Air-conditioning energy inspections
Having your air-conditioning system regularly inspected by an Energy Assessor is designed to improve energy efficiency. It can also help cut electricity costs and carbon emissions for your home, business or organisation. It is also the law.
Inspection timescales
Here are the timescales for having air-conditioning systems inspected:
- systems with a rated output of 12kW or more installed before 30 December 2008 must be inspected now
- systems with a rated output of 12kW or more installed after 30 December 2008 must be inspected within five years
- all systems over 12kW should be inspected regularly - not exceeding five years
Enforcement
Not inspecting your system for energy efficiency could lead to enforcement action by district councils. This can include a penalty charge notice.
Under the regulations, the term air-conditioning system refers to any system where refrigeration is used to cool for the comfort of occupants.
Efficiency
As well as being a legal need, energy inspections make sure that your system is efficient. They may highlight the need for newer more efficient systems.
Regular inspections, maintenance and cleaning are essential for safety and efficiency.
Energy inspections may also identify units that are no longer needed due to a change in use of parts of your building or home.
Inspection, maintenance and cleaning programmes help make sure your equipment is safe, offer you a healthy and comfortable environment and limit the escape of refrigerant gases.
Report of findings
The energy assessor who carries out the inspection will give you a report of their findings, identifying recommendations to improve the system’s performance.
Carrying out the recommendations in the report could cut your energy bills and save you money.
It is important you hold on to a copy of this report. It is evidence that you have had an energy inspection and by law you must have a copy under your control at all times. It should also be made available to an authorised officer of an enforcement authority should they visit your building or home to confirm compliance.
Failing to have a copy of the report may result in enforcement action and the issue of a penalty change notice even if you have had the system inspected.
Find an accredited energy assessor
You can find a qualified assessor via the GOV.UK website:
Further advice
For advice on air-conditioning energy inspections, contact your local district council building control.
For more information on the energy performance of building regulations and to download guidance on air-conditioning energy inspections, visit the following page on the Department of Finance website: