Use air conditioning systems efficiently and responsibly
What an air conditioning inspection involves
An energy inspection of your air conditioning system involves a visual assessment by an accredited assessor. For more information on accredited assessors, see the page in this guide on checking your air conditioning inspection is valid.
Inspectors will examine the air conditioning equipment, air movement systems and controls. They will need to inspect equipment located in plant rooms or on rooftops.
Once the visual inspection is finished, the inspector gives a detailed report to the person responsible for maintenance of the building's air conditioning system - 'the operational controller'.
Using the air conditioning inspection report
Air conditioning inspection reports contain:
- information on the current efficiency of your equipment
- suggestions for improving the efficiency of your equipment
- advice on replacing inefficient equipment and/or refrigerants
- any faults identified - such as the condition of air filters - and suggested actions
- information on the adequacy of your equipment maintenance and how to improve it
- advice on reducing your need for air conditioning
You do not have to act on the inspection report, but you may cut energy use and costs if you do.
For more information on equipment efficiency, replacement and maintenance, see the pages in this guide on using your air conditioning system efficiently, buying efficient air conditioning equipment and maintaining your air conditioning system.
Responsibilities of air conditioning controllers
If you control an air conditioning system that requires an inspection, you must make sure that it has been inspected by the appropriate deadline. For information on deadlines, see the page in this guide on inspecting your air conditioning system.
If your responsibility for controlling the system passes to someone else, you should provide them with any inspection reports you have.
From 4 January 2011, if you do not provide an inspection report, the new controller will be legally required to ensure the system is inspected within three months.
Inspection reports should be kept with maintenance records in the building log book. You can order a guide to keeping a building log book for small businesses on the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) website - Opens in a new window.
For more information on inspections, you can download the guide to air conditioning inspections from the Communities and Local Government website (PDF) - Opens in a new window.
Subjects covered in this guide
- Introduction
- Benefits of efficient air conditioning
- Inspecting your air conditioning system
- What an air conditioning inspection involves
- Checking your air conditioning inspection is valid
- Maintaining your air conditioning system
- Using your air conditioning system efficiently
- Buying efficient air conditioning equipment
Carbon Trust Advice Line
0800 085 2005
Actions
- Download air conditioning inspections guidance from the Communities and Local Government website (PDF, 414K) - Opens in a new window
- Reducing energy use in offices explained on the Carbon Trust website - Opens in a new window
- Air conditioning systems efficiency information on the Carbon Trust website - Opens in a new window
- Order a guide to keeping a building log book for small businesses on the CIBSE website - Opens in a new window
- Air conditioning inspections information on the CIBSE website - Opens in a new window
