Complete Guide to Air Conditioning Regulations

The global temperature is slowly increasing each year, therefore increasing the need for air conditioners in both commercial and domestic settings. Recently in January 2020, the HCFC refrigerant was banned from production, meaning many older models of air conditioners that were using refrigerants had to be replaced or altered to stay legal. However, this isn’t the first regulation that has come into practice since the invention of air conditioners – in this article, we’ll explore the regulations surrounding air conditioners and why they were brought into practice.

2006 – F-Gas inspections

In 2006 it became required by law that air conditioners with Flourine in their chemical makeup need to be checked regularly to ensure these harmful gases aren’t leaking into the atmosphere. 

• Systems with more than 3kg of refrigerant – HFC needs to be checked every twelve months.
• Systems with more than 30kg of refrigerant – HFC needs to be checked every six months and leak detection inspection carried out every twelve months.
• Systems with more than 300kg of refrigerant – HFC needs to be checked every three months and leak detection inspection carried out every twelve months. 

The main aim of the inspections is to make sure harmful F-Gases aren’t being released as they contribute to global warming by destroying the ozone layer.

Energy Performance Certificate

All commercial properties of 500 square meters or above must hold an Energy Performance Certificate to prove they meet the requirements set out by the Energy Performance of Building Regulations for air conditioners. 

2011 – TM44 regulations

Under these regulations, it is required that an independent inspection by an energy assessor is carried out to establish the efficiency of the air conditioning system in commercial buildings. A review highlights the weaknesses in an air conditioning system, how it can advance its efficiency and suggests solutions or replacements. 

These inspections are in place so you can improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, operating costs and the carbon emissions of the system, thereby making the system more environmentally friendly. Inspections are required every five years, in order to ensure all air conditioners comply with changing regulations, and failure to have an inspection every five years will result in a £300 fine per building or unit for every inspection missed. 

2015 – R22 phase out 

R22 is a refrigerant gas (HCFC) commonly used in air conditioning appliances. Since 2015, HCFCs have been illegal for servicing and maintenance, therefore many air conditioners have to be replaced or altered in order to stay compliant. R22 gas is detrimental to the ozone layer, so you can no longer replenish your air conditioning system with this gas. 

Here at Airway Group, we have a wide variety of air conditioning appliances that we can install with our first-rate service for both commercial and domestic customers. Whether you’d like scheduled maintenance or a one-off visit, we can tailor our services to ensure all your requirements are met. For more information on our products and services, please get in touch with a member of our team today.