Air-Conditioning Energy Inspections
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Basic FAQ relating to Air-Conditioning Energy Inspections
- What is an Air-Conditioning Energy Inspection (‘ACEI’)
Basically, it is a compulsory energy audit of air-conditioning systems, their controls & settings, and the spaces they serve.
- When is an ACEI Required ?
The first must be made and reported before the 4th January 2011, thereafter at five-yearly intervals. New equipment installed after 4th January 2008 need not be inspected until 2013.
- Are there exceptions ?
Equipment which serves only machinery or processes is exempt. This typically covers applications such as comms-room or food refrigeration, but only where there are no human occupants of the space. Where equipment serves both plant and people (e.g. a multi-split unit, or a desk within a comms-room) then the equipment is not exempt.
- How is 12kW calculated ?
The rated output of each set of equipment is added together for the premises. Thus, three ‘split-unit’ comfort cooling systems of 5kW each would exceed the minimum and require an ACEI. The rating is the higher of the cooling or heating output, and is usually on the information plate on the side of the equipment.
- Who is legally responsible for obtaining the ACEI ?
The word used in the regulation is the ‘controller’. This is usually held to be the person who has authority to instruct maintenance or mechanical changes to the system. Therefore this is usually the owner, often the landlord, sometimes the tenant. An ‘operator’, who simply changes the time or temperature settings in use, is not necessarily a ‘controller’. Where a facilities management contract exists, the responsibility for ACEI should be stated. It also appears that landlords may have ‘parallel’ responsibility to obtain (and charge for) an ACEI if a tenant is in default.
- Who can produce an ACEI ?
Air-conditioning energy inspectors are accredited by one of a small number of government approved bodies. They are registered and must carry P.I. insurance.
- Is this a matter for my air-conditioning maintenance contractor ?
No. Engaging your air-conditioning maintenance contractor raises a potential conflict of interest. The inspection is effectively an audit of previous installation and maintenance. It also gives the opportunity to recommend upgrades, modifications and other capital expenditure. An independent inspection is therefore strongly recommended to give an objective review of past maintenance, and a careful assessment of the need for future work. In addition, a ‘fresh eye’ on the systems may also be of benefit.
- What does the ACEI report contain ?
Unlike EPC and DEC, there is no certificate, or standardised documentation. The method, scope and checklists are set out by regulation, but these need not form part of the final report.
The following should be expected with appropriate detail : - A schedule of the parties concerned and the address of the subject premises.
- A schedule and description of the equipment.
- A report on the status of the equipment, its controls and the areas served.
- Conclusions and Energy-saving recommendations.
The cover of the report should bear the Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) for the premises, and the Report Reference Number (RRN) to indicate that the report has been lodged on the national database. Unlodged reports are not legally effective.
- How are the regulations to be enforced ?Statutory enforcement rests with Trading Standards authorities by way if fixed penalty notices. Most buildings which have air-conditioning have the equipment mounted on the exterior walls. Liability for this regulation will therefore be reasonably obvious.
- Where can I get further information.
The Communities and Local Government Department guidance on ACEI is available from:
http://communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/889248.pdf
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