Air Conditioning Inspections
Air conditioning systems can account for more than a third of the energy used in a building, and are therefore
specifically targeted in the new Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations (England and Wales). This is the
final part of this extensive legislation to come into force, with non-domestic EPCs and DECs having been
introduced earlier in 2008.
When are Air Conditioning Inspections Required?
The regulations are being adopted in two phases.
The first phase applies to 'complex' systems with a rated cooling capacity above 250 kW and the second phase for the remaining systems
over 12 kW cooling.
The timelines are as follows:
- Complex systems over 250 kW
 - 4th January 2009
- Systems from 12 to 250 kW- 4th January 2011
- New systems (installed after 1st January 2008)- 5 years commissioning
What is involved in an Air Conditioning Inspection?
The inspection will examine system components from the cooling plant to the means of delivering the conditioned air to the occupants,
and will also estimate whether the system is suitably sized for the cooling load. It is envisaged that wherever possible the inspections
will be undertaken parallel to associated routine activities such as maintenance and F-Gas inspections for economy.
The inspection report will identify system design and operational issues and the adequacy of maintenance and controls regimes, and
will often highlight simple no-cost and low-cost measures such as changing settings which can result in immediate and significant savings.
Reports will remain valid for five years, after which the system will require another inspection.
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