Businesses are being reminded to add an independent examination of their air conditioning systems to their service schedule.

From January 2011, all air conditioning systems in commercial premises with a cooling or heating capacity over 12KW must be examined and reported on by an independent competent person. The previous threshold was 250KW. Once complete, the survey lasts for five years.

A recommendation report needs to be produced identifying ways to operate the system more effectively with the aim of reducing operating costs and carbon emissions. It is part of the government\’s strategy to meet its climate change targets.