The new law in the UK that makes the inspection of all air-conditioning systems with a power greater than 250kW and the display of air conditioning inspection certificates compulsory has caused a shortfall in air-conditioning assessors. The assessors are needed to give recommendations on how to make air conditioners more efficient. Bob Towse, head of technical and safety at the Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association (HVCA), said there is a massive shortfall in air conditioning equipment inspectors for commercial buildings.
Thousands of air conditioner inspectors are needed but according to the Charted Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), which is one of seven bodies able to accredit assessors, only a few assessors have applied for accreditation. Jacqueline Balian, director of information at CIBSE, has attributed this to building owners failing to understand what their responsibilities are. She said that the communities department needs to make owners more aware of the requirements. There seems to be little client demand so few people are coming forward, Balian said.
The requirements for air conditioning inspection certificates are part of the same legislation that imposes energy performance certificate requirements. The air con inspection falls under the process of issuing Commercial Energy Process Certificates for buildings with air conditioning systems. Air conditioning energy assessments have been required as of October 2008. Only qualified air conditioning energy assessors are able to carry out theses initial inspections, as well as all subsequent assessments as required by law.
The communities department commented on the shortfall and said: Well continue to work closely with schemes to ensure professionals are accredited so we have enough assessors in place to support the roll-out. Specialist training centres provide training courses for prospective Air Conditioning Energy Assessors. Accreditation of assessors takes approximately two weeks, after which they are qualified to furnish businesses with air conditioning inspection certificates and comprehensive reports.
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