The Toolshed

1 Pure Panasonic

Panasonic Australia has launched a new range of air conditioners with wi-fi and air purification features. “The premium Z Series reverse-cycle R32 wall split systems seamlessly integrate ‘smart home’ features in the form of in-built wi-fi and voice control,” says Panasonic, “delivering further convenience and flexibility for customers.” Users can adjust temperature, monitor energy consumption and change modes from a mobile device via the Panasonic Comfort Cloud App. The Z Series models also include Panasonic’s nanoeX air purification technology, designed to inhibit common indoor pollutants, from viruses to allergens. “It uses OH radicals encapsulated in water to inhibit microorganisms,” says Panasonic, “including 99 per cent of bacteria and viruses, as well as inhibiting mould, allergens and pollen and reducing odours. It can be operated even when cooling or heating is not switched on.” According to Panasonic, the Z Series units deliver improvements to energy efficiency with the AI-powered ECO mode. This auto-adjusts to the optimal ECO level based on heat load conditions and air conditioning cooling capacity. An inverter control feature also varies the rotation speed of the compressor for higher energy savings. Go to aircon.panasonic.com.au ■ 2 Price is right for Blundstone

Blundstone had a busy 2021, releasing seven new boot styles, including the #984, pictured. Now the iconic Aussie brand is offering the chance to win a trip for two to the 2022 Finke Desert Race. The winners will enjoy a VIP pit pass, getting into the nuts and bolts of the race with Toby Price, the 2021 Finke Desert Race winner and Blundstone ambassador. The prize also includes flights, accommodation and meals. The competition runs from January 10–February 20, 2022. “I’m proud to be a long-time Blundstone ambassador,” says Price. “I like to do my preparation and race with top-of-the-range gear, so I know a bit about the value of the original and best work boots. There is no race quite like Finke and I can’t wait to get out in the Red Centre to go racing again.” Blundstone boots are available online and in stores via select retailers throughout Australia, and are backed by a 30-day comfort and six-month manufacturing guarantee. Go to www.blundstone.com.au/back-to-work-2022 ■

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3 Ticking the resilience box

AIRAH has released the inaugural version of its AIRAH Resilience Checklist, which provides information on improving the resilience of buildings and their HVAC systems. Developed by the AIRAH Resilience Special Technical Group (STG), the free checklist was produced through research and industry consultation. “The AIRAH Resilience Checklist is designed as a self-assessment tool for both new and existing buildings,” says Liza Taylor, M.AIRAH, who leads AIRAH’s Resilience STG. “The objective is to enable key decision-makers, influencers and stakeholders to make informed choices when selecting, installing, operating or maintaining HVAC&R assets.” The AIRAH Resilience Checklist includes an eight-step process for developing a resilience action plan. The steps cover defining a resilience strategy, understanding the future climate, and understanding key risks to buildings. Other steps relate to how to design, engineer, install and manage for resilience. The checklist also explores the concept of “Build Back Better”. This new approach to resilience focuses on implementing positive social change and improving the community capacity by viewing resilience not merely as an outcome but also as a process in itself. Rather than merely coping with or responding to potential extreme events or changing environments, resilience is viewed as continuous learning and growth, allowing better, more informed decisions to improve the built environment. Go to www.airah.org.au/Content_Files/Resources/2021_AIRAH_ Resilience_Checklist.pdf ■

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4 Australian Made for maintenance

Water treatment specialist HydroChem has secured Australian Made certification for its HydroBalance HVAC&R maintenance range. “The HydroBalance brand is globally recognised for its quality and reliability,” says HydroChem, “having grown well beyond its humble beginnings in US inventor Bob Clarke’s backyard shed in 1969. The original product he conceived, Coilox Concentrate, remains a coil cleaning staple of the range today.” HydroChem has sought to differentiate its most popular HydroBalance products from similar products in the Australian market by submitting itself to the Australian Made process. The company has received the Australian Owned and Made tick of approval for Wanda Wash, Bubble Up, No More Grease, Coilox, CoilKleen, 4X and Clean-Ice. “From a HydroChem perspective, the Australian Made program has become an imperative,” says HydroChem CEO Mike Lenton, Affil.AIRAH.

“Wholesalers enjoy the peace of mind that comes with promoting and selling a locally made product, particularly in this period of global supply chain instability. The feedback we hear is that end-users prefer to support local businesses like their own. That the business is Australian owned is that perfect cherry on top.” The range of 11 HydroBalance products are available via the HVAC&R supplies wholesaler network in all states and territories. Go to www.hydrochem.com.au ■

5 Hi-vis heroes

TradeMutt, the Aussie apparel company best known for raising the issue of mental health through louder-than-ajackhammer workwear designs has released a new range that goes back to basics. The “Traditional Range” is an aptly named selection that might not attract a second glance on the worksite, but if you look carefully, you will still find the well-known colourful fabric on the cuff and back.

“Perfect for the undercover mutter,” says the company, “TradeMutt’s take on the traditional two-tone day hi-vis will keep you comfortable while you work and help us keep making the same social impact as our signature colourful range by helping us to fund free mental health support through TIACS and provide disability employment through SendAble.” Shirts feature full button front with phone-friendly double pocket, 3M reflective tape, 100 per cent cotton drill, reinforced double stitching, longer back tail, relaxed fit, embroidered TradeMutt logo and YNWA QR code on pocket flap. If you want to add a splash of colour, TradeMutt also offers face masks, sunglass straps, hickey dickeys (aka neck gaiters), boot skadoots (aka ankle gaiters) and caps. Go to trademutt.com ■

6 Rectorseal pops the caulk

Rectorseal has added Metacaulk cast-in-place device (CID) tub box kits to its product line, providing firestop penetration for plastic and metal drainpipes. Available with 2- and 3-inch Metacaulk CID, the tub box kits are designed to prevent the spread of fire from bathtubs or jet-spa drains to the upper level. No concrete drilling is required. The maximum slab height with kit components is 10 inches. For deeper slabs, Metacaulk CID extensions are available.

“Our continuing quest is to provide products that help to reduce installation time,” says Caitlin Krc, Product Manager at RectorSeal. “It’s one reason why our tub box components are designed to be cast directly into the concrete to form an embedded intumescent service supply.” The Metacaulk tub box kits have been designed for both plastic and metal drainpipes. Standard features include a crush-resistant, small-footprint design, alignment stubs, and height-marking identification. The kits can be mounted onto concrete forms using conventional methods outlined in the installation instructions.

RectorSeal is a wholly owned subsidiary of CSW Industrials Inc. Go to www.rectorseal.com.au ■

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7 Panasonic takes the floor

Panasonic has released a floor-standing air purifier, featuring the company’s trade-marked nanoeX technology. “With the average person breathing in 18kg of air every day, air is an essential part of our lives,” says Panasonic. “The new range purifies the air with nanoeX, which actively cleans the air in the room, impacting upon airborne and surface impurities. OH radicals encapsulated in water neutralise micro-organisms and pollutants – inhibiting up to 99 per cent of bacteria, viruses, mould and allergens, both airborne and on surfaces, as well as reducing odours.” The air purifier boasts a range of features, including HEPA composite filter, de-formaldehyde technology, particulate matter indicator, as well as everything from a brightness sensor to childproof lock. “Australians are now more conscious than ever about what they’re breathing into their bodies,” says Panasonic Product Marketing Manager Ginger Yu. “With our air purifier, they can create an atmosphere that feels clean and is clean. At Panasonic, our goal is to help make our customers’ lives easier while always maintaining the highest quality in all our products.” The unit has been designed for rooms of up to 95m2 . Go to www.panasonic.com/au ■

DO YOU HAVE A NEW PRODUCT TO GO IN THE TOOLSHED? Email mark.vender@airah.org.au All submissions received will be considered, though publication cannot be guaranteed.

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