The Government has introduced legislation to meet the requirements of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

Air conditioning systems account for a large proportion of the energy used in a building, and have therefore been specifically targeted in this new legislation. The aim is to provide building owners and occupiers with information about the systems performance and identify opportunities to reduce CO2 emissions.
The inspection will highlight measures, which, if adopted, will have the potential to save money and energy.

Who needs one?
Any building with air conditioning systems installed, which have an output above 12 kW, will require an inspection.

Who is responsible for providing the report?
Building owners and facilities managers who control the operation of air-conditioning systems have statutory obligations and duties of care in the operation and maintenance of air-conditioning systems and are responsible for commissioning this report.

Actual Inspection
Inspections will vary depending on complexity of the installed system. An air conditioning system consisting of refrigeration equipment, air movement systems and their controls will be surveyed and all relevant documentation such as manuals, drawings, maintenance records, commissioning data and control strategies will be inspected. An assessment of the system will be undertaken to determine if it is suitably sized for the cooling loads in the treated spaces and the overall effectiveness of the system. The report will conclude with observations and recommendations on energy-saving opportunities.

How long is a certificate valid for?
Each Air Conditioning Report (ACR) is valid for a maximum of 5 years.

Simple Systems
Typically smaller installations and usually referred to as split systems or multi-split systems. We will be looking to provide reports on these cooling systems.

Complex Systems
Larger centralized air or cooled water systems.  This is a more specialised area and we cannot undertake these inspections.