F Gas Regulations
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Air Conditioning Inspections
As part of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, all air conditioning systems with an effective rated output of more than 12KW must be regularly inspected by an energy assessor (This could be a single 12KW unit or a system comprising of four 3.5KW units). This applies to all existing buildings in England & Wales whether they are dwellings or non-dwellings. The first inspection should have already been carried out as the deadline was January 4th, 2011.
The inspections have been introduced to give building owners and operators essential information about the energy performance of their air conditioning systems as these are big contributors towards energy consumption and carbon emissions. The requirement is different to Energy Efficiency Certificates, which cover the whole of the building.
The regulations are enforced by the local authority (usually the Trading Standards dept.) and the penalty for failing to having an air conditioning inspection report is currently fixed at £300.
We have provided the following frequently asked questions to help you understand your obligations and responsibilities. For a full and concise explanation of the regulations, see ‘A guide to air-conditioning inspections for buildings’, provided by the government.
To arrange an inspection or for more information, call us on 0116 275 2107 or contact us via the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my air conditioning system requires an inspection?
- Who is responsible for ensuring the inspection is carried out?
- If I have recently purchased a building do I need a report?
- If I am a tenant am I responsible for getting the report?
- My air conditioning is nearly new – does it need an inspection?
- What will the inspector do?
- How do I find a qualified inspector?
How do I know if my air conditioning system requires an inspection?
All air conditioning systems with an effective rated output over 12KW require inspection (This could be a single 12KW unit or a system comprising of four 3.5KW units). The guidelines below are an approximate indication of typical figures for installed capacity for various spaces and may help you determine whether your system is within the scope of the Regulations
| Air conditioned general offices with typical levels of electrical equipment and 8–10m2 per person | 200m2 |
| Air-conditioned offices with high levels of IT and electrical equipment | 100m2 |
| Retail spaces with average levels of display lighting | 250m2 |
| Retail spaces with high levels of display lighting and illuminated cabinets | 150m2 |
Who is responsible for ensuring the inspection is carried out?
The responsibility lies with the person who controls the operation of the system. This is the person who controls the technical functioning of the system, which is usually the system owner. It is not someone who does no more than adjust the temperature.
If I have recently purchased a building do I need a report?
Yes. If a valid report was not provided by the previous owner, it is the responsibility of the system owner to ensure an inspection is carried out within three months.
If I am a tenant am I responsible for getting the report?
Possibly. The owner of the system will usually control the operation of the system; however where a tenant takes complete responsibility for a building and its services (e.g. full repairing and insuring lease), the tenant will control the system and will be responsible for ensuring an inspection is carried out.
My air conditioning is nearly new – does it need an inspection?
Not if it’s less than 5 years old. The first inspection will be due on the anniversary of 5 years of the date when it was first put into service.
What will the inspector do?
The inspection should include an examination of the refrigeration and air movement equipment that are part of the system, and their controls. The systems’ documentation should be reviewed to identify the extent to which it has been maintained. An assessment of the systems suitability to provide sufficient cooling in the treated spaces is also required and information should be provided where system improvements can be made.
How do I find a qualified inspector?
Either call us on 0116 275 2107 or contact one of the following bodies who run accreditation schemes for air conditioning assessors.
- Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- EPC Ltd
- Quidos
- HIC Ltd
- NAPIT
- BESCA
If you require any more information or would like to discuss your requirements, call us on 0116 275 2107, email us or contact us via the website.
