The lower threshold for air-conditioning inspections which includes all systems with an output of 12KW or more, came into effect from 4^th January 2011. This means that most air-conditioned spaces of over 2,000 square feet should now have an air-conditioning certificate.

“With the recent changes in the threshold a lot more buildings now require an inspection. CIBSE believes it is the ideal time to introduce the mandatory lodgement of air conditioning inspections to help monitor compliance”, said Hywel Davies, CIBSE Technical Director. “It will enable us to build up a national picture of air conditioning”.

The Government has announced that it will take forward proposals to make it mandatory to lodge air conditioning reports following an industry wide consultation, but the timescales are still to be determined.

“Implementing a mandatory lodgement requirement for air conditioning inspections will bring an increased focus on these inspections”, said Hywel Davies. “Air conditioning inspections have the lowest compliance rates, we think below 5%. The industry needs to increase compliance to achieve carbon emissions reductions targets and increase the energy efficiency of buildings”. 

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