• For air-conditioning systems, where the effective rated output is more than 12kW the first inspection must happen by 4 January 2011
  
• All air-conditioning systems with an effective rated output of more than 12kw must be regularly inspected by an Energy Assessor and the inspections must be a maximum of five years apart.
  

• For air-conditioning systems, where the effective rated output is more than 12kW the first inspection must happen by 4 January 2011

• From 4 January 2011, if the person in control of the air-conditioning system changes and the new person in control is not given an inspection report, the new person in control of the system must ensure the air-conditioning system is inspected within three months of the day that person assumes control of the system.

• For other air-conditioning systems, where the effective rated output is more than 250kW the first inspection must happen by 4 January 2009.

• For all systems first put into service on or after 1 January 2008, the first inspection must have taken place within five years of the date when it was first put into service.

The reasoning behind inspections is to reduce energy consumption, control carbon emissions and ensure cost efficiencies. An efficient system is also more likely to be a safer and healthier system (but to ensure these more rigorous checks need to apply, above standard energy efficiency checks).

• Audit the site’s total A/C equipment for occupancy
  
• A physical description of the system(s) inspected
• Inventory of equipment inspected (makes, models, and serial numbers)
• Locations of outdoor equipment and areas served (including locations of indoor equipment)
• Results of measurements (e.g. temperature reading of pipe work, office space etc)
• Comments on efficiency, system sizing, and areas for improvement
• Comments on faults identified, adequacy of maintenance programme and control settings and areas for improvement
• Comments on alternative solutions
• Summary of findings
• Lodgment of report on Landmark register
  

If a system is installed within a building but is later de-commissioned or not in use; a certificate or statement from a competent person is required to prove this.  If this documentation is not present an AC inspection will be required.

Penalties for failing to keep up to date: A penalty charge notice may be issued by local trading Standards for failure to comply with regulations in respect of an air-conditioning inspection, with a potential penalty of £300. However a lack of a satisfactory inspection could hamper any sale or letting of the property in question.
 
Building Managers are urged to read the full report  in order to ensure they meet the 4 January deadline and maximise the cost and energy efficiency of their air-conditioning unit, particularly in the face of prolonged harsh winter weather.