compact, and precise cooling solutions has never been higher. From high-performance electronics to biomedical applications and…
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5 min read
The Australian HVAC+R Regulatory Organisation (AHRO) could be created to commit to maintaining high standards of regulatory compliance, safety, training, and environmental responsibility within the…
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4 min read
Australia’s refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) industry is evolving, and with it, so are the standards and regulations that govern best practices. The updated Refrigerant Handling Code of…
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6 min read
For decades, the phrase “The customer is always right” has been a guiding principle in the service industry. While delivering excellent customer service remains crucial, the reality is that this…
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4 min read
The HVAC+R industry is booming, with rising demand for climate control, energy efficiency, and smart technologies. If you're a skilled technician, you already have the foundation to build a…
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38 min read
Australia’s HVAC+R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) wholesale market is served by a mix of large national distributors and specialised suppliers. Below, we profile the top 15…
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27 min read
Australia’s HVAC+R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) sector is navigating a complex landscape of pricing pressures, high operating costs, and a growing demand for services.…
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20 min read
The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC+R) industry in Australia is navigating a range of challenges and trends. These include evolving regulations, environmental mandates,…
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