Many Air Conditioning Inspection Reports across England and Wales are approaching their renewal dates. According to government regulation, it is mandatory for all air conditioning systems with effective rated output of more than 12kW to be inspected every 5 years by an energy assessor to make sure it is energy efficient.

With initial inspection dates of 4 January 2009 (for systems with an output greater than 250kW) and 4 January 2011 (for systems over 12kW), we are now approaching a critical period for many reports to be renewed.

What is an Air Conditioning Inspection?

An Air Conditioning Inspection in an on-site visual assessment of an air conditioning system, which also includes an examination of air conditioning equipment and controls.

The aim of any air conditioning assessment is to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption, operating costs and carbon emissions.

During the inspection, the Air Conditioning Inspector (ACI) will assess the following:

• refrigeration equipment (and associated heat exchange systems)
• air moving systems
• system controls
• documentation (typically provided before an assessment)
• evidence of maintenance

Following the assessment, an air conditioning inspection report will be provided to the ‘System owner’. This will cover the current efficiency of the air conditioning system, recommendations for improvements and suggested actions, as well as advice on how to reduce air conditioning use.

The energy assessor will highlight how the operation of existing systems can be improved or promote opportunities to replace older, less energy efficient or oversized systems, with new energy efficient systems.

Air Conditioning Inspection Reports due for renewal

It is mandatory for all air conditioning systems with effective rated output of more than 12kW to be inspected every 5 years by an energy assessor to make sure it is energy efficient.

For systems with an output greater than 250kW, the first inspection deadline was 4 January 2009, while systems over 12kW had to be inspected by 4 January 2011. As time passes, the renewal dates are becoming increasingly spread out. However, we are now approaching a critical period for many reports to be renewed.

The upcoming renewals directly impacts the following parties:

• Owners of air conditioning systems with an effective rated output of more than 12kW
• Building occupiers where air conditioning systems with an effective rated output of more than 12kW are present
• Any company who has to undertake air conditioning reports (such as those who comply with ISO 14001).

It is essential for the above parties to ensure that their air conditioning systems are inspected in accordance with regulation, as failure to have a valid air conditioning inspection report may result in financial penalties.

An up-to-date air conditioning report can be obtained by contacting an qualified Air Conditioning Inspector.

How does this affect Air Conditioning Inspectors?

It is important for Air Conditioning Inspectors, and anyone looking to train in this area, to be aware of the upcoming renewal period, as the number of systems requiring an inspection is likely to increase.

With this in mind, all Air Conditioning Inspectors should ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest developments and are visible to potential clients in their area.

To stay ahead of the competition, take a look at Elmhurst’s CPD training course, designed to enhance and refresh your knowledge and expertise in this area:

• Forming Recommendations for Air Conditioning Inspections (On Demand): An interactive CPD course covering the different types of air conditioning systems, identifying system efficiency energy-saving opportunities, system management energy-saving recommendations and more (1 hour CPD).

Further Resources:

For more information, view the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Guidance: A guide to air conditioning inspections in buildings – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/air-conditioning-inspections-for-buildings/a-guide-to-air-conditioning-inspections