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Mandatory inspections are being introduced for all air-conditioning systems with rated cooling output greater than 12kW.

Tue 12th Feb 08

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive - inspections of air conditioning equipment

Article 9 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requires the "routine inspection of air conditioning systems".  The relevant Government Department DCLG invited CIBSE and FETA to develop the UK methodology for carrying out these inspections.  This was published in 2007 as CIBSE TM44.

The DCLG have now introduced the UK regulations ( SI2007:991 and SI 2007:1669) which make routine inspections of all AC systems over 12kW a legal requirement.

Further guidance is anticipated from the DCLG shortly, but in the meantime the guidance to building owners is as follows:

  • Mandatory inspections are being introduced for all air-conditioning systems with rated cooling output greater than 12kW. This includes the combined output of one or more individual air conditioning units in the building.
  • If your air conditioning system has a rated output greater than 250 kW, you must have had your first inspection by 4th January 2009.
  • If your air conditioning system has a rated output greater than 12kW, but less than 250kW you must have had your first inspection by 4th January 2011.
  • Thereafter, inspections will be required every 5 years.
  • For new systems installed on or after 1 January 2008, the first inspection must have taken place within 5 years of the installation date.
  • The method for the inspections is in CIBSE TM44 http://www.cibse.org/index.cfm?go=publications.view&item=372

The DCLG are appointing approved bodies who will provide accreditation for those carrying out the assessments on air conditioning equipment. The DCLG website has further information at http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/buildingregulations/

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