Smoko with

Name: Dennis Kenworthy, Affil.AIRAH Company: South Metropolitan TAFE (WA) Occupation: Lecturer in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning What’s the best thing about working in HVAC&R? I am a fridgie at heart. Refrigeration has been both challenging and rewarding at the same time. I find that while technology has changed the way we work in this industry, many of the grass-roots concepts and system designs have not. This has made it easier to transpose when dealing with evolving systems and add-ons. The aircon industry is also a fascinating field of great changes.

How long have you worked in the industry? Since 1985. I was apprenticed to my father’s small business – hard to pull a sicky! He has been the backbone of my learning and reason behind my motivation in this trade.

What’s the biggest thing that has changed in HVAC&R since you started working in it? Refrigerant evolution, from the phase-outs to the drop-in replacements. Watching people work comfortably on high-pressure gases now, and the emerging technology that has advanced sustainable system design. Favourite tool: Long-nose pliers. You are truly in grief without packing these in your toolbox. Best on‑the‑job advice you ever received: “It’s what you don’t know that matters.”

What’s the happiest a client has been with your work? I have a had a few wins over the years. The secret is getting people out of trouble. One evaporator fan working out of two is better than none.

Dream car: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, painted in those cool colours from the Grand Theft Auto V video game.

Dream holiday: I was about to take a good one before COVID-19 hit. But Hawaii and Europe will do nicely.

HVAC Hygiene ad - October 2019.pdf 1 19/9/19 2:44 pm Favourite smoko snack: Sushi rolls. What did you listen to on the way to work today? Van Halen’s 5150 album. Sporting hero: Retired cricketer Dennis Lillee. When I’m not working I’m … Playing guitar, cooking, or writing for my web pages.