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AIR CONDITIONING INSPECTIONS

The first inspection of the system must take place before the following dates (depending on the date the system was first put into service):-

* First inspection of all existing systems over 250 kW cooling capacity must be completed by 4th January 2009
* First inspection of all existing systems over 12 kW must be completed by 4th January 2011
* New systems over 12 kW installed on or after 1st January 2008 must be inspected within 5 years of being put into service.

Air conditioning systems account for a large proportion of the energy used in a building, and have therefore been specifically targeted in the new legislation. The aim is to provide building owners and occupiers with information about the systems performance and identify opportunities to reduce CO2 emissions thus saving energy and money.

Building owners and facilities managers who control the operation of air-conditioning systems have statutory obligations and duties of care in the operation and maintenance of air-conditioning systems and are responsible for commissioning this report which, once issued, will be valid for five years.

What happens during an inspection?

Inspections will vary depending on the complexity of the installed system. An air conditioning system consisting of refrigeration equipment, air movement systems and their controls will be surveyed and all relevant documentation such as manuals, drawings, maintenance records, commissioning data and control strategies will be inspected. An assessment of the system will be undertaken to determine if it is suitably sized for the cooling loads in the treated spaces and the overall effectiveness of the system. The report will conclude with observations and recommendations on energy-saving opportunities to include:

The report will conclude with observations and recommendations on energy-saving opportunities to include:

* The condition and state of maintenance of your air conditioning system
* The adequacy of the installed controls and control settings and suggestions for improvement
* An assessment of the size of the installed system in relation to the cooling load
* Advise on improvements that could be made to your system’s energy efficiency
* Suggestions for minimising or avoiding the need for air conditioning

Although you are under no obligation to act on the advice in the inspection report, making the recommended changes is likely to reduce your energy consumption and costs.