Air Conditioning
Generally the term “air conditioning” applies to any form of ventilation, heating or cooling that changes the condition of the air.
Typically we think of air conditioning for our own comfort - in cooling down and dehumidifying the air we breathe inside.
An air conditioning unit (often talked about as air con or AC) is a system specifically designed to stabilise the air temperature and humidity inside a specific area.
Air conditioning is used for heating or cooling. Usually in residential air conditioning (and cars) a refrigeration cycle or evaporation is used.
Health Implications
It’s important to be aware of the health implications…
If you do not maintain your air conditioning, micro-organisms such as legionella pneumophila (the agent responsible for the very infectious Legionnaires’ disease) and thermophilic actinomycetes can easily grow and spread.
Both these health hazards can be avoided as long as your air conditioner is regularly maintained and kept clear.
On the flip side - air conditioning (such as cooling, disinfection and filtration) can be used to give a clean, safe environment to operating rooms in hospitals and other places where clean air is important to patient health.
It has been reported that air conditioning can help relieve some allergies - particularly those with asthma.
During intense heat waves some local authorities set up public cooling centers for those who do not have their own air conditioning in their own homes. Air conditioning has saved the lives of many elderly who are susceptible to heat.
Air Conditioning Bodies
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
This is an organization devoted to the advancement of indoor-environment-control technology in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. ASHRAE was founded in 1894 to serve as a source of technical standards and guidelines. Since that time, it has grown into an international society that offers educational information, courses, seminars, career guidance, and publications. The organization also promotes a code of ethics for HVAC professionals and provides for liaison with the general public. Its headquarters are in Atlanta, GA.
Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH)
The AIRAH was founded in 1920 and currently has around 10,000 members. AIRAH is the official Australian secretariat of the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) and collaborates closely with the ASHRAE.
Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association of Australia (AMCA)
AMCA is a nation wide industry association dedicated to represent and service the air conditioning and mechanical services industry in Australia. Members of AMCA design, install and provide ongoing service of air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems.
Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
The ACCA is a large organization of American HVACR professionals. They have over four thousand members and have individual charters in each state.
