The inspection will examine the refrigeration and air movement equipment that are part of air-conditioning systems, and their controls. It will also examine any documentation that helps to understand the systems, or indicates the extent to which the systems have been maintained. The energy assessor is also required to estimate whether the system is suitably sized for the cooling loads in the treated spaces, and to provide advice on ways in which the performance of the system might be improved.
When are Air Conditioning Inspections required by Law?
The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections)(England and Wales) Regulations 2007 require inspection of all air conditioning systems with rated outputs over 12 kW
for air-conditioning systems, where the effective rated output is more than 250kW the first inspection must happen by 4 January 2009
for air-conditioning systems, where the effective rated output is more than 12kW the first inspection must happen by 4 January 2011
From 4 January 2011, if the person in control of the air-conditioning system changes and the new person in control is not given an inspection report, the new person in control of the system must ensure the air-conditioning system is inspected within three months of the day that person assumes control of the system.
How often are Inspection Reports required?
The air conditioning inspection report has to be carried out every 5 years and as an option, the inspection report can be stored in a ‘Building Logbook’.
Building owners and managers who control air-conditioning systems have statutory obligations and duties of care in the operation and maintenance of air-conditioning systems.
Who is responsible for implementing and complying with the regulations and legislation?
If you control the operation of an air-conditioning system affected by these Regulations, it is your responsibility to:
ensure an inspection has been done in accordance with the requirements and timetable of the Regulations
keep the most recent inspection report made by an energy assessor
give any inspection report kept by you to any person taking over your responsibilities with respect to the control of the air-conditioning system
What can I expect in the report?
The purpose of the inspection and report is to ensure that building owners or managers are provided with basic information regarding the efficiency of the air-conditioning systems that they control, together with advice on how the energy efficiency or effectiveness of these systems might be improved.
Who can undertake Air Conditioning Inspections?
An energy inspection of an air-conditioning system must be carried out by an accredited energy assessor who is a current member of an approved accreditation scheme
I do not know the size of my air conditioning system, how can I work this out?
The effective output of an individual air conditioning unit or system may be given on the rating plate attached to the unit. It may also be stated in the operating and maintenance manual, if it can be located. Finally, the information may be available from the manufacturer’s website. Alternatively, where the system is covered by a maintenance contract, the capacity should be known by the contractor and should be reported in the maintenance records they supply.
Information for those wishing to qualify as Air Conditioning Assessors
There are 2 levels of Air Conditioning Assessors:
1) Level 4 – for those with experience of complex systems and air conditioning
2) Level 3 – for those who are new to the profession and inexperienced in air conditioning systems
I am a Building Services Engineer, do I need to qualify?
Yes, all persons wishing to supply services as an Air Conditioning Assessor will need to be qualified and accredited. The qualification can be taken as an APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning) or by undertaking appropriate training. The APEL route is only available after a full submission of your experience and qualification via a portfolio of evidence. Sometimes, it is faster and cheaper to attend training and obtain the required qualification as it takes just as long to meet the requirements of the National Occupational Standards (NOS). Accreditation bodies will want to see the evidence and the assessment process is lengthy by the APEL route. Future Training Energy Training provides a distance learning module for those wishing to use the APEL route.
I am not experienced in Air Conditioning and new to this area?
Our courses are open to all levels of learners. We recommend that you attend the Level 3 course and use the on-line pre-course route to gaining the appropriate knowledge and skills to complete the qualification. As this route requires extensive support, we have put in place a system that will enable those new to the area of energy assessment and air conditioning to gain a qualification to be able to offer services as an Air Conditioning Assessor.
I am DEA/NDEA, do I get any exemptions?
Yes, the National Occupational Standards (NOS), are common across the energy assessor/assessment qualifications for Units 1 and 2 and therefore, you will not need any further evidence for these units. You will only have to submit a portfolio and pass the exams specific to the Air Conditioning Qualifications. You are well placed to complete the portfolio faster than those who do not have previous energy qualifications.
Are there any exams?
Yes, unfortunately all qualifications have some form of external assessment. The DipACEA has 1 exam available monthly based on a multiple choice format. These can be available when you feel comfortable to manage the skills and competence of the standards. Our courses cover an extensive range of questions that will help you pass the required level for obtaining the qualification.
Do I have to do a portfolio?
Yes, again unfortunately, these qualifications require a portfolio of 3 case studies to demonstrate that you are able to complete survey inspections, use the appropriate software and produce high quality reports.
Do you provide the properties for inspection?
Part of the training will involve a site visit to learn how an inspection is carried out. The qualification requirements specifically state that the learning inspection cannot be used for the live 3 case studies so candidates will need 3 additional properties. Future Training Energy has a large client base that has indicated that they will allow our students to use their premises for the case studies. This will also place you in our panel system that provides jobs to enable you to kick start your air conditioning assessor business
How long is the training?
Level 3 training is for 3 days and Level 4 training is 4 days.
Your portfolio submission is left up to you to complete in your own time. We expect most of our students to complete a first submission in 2 months with their 3 properties for assessment.
Examinations are held monthly and you will be informed of the dates when you enrol. We would want all those who are trained by us to attend an exam revision session and sit their first exam attempt about 1 month after the training.
What is included in the training?
The training Future Training provides a multi-offering
1) All training by qualified trainers
2) Face to face front-line workshop delivery over 3 or 4 days
3) Option to enrol on on-line pre-course learning. Training to be able to understand what is involved
4) Visit to a live plant and premises
5) Assessment of your portfolio submission
6) Internal verification and quality control for awarding body submission for certification
7) Follow-up support from your assessor on evidence requirements
What does the price include?
1) Full delegate packs and training materials
2) Registration and exam fees
3) VAT and examination re-sit on second attempt
4) Venue with lunch and refreshments
5) Assessment and internal verification
6) Certificate costs
When can I start the course and training?
Future Training has published a list of dates for 2010 for the DipACEA qualifications. These are listed on our website or contact us for further information
Where is the training held?
Our training is carried out nationwide but due to matching student numbers with availability of experienced trainers, we are currently offering training in High Wycombe and Birmingham
Is the course residential?
We are able to provide potential learners with local hotel information for their residential needs during the course. We have negotiated preferred rates for our students that you may find beneficial.
What do I need to bring to the course?
Once you are enrolled on our course, you will be asked to complete an application form and submit identification information. You will need
1) A laptop
2) print-outs of your pre-course reading materials
3) Camera or mobile phone with camera facilities
4) Clipboard and pencil
All other materials will be provided during the course.
DEA Training
Free Training Available 2 Days Fast Track Domestic Energy Assessor(DEA) Level 3 Training Course.
NDEA Training
Free Training Available 5 Days Fast Track Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA) Level 4 Training Course (Includes DEC Training).
DEC Training
Free Training Available 2 Days Fast Track Display Energy Certificates(DECs) Level 3 Training Course.
Inventory Assessor
Free Training Available 2 Days Fast Track Inventory Assessor Training Course. £225.00 + VAT
