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  • Breadcrumb

    1. Home
    2. Environment and the outdoors
    3. Energy advice
    4. Energy efficiency

    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:

    • Getting a new energy certificate

    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:

    • Energy performance of buildings in Northern Ireland

    More useful links

    • NI Energy Advice
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    Energy efficiency

    • Air-conditioning energy inspections
    • Choosing energy efficient products
    • Energy efficiency tips
    • Energy efficient electrical goods
    • Energy Performance Certificates
    • Insulation

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