Air conditioning systems account for a large proportion of the energy used in a building, therefore the Government has introduced a new legislation to meet the requirements of the
European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
The
air conditioning inspection is focused on reducing the carbon emissions of your air conditioning systems but there is a commercial spin off; potential reductions in running costs. The
Air Conditioning inspections aims to assess the system and suggest economically viable efficiency improvements and experience shows that 5% to 25% efficiency improvements are possible, dependant on the condition of the system and how well the system has been maintained.
The inspection will indicate the steps to which will have the potential to save energy and ultimately impact your organisations bottom line.
Who needs one:
Any building with air conditioning systems installed which has an output above 12kw will require an inspection. However portable air conditioning units do not require an inspection.
Responsibility 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 the
Air Conditioning Report.
Inspection Process:
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. Most important, the report gives you suggestions for potential improvements of the efficiency of the air conditioning systems together with likely reductions in running costs and carbon emissions.
Validity
Each
Air Conditioning Report (ACR) is valid for a maximum of 5 years.
Dates:
- First inspection of all existing systems over 250 kW cooling capacity
must be completed by 4th January 2009.
- First inspection of all existing systems over 12 kW
must be completed by 4th January 2011.
- New systems over 12 kW installed after January 2008
must be inspected within 5 years of being put into service.
E-First Surveyors now provide a full
Air Conditioning Reports (ACR) in keeping with the latest legislation. With trained professionals throughout the UK we can service all ACR requirements in this developing sector. For further information please
click here.
