As part of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive it will become necessary under law to have all air-conditioning systems inspected.
The requirements of this Energy Performance of Building Directive are as follows:
Air conditioning inspections where the total system cooling capacity is greater than 12Kw will be inspected at intervals of not greater than 5 years. This includes all air conditioning systems regardless of whether they are in domestic or commercial buildings.
The inspection will include an efficiency assessment, a review of their sizing and advice on improvements, replacements or alternative solutions.
The air conditioning inspections will need to be carried out by registered accredited energy assessors.
These inspections are to be implemented in two phases as follows;
4th January 2009 – First inspection of all existing systems with a cooling capacity greater than 250Kw.
4th January 2011 – First inspection of all remaining systems greater than 12Kw.
The report will look at the building, the type of air conditioning system(s) installed, their maintenance procedures and recommend ways to improve the systems and their efficiency if possible.
System records and documentation
The state of maintenance compared with good practice, with recommendations for improvement if appropriate.
Low- or no-cost actions, such as clearing obstructed heat exchangers or adjustments or improvements to controls.
Opportunities for reducing cooling loads or periods of operation, such as co-location of IT equipment for separate treatment or the addition of solar-control measures.
Opportunities to use alternatives such as free cooling or more efficient technologies such as variable-speed fans.
The scope for opportunities that would need further examination or clarification by more detailed examination by specialists, including signposting to sources of further advice and support.
If you require any further advice on obtaining an air conditioning inspection please contact Kevin Leonard on 020 7336 0808.
We have prepared a document called "Air Conditioning Inspections".
