Air Conditioning Legislation – Will You Be Affected?
Air Conditioning Legislation Will You Be Affected
?
As everyone is becoming more environmentally aware, the Government are looking at cutting emissions from as many sources as possible. So far we have seen electric cars, increased public transport usage and catalytic converters become the norm in efforts to reduce carbon emissions. However, it's buildings such as houses, offices and shops that are responsible for 50% of the UK's energy consumption and carbon emissions, and this is the reason for new laws being introduced.
This article focuses on the air conditioning area of a new legislation being enforced and key areas which you should be aware of.
What is this new law?
The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations 2007 include making inspections for air conditioning systems compulsory, with varying requirements for different systems.
Will it affect me?
All buildings with air conditioning units totalling 12kw will be affected. This includes commercial, domestic, and public buildings.
Here is a breakdown of air conditioning units that will need an inspection:
Unit that total 250kw require an inspection certificate now (and should have had one by January 2009)
Units that total 12kw require an inspection certificate by the 4th January 2011
If the unit was installed after the 1st January 2008, you will need to have a first inspection before its 5th year
How do I know if my air conditioning unit totals 12kw?
12kw units are often wall, door or ceiling mounted.
Wall mounted units are generally between 1500mm and 2500mm wide, making them some of the smallest systems available. These air conditioning units are often referred to as "air curtains", as in shops they are mounted above entrances to blow cool air onto customers as they enter.
Ceiling mounted units are even smaller as they are linked to much larger outdoor based units. These can be around 840mm and sit flush to the ceiling.
"Totals" means, as defined by the EPB Regulations, the sum of "all the components required to provide a form of air treatment in which the temperature is controlled or can be lowered, and includes systems which combine such air treatment with the control of ventilation, humidity and air cleanliness".
This means, for example, that if you have three 4kw units all in the same building, you must have an inspection.
What does the inspection involve?
The inspection is really just a health check on the system, to see how efficient it is and how it could be improved to lower energy usage and emissions.
It could also lead to lower operating costs, and the inspector will give advice on whether a newer, more efficient system would be more suitable for your premises.
After your initial inspection, it is a requirement of the legislation that you have regular inspections at least every 5 years after that.
Who will carry out the inspection?
An inspection report will only be valid if it was carried out by an accredited energy assessor who is a current member of an approved accreditation scheme. To find an accredited assessor to carry out an inspection in your building, search using your postcode on the EPC register online.
Do I have to have an inspection?
It is now mandatory to comply with the legislation, so yes the inspection is necessary; however it is not mandatory to submit the report to the central register. If you have recently been given the responsibility of controlling an air conditioning unit but you haven't been provided with an inspection report, you must schedule an inspection within three months of being given the responsibility.
What happens if I don't have an inspection?
There is currently a fixed 300 penalty for non-compliance, which is likely to increase soon with government changes and environmental policies getting stricter. As well as this, standard buildings insurance policies may not pay out where a property does not comply with all relevant legislation, and this includes air-conditioning inspections.
So now what do I do?
To see whether your buildings insurance policy covers your air conditioning unit, and for any more information regarding the new legislation, please contact us through our website or call 02380 558200.
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