AIR CONDITIONING INSPECTIONS

Air Conditioning Inspections

The Energy Performance of Buildings Regulation 2007 (EPB) requires that all air-conditioning systems above 12kW (cooling output) be inspected by approved Air Conditioning Inspectors.

In England this requirement has been in place since January 2009 and those over 12kW must be inspected by January 2011. These inspections must subsequently be carried out every 5 years.

The legislation has been extended into Scotland whereby the EPB memorandum requires that all air-conditioning systems above 250kW in Scotland are inspected by January 2011 and those over 12kW must be inspected by January 2013. The frequency of inspection in Scotland is at the discretion of the Inspector and can range from three years for poorly maintained and inefficient systems up to five years for those systems that are well maintained and demonstrate excellent levels of efficiency.

Building owners and managers who control air conditioning systems have a statutory obligation and duty of care in the operation and maintenance of their air conditioning systems as outlined above.

Building owners failing to meet the deadlines can face fines of over £300 which can be reinforced every 6 weeks. For example, if a building continuously fails to implement an Air Conditioning Inspection over a full year the fine would be in excess of £2600.

The aim of the Air Conditioning Inspection is to:

1. Provide the building owners and operators with information regarding the performance of the building and its associated plant (air conditioning and air movement equipment).

2. Identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs and carbon emissions; and improve the internal local environment to the user.

This is achieved by undertaking a detailed inspection of the building and its plant. This is carried by means of visual observations, although some intrusive investigation is required (inspection of air handling unit and fan coil unit inspections). These findings are compiled into a detailed yet simple Air Conditioning Report to the Building Owner.

The report will offer observations and provide practical recommendations which can be taken forward by the Client to increase energy efficiency of the air conditioning plant, and as a cost saving exercise. The recommendations often provide sufficient cost savings so as to minimise the payback period.

These inspections must be undertaken by an Accredited Air Conditioning Inspector and be compliant with the document TM44 Inspection of Air Conditioning Systems.

KJ Tait Engineers employ building services engineers who are also experienced Accredited Air Conditioning Inspectors. They are therefore ideally placed to facilitate such inspections, building on our extensive knowledge of air conditioning systems whilst providing the Client with clear, practical recommendations which are building specific.