Air Conditioning Inspection - Efficiency Improvement

Improving Energy Efficiency - Air Conditioning
Faq's - Frequently Asked Questions about Air Conditioning Inspection procedures and techniques. See What Systems Require Inspection as part of the EPC for commercial property. This section explains the potential energy efficiency improvements for air conditioning systems.

There are three broad levels of energy efficiency which are likely to be found when air conditioning systems are inspected by the assessor:

1. Where the efficiency is impaired due to faults (in the operation, or design of the system), neglect (by poor maintenance) or misuse of the system by the operator.
2. Where efficiency is likely to be lower than the current minimum provisions for building services (values given in Approved Document L2B) which may be due to aspects of its design or use at the premises.
3. Those that are deemed acceptably efficient.

Improvement Advice and Guidance from the Energy Assessor In some cases it is better to conduct a system overhaul, or maintenance procedure undertaken, prior to assessment, as some of the measures outlined may be eliminated by such action. Based on the above factors, there are 3 broad ‘levels’ of advice you may receive from the assessor for each case, these are outlined below:

a) Advice on the rectification of faults in the system that are impairing its efficiency as designed (As Built) and as such recommendations may be made.

b) Advice on improvement measures to bring existing systems broadly in line with the current minimum provisions for building services as outlined in  Approved Document L2B.

c) Or, best practice improvement advice to raise standards even in the case that the system is fully compliant with the current minimum provisions for building services as stipulated in Approved Document L2B.

For consistency, the inspection advice will mostly provide a combination of aspects of a) and b) only. In some cases, however, best practice aspects may be provided on a generalised basis by providing reference to other published guidance sources available at the time.

In addition, there is a further category of advice which may be given. Some air conditioning systems may be older and operate with refrigerants which are being phased out, or having their use and supply restricted, under regulations relating to ozone depleting substances (ODS) - See also F Gas Inspections. In these cases the assessor may give advice on possible options for future system adaptation to use other types of refrigerants, or a complete replacement of the system, where required.

Such advice will need to be supplemented by a more detailed assessment when equipment modifications, or gases replacement are to be undertaken by the asset owner.

See also information relating to Refrigeration Plant and Equipment, specialist contractors may be required if it is advised that (Flourine based) F Gas replacement is required at your site.

In the case of replacement costs of capital equipment, the owner may be entitled to loan assistance and funding through an ECA grant.

Many companies are unaware that loans are available for replacement of older inefficient air conditioning, heating, cooling and ventilation equipment, the inspector can also offer advice about these grants when conducting the survey on site - see planned maintenance below.

Find an Assessor (Inspector)

Companies, Contactors and Surveyors of Air-Con Systems for energy assessment purposes as part of an EPC certificate can be located in our Directory, in many cases you can locate a suitably qualified assessor near to your local area. If you are in doubt as to whether an inspection is required as part of the legislation seek professional advice. You may be subject to a penalty or a fine for non-compliance with the regulations.

Air Conditioning Service and Repair

Refer also to Air Conditioning for further details regarding Refrigeration, cooling, design, engineers, service, installation, maintenance, repairs, inspection, installers, Refrigeration and Cooling, Variable Refrigerant Volume/Flow Systems VRV VRF, Heat Recovery, Ducted Systems, Climate Control Systems, upgrades of New and Existing Air Conditioning HVAC Heating Ventilation plant (AHU) Air Handling Units and controls.