The EU Energy Performance of buildings Directive(EPBD) will be familiar to anyone working in the construction sector.  Introduced in 2003, this Directive brought in a number of important developments for the design and operation of buildings across EU member states, including new levels of air tightness, Energy Performance Certificates and inspections of air conditioning systems.

A significant element of the EPBD is the introduction of regular inspections for heating and air conditioning systems.

DEADLINES FOR AIR CONDITIONING INSPECTIONS

The first deadline for these inspections has already passed:  air conditioning systems over 250Kw rated output should have undergone their first inspection in January 2009.

This includes buildings with multiple separate systems which add up to 250Kw rated output as long as they are controlled by the same person.

The next deadline is for systems where effective rated output is more than 12Kw.  These require a first inspection by January 4th 2011.

WHAT IS AN AIR CONDITIONING INSPECTION?

The inspection covers the refrigeration and air movement equipment that is part of the air conditioning system, as well as controls.  Documentation on maintenance programmes will be checked.  The assessor must also estimate whether the system is correctly sized for the required cooling loads and provide advice on ways in which the system might be improved.

Refrigeration
Inspection will check for indications of damage or lack of maintenance that reduces efficiency.  Checks for effective heat rejection, including access to an adequate flow of air and the state of outdoor heat rejection equipment and indoor heat exchange equipment.

Air Movement Systems
Where these are installed as part of the system, checks will be carried out to assess any damage to fans. or blockages on filters or heat exchangers.  Grilles, screens or pre-filters will be checked to assess if they are blocked by debris or damaged.

Controls
These are assessed in detail since controls offer good potential for reducing energy use in a very effective way.  For example, incorrect control settings or poorly positioned sensors can increase energy usage considerably.

The assessor will look at set temperatures; time periods; appropriateness of control zones; methods of refrigeration capacity contol and air flow rate control.

INSPECTION RESULTS

The aim of inspections is to provide building owners and managers with information on the efficiency of their air conditioning systems, as well as advice on how the performance of these systems could be enhanced.

An inspection does not include cleaning or repair services, unless this is agreed by the assessor and client before the work is carried out. CSGROUP™ engineers are qualified to carry out this work.