Air conditioning energy assessment

[edit] Outline

Air conditioning energy assessments (ACEA) can play a significant role in helping cut energy costs. The ACEA legislation came in at the start of 2011 and affects any air conditioning system with an effective rated output of more than 12kW. All air conditioning (air con) units installed prior to January 2008 need to have an Air Conditioning Energy Inspection if they have an effective rated output of 12kW or more. If you have a newer air-con system installed after this date, it must be inspected every five years. If you have several air-conditioning systems within a single building, this will normally be assessed as one system.

[edit] The benefits of air conditioning energy assessments

Not only is this a legal requirement, but it also confirms that your system is suitable and determines how efficient your system is, as well as its condition. It will tell you how effective your maintenance processes are, with the report that you receive making recommendations on how to cut energy usage, cost and environmental impact. Your report will also provide you with valuable, relevant advice on the government’s Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme and tell you whether assistance is available from bodies like the Carbon Trust. The report will also enable you to enhance your green credentials.

A full Air Conditioning Energy Assessments service:

• Includes inspection, report, certificate and filing;
• F-Gas-registered air-con engineer assessors;
• Helps to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions;
• Highlights improvements you can make to the system;
• Encourages replacement of less efficient air-con, and
• Easily packaged with repairs and refurbishments.

[edit] Who can carry out air conditioning energy assessments?

Assessments must be conducted by independent, accredited inspectors and energy assessors. No alterations will be made to your system while the inspection is being carried out, and you will not be obliged to follow any of the improvements or alterations that have been recommended to you, although it is advisable to do so.

[edit] Protect your air-con systems

Remember, the report can help you make your systems more cost and energy-efficient while prolonging the life of your system or systems. It will also enable you to reduce the environmental impact of your operations. Talk to your air-con contractor if you are interested in having an inspection carried out and need to get the best quotes from the most reputable sources to ensure that your building’s HVAC systems conform to the latest government legislation.

[edit] Work with an experienced contractor

It is advisable to call on the services of an experienced air-conditioning contractor to carry out the ACEA inspection. Ideally, this will be someone with expertise and a strong track record in delivering the full range of renewable energy technologies. Such an assessor should be knowledgeable about all types of energy efficiency measures and importantly, should know how to combine them for the greatest benefit.

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--Sovereign Planned Services Ltd