What Are the Air Conditioning Regulations in the UK?

If you are a business owner or building manager responsible for the maintenance of the property, you need to be aware of the air conditioning regulations in the UK.

The Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations and the EPB England and Wales Regulations detail these requirements in full, which help to protect the health and safety of people working and visiting the building.

We explain more about the key air conditioning regulations in the UK you need to be aware of so you can remain up-to-date and compliant with current statutory law.

You may need planning permission for your air conditioning system

In most cases, the installation of an air conditioning system falls into the permitted development category. This is when a property owner has the automatic right to make certain alterations without seeking authorisation from the local authority.

The location and size of the system will be considered, whilst noise pollution will also be considered as part of the process, especially if you are living in a heavily populated area.

Air conditioning regulations also require system inspections

As part of the air conditioning regulations in the UK, inspections of all commercial systems are required by an accredited energy assessor.

This is to review the energy efficiency of the system, allowing building managers to strategise ways of saving energy and reducing carbon emissions – especially if there are net zero carbon targets to meet.

The Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations state that a system with an output over 12kW should receive an inspection at least once every 5 years.

How happens during an air conditioning inspection?

During an air conditioning inspection you can expect the following to he checked:

• Refrigeration and heat exchange systems: This is to look for any signs of damage that could affect the overall efficiency of the system.
• System controls: The assessor will look at the set temperatures and time periods, sensor locations, refrigerator capacity control and airflow rate control system.
• Air moving systems: Heat exchanges, fans and filters are all checked for blockages, along with any signs of restricted airflow or similar ventilation problems.
• System records and documentation: Historical maintenance records will also need to be assessed along with any planned maintenance schedule.

What happens after an air conditioning system inspection?

Once the assessment has been completed you will be provided with the inspection report that will detail the following:

• Efficiency rating for the system and suggestions that can be made to improve its operation
• Any faults that were discovered during the inspection and how they could be resolved.
• Equipment maintenance and controls assessment and improvement suggestions.
• In-depth analysis of the system’s cooling load in relation to its size.
• Final summary of all findings along with performance optimisation suggestions.

The inspection must be carried out by an accredited energy assessor, and once completed, submitted to the Energy Performance of Buildings Register. This is a statutory requirement and failing to do so could lead to a fine being issued.

What are the penalties associated with the air conditioning regulations in the UK?

As we mentioned above, air conditioning inspections are a statutory requirement, and you may be issued with a penalty charge notice if you are unable to produce one upon request.

There is a 7-day time limit to produce the report once it has been requested, which could see a fine of up to £300 issued if this deadline is missed.

F-Gas inspections are also a requirement

Air conditioners and refrigerated equipment use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which can potentially cause more damage than carbon dioxide. This is classed as a fluorinated greenhouse gas (F-gas), and building managers are responsible for carrying out inspections relating to this.

As part of the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas Regulations, the UK government aims to minimise the risk of carbon emissions that harm the environment. This means building managers and commercial property owners must:

• Ensure that refrigerant leaks are identified and repaired as quickly as possible.
• Take appropriate steps to prevent and avoid leaks.
• Conduct air conditioning repairs, maintenance and inspections using a certified engineer.

Routine F-gas inspections may also be required for larger systems, whilst ensuring that system checks are kept up to date.

Summary

It’s important to stay on top of air conditioning regulations in the UK to keep your business compliant and to avoid a penalty notice. Working with a reputable, experienced air conditioning provider can make it easier to stay up to date with inspection and maintenance requirements. Not only will it make things less stressful and complicated for your business, but it will benefit the health of your staff and the environment.

Get a free survey and quote

AAC works with a wide variety of businesses in London and the Home Counties, enabling them to meet the latest air conditioning regulations in the UK.  To find out more, get in touch today to arrange a free quote and survey at a time that suits you. Email info@aacteam.co.uk or call 01707 32 55 66.