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Decree No. 2018-126 of February 22, 2018, regarding the inspection of air conditioning systems and reversible heat pumps with a rated cooling capacity greater than 12 kilowatts, came into effect on July 1, 2018. This decree establishes the frequency and procedures for periodic inspections of these systems. It also regulates the content of an air conditioning logbook, which centralizes all data and documents related to air conditioning systems to facilitate inspections.
Air conditioning systems covered by the decree
This decree applies to air conditioning systems and heat pumps, whether simple or complex, with a useful rated cooling capacity greater than 12 kilowatts. Air conditioning systems are defined as the combination of all components necessary to provide a form of indoor air treatment for a building with a roof and walls, where the temperature is controlled or can be lowered.
It should be noted that when multiple air conditioning systems or reversible heat pumps are networked to control or lower air temperature, the entire assembly is considered a single system with a rated cooling capacity equal to the sum of the rated capacities of the systems in the network.
Air conditioning logbook
This decree establishes an air conditioning logbook, defined as "the file containing data relating to the air conditioning system, its usage, and the indoor climate control needs it addresses." This logbook aims to centralize all information and documents related to air conditioning systems to facilitate the assessment of their efficiency and sizing during inspections, as defined in the order of December 15, 2016.
Frequency and procedures for inspections
The decree stipulates that, by default, the inspection of efficiency, sizing, and the air conditioning logbook must be carried out at least once every five years. In the case of a new installation or replacement, the first inspection must be performed no later than the calendar year following the replacement or installation.
However, when the site's activity is covered by an energy management system certified as compliant with the NF EN ISO 50001 standard by an accredited body, the inspection frequency is extended to 10 years.
As of October 1, 2020, the mandatory inspection requirement for air conditioning systems and heat pumps over 12 kW is replaced by maintenance and inspection requirements for thermodynamic systems based on their power output and building type.