All Air Conditioning systems with an output of more than 12kW require an inspection at intervals not exceeding five years. In Scotland, this can be as little as three years if systems are assessed as poorly maintained and inefficient. This also includes systems used for process applications such as server or comms room cooling.

· Where multiple smaller systems are installed and the combined capacity is greater than 12kW, and all such systems are under the control of one person, this would be classed as a single system, and would therefore require an inspection.

· The Inspection involves several stages:

1. Pre-Inspection – collection of basic information such as equipment list, maintenance records, site drawings and system schematics.

2. On-site system inspection – checking representative samples of installed equipment and identification of potential energy savings to be made.

    3. Evaluation of maintenance standards, with reference to good practice.                    

4. Evaluation of controls and system set-up.

5. Production of report for the responsible person including recommendations for improvement.

· An inspection ensures legal compliance; failure to produce a report on request can result in fines of £300 per offence which can be repeated, potentially daily, at the discretion of local Trading Standards Offices (Note – this is currently under review with the intention of increasing the penalty to £1,000).

· If the recommendations are followed, system efficiency can be improved which can reduce energy use, carbon emissions and system running costs.

· Improved system performance leading to longer lifespan of equipment and optimum indoor environmental air quality conditions.