Locate and inspect airborne cooling and air conditioning systems in treated spaces

This standard is about locating and inspecting airborne cooling and air conditioning systems in treated spaces.

The aim of the inspection is to assess the efficiency and sizing of the systems compared to the cooling requirements of the building. In turn, this will enable the production of a report, which advises customers on issues that affect energy efficiency and the use of installed air conditioning systems and suggest potential improvements.

The standard is about reviewing existing information relating to the airborne cooling and air conditioning systems, and their maintenance and energy consumption. It is also about conducting a thorough inspection of the systems including the visual inspection of all relevant aspects in accordance with industry requirements.  

This standard also covers the production of records of findings using relevant methods and ensuring that records are kept in accordance with the relevant data protection legislation.

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Review and record information relating to the energy performance of airborne cooling and air conditioning systems in treated spaces

1. review the available information and identify that which is relevant to the energy performance of the airborne cooling and air conditioning systems
2. assess the installed equipment, controls, building fabric and layout
3. identify variations from available drawings, documents and records and evaluate the impact they have on energy performance
4. review the relevant site information and identify significant factors that influence the conduct of the energy assessment
5. locate the airborne cooling and air conditioning systems and assemble a minimum portfolio of relevant documentation if required
6. maintain records of your inspections in accordance with organisational requirements and the relevant data protection legislation

Locate and inspect airborne cooling and air conditioning systems in treated spaces

1. check the condition of air delivery and extract openings, grilles and diffusers identifying airflow arrangements
2. check if occupants find the air distribution arrangements unacceptable and the actions they have taken to change the air distribution
3. observe whether building modifications, partitioning, or fitted furniture have affected the performance of the system through obstruction
4. check that the airflow is apparent through the identified openings, preferably towards the extremity of the system
5. conduct checks where individual temperature and volume controls operate in separate spaces to confirm they are functioning and are not in conflict with other forms of heating within the space

Conduct the inspection

1. provide evidence of your identity to those present at the property before commencing the inspection
2. confirm the availability of the equipment and resources required for the inspection
3. use test equipment according to manufacturers' instructions
4. identify circumstances when at the property that prevent you from continuing with the inspection and explain the reasons to the customer
5. undertake specific, non-invasive and non-hazardous techniques that have been included within the agreed scope of works
6. observe and take measurements which are necessary to provide data for assessment of the energy performance of the airborne cooling and air conditioning systems
7. make further investigations where observations are inconsistent with existing evidence and expected findings
8. draw the customer's attention to inadequate maintenance or neglect, particularly where these might have implications for the health and safety of occupants or the public

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1. the relevant components and controls of airborne cooling and air conditioning systems
2. the design and operation of the installed airborne cooling and air conditioning systems, and the impact of changes in building usage on the air conditioning system installed
3. how to identify the type, features and location of the airborne cooling and air conditioning systems present at the property
4. how to check that the system settings are within the limits set by manufacturers' data or design intent
5. how to read and interpret building drawings
6. the factors affecting air conditioning systems efficiency
7. the range of information available relating to the airborne cooling and air conditioning system installed, its maintenance schedule and energy consumption
8. how to review available information to identify that which is relevant to the energy performance of the air conditioning system
9. how to review the available information to identify factors that influence the energy assessment
10. how to identify circumstances that prevent the assessment of the energy performance of the air conditioning system
11. the types of equipment and resources that are required for the inspection
12. how to undertake specific, non-invasive and non-hazardous techniques included within the agreed scope of works
13. how to make further investigations where observations are inconsistent with existing evidence and expected findings
14. the requirements and application of relevant regulations, standards and guidance that apply to the assessment of the energy performance of air conditioning systems
15. how to collate information required to assess the energy performance of air conditioning systems
16. the types of advice that can be provided to customers during inspection
17. the sources of information and advice about energy performance to which customers can be referred
18. how to record the information and evidence in accordance with the relevant data protection legislation

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Physical measurements of performance:

• estimate current cooling loads against appropriate optimum cooling loads for a typical building of the type being inspected
• establish the optimum size of the cooling system
• identify special cooling measures for specific areas
• assess cooling capacity using equipment rating plates and performance data available from manufacturers and online databases based on size and likely age of the equipment
• establish the ventilation rate in terms of volume of air being circulated through the building and prescribed ventilation rates in regulatory documentation and professional guidance
• determine airflow rates provided by fans in relation to ventilation requirements of the building and fan duties available from building logbooks, operational and maintenance manuals and rating plates and the total power required by supply and extract fans
• establish the specific fan power of the supply and extract installation from available information compared to recommended levels in guidance documents

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1

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06 Jan 2024

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Current

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Original

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Instructus

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ASTACEA4

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Architects, Building and Construction, Construction, Planning and the Built Environment, Engineering, Engineering Professionals, Professional Occupations, Town Planners and Surveyors

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5225

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complex; central; air conditioning systems; maintenance; energy consumption; efficiency; inspection

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