Mandatory Air Conditioning Inspections

As discussed in previous posts, air conditioning will provide many benefits for a business, such as keeping employees happy, healthy and productive. It is likely to represent a sizeable financial commitment so it makes sense to keep it running as efficiently as possible.

There are also compulsory equipment inspections to consider and this is where an experienced contractor such as Batchelor Air Conditioning & Refrigeration can make sure your business meets all its obligations.

CIBSE TM44 Inspections

To comply with the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations, CIBSE TM44 is used as the guidance for air conditioning inspections in the UK. These inspections should be carried out no more than five years apart by an accredited energy assessor for all systems with an effective rated output of more than 12kW. This figure refers to the COMBINED total output; so three individual 5kW systems would require a TM44 inspection.

The inspection

Designed to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, reduce operating costs and reduce carbon emissions. The assessor will highlight how the operation of existing systems can be improved or opportunities to replace older, less energy efficient systems, or oversized systems, with new energy efficient systems.

Government guidance says the person who controls the operation of an air conditioning system must:

• ensure an inspection has been done in accordance with the requirements and timetable of the regulations
• keep the most recent air conditioning inspection report provided by an energy assessor
• give any air conditioning inspection report to any person taking over responsibilities with respect to the control of the air conditioning system

How Batchelor can help

Where the occupier takes total responsibility for a building and its services, then the responsibility lies with them. Where the operation and management of the system is carried out on a day-to-day FM basis, or a servicing company provides routine servicing and maintenance, the contract may specify the FM or servicing company as the controller of the system with responsibility for ensuring that inspections are carried out. This means an experienced contractor such as Batchelor can help ensure you remain compliant.

Similarly, the F-Gas Regulation sets out a range of measures to minimise the risk of emissions from air conditioning systems. This includes maintenance, leak checking and repair requirements for equipment containing fluorinated gases. Above a certain size, checks for refrigerant leaks should be carried out at least every 12 months, more often for larger systems.

Get in touch

Remember that anyone responsible for the installation, commissioning, decommissioning, maintenance and repair of stationary HVAC equipment containing fluorinated gases must hold a current F-Gas Certificate. We are certified by the UK’s leading F-Gas register, REFCOM.

Let us take care of your equipment inspections, leaving you free to concentrate on your business. To discuss all your air conditioning installation and maintenance needs, contact Batchelor Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. Use the contact form, call 01234 712 901 or email info@batchelor.co.uk.