Inspection and maintenance requirements for heating systems, heat pumps, cooling installations, and air conditioning units
In this article, we explain the three types of installations — heating systems, heat pumps/cooling installations, and air conditioning units — and their specific inspection and maintenance requirements. We clarify the regulations and frequency per type of installation.
Heating systems
What is a heating system?
Heating systems are used for central heating and are not subject to inspections but do require legally mandatory maintenance by a certified technician. This applies to installations using liquid and gaseous fuels, as well as heating audits.
Frequency based on power and fuel type:
> 20 kW
- Oil: annual maintenance required
- Gas: maintenance every 2 years
- Fossil fuels: emission measurements every 5 years by an accredited laboratory
- Emission measurements every 2 years by an accredited laboratory
Heat pumps/Cooling installations
What are heat pumps/cooling installations?
These are installations that contain refrigerants, often fluorinated greenhouse gases. They are required to undergo leak detection by a certified technician.
Frequency based on CO₂ equivalents:
- ≥ 5 tonnes CO₂ equivalents: annual leak detection required
- ≥ 50 tonnes CO₂ equivalents: leak detection required every 6 months
- ≥ 500 tonnes CO₂ equivalents: leak detection required every 3 months
Air conditioning units
What are air conditioning installations?
Air conditioners are used for comfort cooling and require an energy audit if the system exceeds 12 kW in capacity. These audits must be conducted by a certified air conditioning energy expert.
Frequency based on capacity:
- 12 kW and < 50 kW (building level): energy audit every 5 years
- ≥ 50 kW and < 250 kW (building level): energy audit every 3 years
- ≥ 250 kW (building level): energy audit every 2 years