An air conditioning inspection is not the same as servicing. You book servicing because you want the unit to cool properly. A leak tightness check is a legal obligation under EU regulations on fluorinated greenhouse gases, and it applies to the equipment operator, i.e., you, not the supplier.
Who is subject to the obligation
The amount of refrigerant in the circuit, converted to CO₂ equivalent, is decisive: not the number of units or the age of the equipment. A small wall-mounted split unit in an office usually does not fall under mandatory inspections. Multisplit systems, cassette units in larger buildings, or server room cooling typically do.
The exact threshold is determined by the type of refrigerant and its charge, which is stated on the unit's manufacturer label. During our first visit we will calculate this and inform you whether the obligation applies to you and at what interval.
The more refrigerant, the more frequently. Inspection intervals are graduated according to the scope of work and are shortened if the equipment lacks functional leak detection. For equipment above a certain threshold, leak detection is mandatory in its own right.
What the inspection covers
- Leak-tightness verification of the circuit using a measuring instrument, not just by visual inspection.
- inspection of joints, valves and areas where leaks most frequently occur
- verification of leak detection function, if the device is equipped with it
- entry in the equipment logbook
- protocol proving compliance during inspection
Overlooked records
For equipment subject to mandatory inspections, the operator must maintain records specifying the type and quantity of refrigerant, as well as who performed the inspection or top-up and when. This record is presented during the inspection, not service invoices. This is often the weakest point, as units function correctly and paperwork remains unattended until an inquiry arises.
Who is authorised to carry out the inspection
Work with refrigerants and leak tightness checks may only be carried out by a person with the relevant certification; intervention by an unqualified person has no value for record-keeping purposes. Our inspections are performed by a certified technician, and we issue protocols that will stand up to official inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the mandatory inspection also apply to standard office air conditioning units?
A single wall-mounted unit is usually not subject to mandatory inspections. The determining factor is the quantity of refrigerant converted to CO₂ equivalent, not the number of units. We calculate this from the manufacturer's label.
How often is the inspection carried out?
The interval depends on the refrigerant charge and whether the equipment has functional leak detection. The larger the charge, the shorter the interval.
What happens if I do not have an inspection?
This constitutes a breach of the operator's obligations, carrying the risk of sanctions from the regulatory authority. A more practical issue is that without records and protocols, it is difficult to substantiate anything, even in dealings with an insurance company.
Is an inspection the same as a service?
No. Service is maintenance for functionality. Leak testing is a legal requirement. They can be combined into one visit, but one does not replace the other.
Do you maintain our records?
We will carry out and hand over the record of every inspection or refrigerant top-up. The records remain with the operator, as they are responsible for maintaining them.