AC SYSTEMS with a rated output of more than 250kw must be inspected before January 4, 2009 and the government's 'Guide to air conditioning inspections for buildings' is required reading for firms.
Under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the first inspection of air-conditioning systems put into service on or after January 2009, must take place within five years of the date it was put into service.

But, for systems where the effective rated output is more than 250kW, its first ac inspection must happen by January 4, 2009.

Darren Jones, head of Efficient Air Consulting, a fully approved energy assessor of complex ac systems, under the regulations, said 'It is vital that all owners and managers of buildings with systems over 12kW familiarise themselves with the new regulations.

The Department of Communities and Local Government's guide details the benefits gained from a compulsory inspection of air conditioning systems. These benefits include not just avoiding a £300 fine, but also equiping businesses with a thorough audit of an ac system that may make up 80% of a building's energy consumption.

Jones added 'All the inspections that we have carried out so far, from the Tower of London to large office blocks and industrial units, have shown vast potential for simple and inexpensive cost saving'.

To read the guide click here