The Benefits of Air Conditioning Inspection Reports for Building Owners
The recent government consultation on reforms to the energy performance of buildings have highlighted alarmingly low compliance with Air Conditioning Inspection (ACI) Report requirements. To avoid potential fines and actions, it’s crucial to understand why buildings need to comply and the benefits of doing so.
What is an Air Conditioning Inspection Report?
An air conditioning inspection (ACI) report, also known as a TM44 inspection, is conducted by an accredited Air Conditioning Energy Assessor and is designed to assess the energy efficiency of a building’s current air conditioning system. The report will recommend improvements, identify faults and suggest corrective actions whilst providing advice on reducing air conditioning usage.
The ACI report helps building owners make informed decisions on lowering energy consumption, operating costs, and carbon emissions. The inspection involves an on-site visual assessment of the air conditioning system, including an examination of the equipment and controls.
Who needs an Air Conditioning Inspection Report?
Air conditioning systems with an effective rated output exceeding 12kW must undergo an inspection by an Air Conditioning Inspector every five years to ensure they are energy efficient.
Why is it important to get an Air Conditioning Inspection report?
Reduced Energy Costs
A large number of buildings across the UK do not have a valid ACI report, meaning they may be paying more for energy than they need to be. With rising energy prices, an ACI report can provide cost effective recommendations to help building owners counter these increases.
Environmental Considerations
ACI reports are compulsory for certain systems under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations, but the ISO 14001 Standard also encourages companies to improve environmental performance and energy efficiency – ACI reports can contribute to this.
ISO 14001 is a voluntary, internationally agreed standard that sets out requirements for a company’s environmental management system. It offers companies a structured approach to tackling their environmental impact demonstrating a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, energy costs and waste production. Companies aiming to comply with ISO 14001 and achieve accreditation will need a current ACI report.
What happens if my building isn’t compliant?
Your company may be at risk of a fine
While there are many benefits to having a current ACI report, it is also a legal requirement for air conditioning systems with an effective rated output exceeding 12kW to have a ACI report completed every 5 years. Companies who do not comply are at risk of receiving a fine from Trading Standards.
Changes to penalties for non-compliant buildings
The government are proposing to increase the penalty charge for non-compliance with the requirement to have an ACI report for systems over 12kW from £300 to £800, whilst maintaining the £200 penalty charge for failure to produce a valid ACIR within seven days of it being requested by a Trading Standards Officer.
What can Non-Domestic Energy Assessors do to help?
With the government focusing on improving compliance in this area, Non-Domestic Energy Assessors (NDEAs) have an opportunity to upskill and expand their service offering. It is good practice for NDEAs to mention the requirements for ACI Reports alongside any Non-Domestic EPCs they provide, raising awareness among building owners about the requirements and risks of non-compliance.
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