KEEPING UP WITH THE COOL KIDS!
27th November 2018
Dennis Flower, editor of Premises & Facilities Management explores the implications of the F-Gas Regulations for the FM sector
Those tasked with the running of facilities of all types and sizes are all too aware of the need to keep pace with the ever-changing regulations that relate to these, but with so many areas of responsibility included in the typical facility manager’s role it’s all too easy to miss one or more of the constant updates.
One of the more recent examples of changing legislation is that relating of the increasingly proscriptive F-Gas Regulations.
As if keeping up with these was not sufficiently onerous, another issue has emerged in the form of the sale of illegal refrigerants.
Check your supplier
Highlighted by the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA), concern has been expressed by the AREA, ADC3R, EFCTC and EPEE associations through the issue of a joint statement and also advising all those sourcing refrigerants to ensure these are purchased from reputable suppliers.
It would seem that the F-Gas Regulations are responsible for driving a number of changes in the refrigerant and cooling sector, following the ban on R22 refrigerants that has seen many plant rooms updated.
Improving efficiency
On a more positive note, those installing new air conditioning (AC) plant should now be enjoying lower energy bills and reduced carbon footprints due to the use of less environmentally harmful refrigerants by equipment with improved efficiency, although this – as always – will depend on whether these were specified, installed and commissioned correctly, of course.
Efficiency also depends on appropriate control as well of course and, a lot of these can be automated to aid the life of hard-pressed FMs, as well as delivering automatic reports on energy use, trends and areas for improvement.
Regular Check ups
Another essential requirement is for all AC plant and equipment to be correctly maintained, in order to keep it operating at optimum levels of efficiency, which will help to monitor its performance and prove that it meets with all legislative requirements.
As winter approaches and facilities begin to find that their heating plant and equipment is more in demand, the next few months provide the best opportunity to carry out AC upgrades and prepare to meet the requirements of warmer weather next spring and summer.
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FAQs
MJD receive a number of frequently asked questions about the services we offer. This FAQS section puts all of those questions into one place, providing the necessary air conditioning facts and figures. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for then please feel free to contact us.
- What is an air conditioning system used for?
An air conditioning system is designed to provide conditioned air throughout a room or building. Modern equipment uses return air filters to remove particulates from the air. Air conditioning systems will improve air quality and provide a comfortable environment for the occupants within the conditioned space.
- Do air conditioning units provide heating?
Modern heat pump units supplied by the leading manufacturer’s provide a very economical form of heating. Larger systems are also capable of providing simultaneous heating and cooling, giving a wide flexibility to any modern business or building.
- Why do MJD Air Conditioning Services supply products from different manufacturer’s?
MJD will only purchase equipment from leading manufacturer’s, this enables us to provide our customers with a wide and comprehensive choices for use across a wide range of air conditioning and heating applications. Our leading manufacturers will also provide us with warranties ranging from 3 years to 7 years. Factory visits have been made by MJD in the past to witness our suppliers manufacturing and piecing together air conditioning equipment that we will be purchasing and installing in the near future.
- Is air conditioning expensive to run?
Modern air conditioning systems are very economical to run. All systems are now fitted with variable speed inverter compressors, which will increase or decrease their speed and output according to the room or building demand. MJD can supply accurate running costs when we design a system for any room or building.
- Is it necessary to obtain planning permission before having air conditioning installed?
Before any air conditioning is installed MJD would advise that you contact your local authorities or planning department and discuss the proposals with the relevant department.
- Will MJD repair any air conditioning system?
MJD will maintain and repair any air conditioning systems manufactured by most leading suppliers. We would attend your site and access the system and provide a full report with our recommendations. If spares are available a quotation would be provided for the repair. If spares are unavailable we would offer you a competitive quotation to replace the system.
- Do you provide warranties on all equipment that you install?
Our planned maintenance contracts will satisfy the necessary requirements of all of our major manufacturer’s warranties. It is important to understand that manufacturers warranties are only valid if the equipment has been used and maintained in accordance with their specifications and recommendations.
- Which Areas do you cover?
MJD will cover Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, London and Nationwide when required.