Air-conditioning energy inspections
Having your air-conditioning system regularly inspected by an energy assessor aims 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. They also offer you a healthy and comfortable environment and limit the escape of refrigerant gases.
Report of findings
The energy assessor who does the inspection will give you a report of their findings. It will include recommendations to improve the system’s performance.
Following the recommendations in the report could cut your energy bills and save you money.
It is important you keep a copy of this report. It shows that you have had an energy inspection. By law you must have a copy at all times. It should also be shown to an authorised officer of an enforcement authority if they visit your building or home to confirm compliance.
Failing to have a copy of the report may mean enforcement action and 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:
More advice
For advice on air-conditioning energy inspections, contact your local district council building control.
The Department of Finance website has more information on the energy performance of building regulations. You can also download guidance on air-conditioning energy inspections: