Current Legislation Overview

There are three pieces of legislation which users of air conditioning equipment need to be aware of, compliance with which should be integrated within the contract for routine servicing.

Ozone Regulations

This covers the phase-out of HCFCs, including the refrigerant R22, the current timetable of which is:

Since December 2009 the use of new R22 has been banned
Until December 2014 only reclaimed R22 can be used
After December 2014 no R22 can be used

EMS provides end users with advice on the best strategy to adopt for equipment still operating with R22, whether it be replacement of equipment, drop-in of alternative refrigerant, or continuing use with reclaimed R22.

F-Gas Regulations

This covers HFC refrigerants, current replacements to R22, – e.g. R407c, R134a, R410a etc – are referred to as F Gases, and are subject to legislation designed to minimise the risk of leakage from equipment.

EMS draws up, on behalf of the end user, an F-Gas Register, and thereafter monitors the use of such refrigerants during the equipment servicing, to ensure that a comprehensive record of the use of F-Gases is available at all times.

EMS is a member of REFCOM, which is a register of companies accredited to handle refrigerants and maintain the records required under the F-Gas Regulations, and which regularly audits its members to ensure that its procedures are being maintained.

Air Conditioning Inspections

As part of the EPB (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations, air conditioning systems must now be regularly inspected by an accredited Energy Assessor.

Systems installed before January 2008 must be inspected in line with the following schedule:

Systems over 250 kW cooling capacity to be inspected by 4th January 2009
Systems over 12 kW cooling capacity to be inspected by 4th January 20011

A “system” comprises one or more air conditioning units within a building controlled by a single person. Therefore, for example, 10 systems, each of 30 kW capacity each within one building, is considered as one system of 300 kW capacity.

The Inspection Report comprises a visual inspection of the equipment – its design, controls set-up and maintenance – and a written comment on recommendations as to how the operator might improve its efficiency.

EMS employs an accredited Energy Assessor, and will advise the client on what steps are required to ensure its compliance with these regulations.