Why service your air conditioning every year? What does the law say in Belgium?
Air conditioning has become an almost indispensable comfort feature in homes, offices, shops, and industrial buildings. However, many people forget or neglect its annual maintenance. Beyond the simple question of performance, regular maintenance of an air conditioning system is a legal requirement in Belgium, particularly because of the use of refrigerants that can impact the environment. Let’s take a look at why this maintenance is essential, what it involves, and what Belgian legislation specifically says on the matter.
A system that performs well thanks to maintenance
Even before considering legal requirements, proper maintenance helps maintain optimal energy efficiency, as a clean system consumes less electricity. It extends the life of the equipment by preventing clogging and premature breakdowns. It also ensures healthy indoor air quality by limiting the presence of dust, allergens, and mold. In addition, a poorly maintained air conditioner can become noisy, which reduces user comfort. Annual maintenance, which often costs less than €150, is therefore a worthwhile investment, especially when you consider that replacing a faulty compressor can cost between €600 and €1,200.
What does Belgian legislation say?
Belgium enforces strict regulations on systems containing fluorinated greenhouse gases. These refrigerants, widely used in air conditioning, significantly contribute to climate warming if released into the atmosphere. The legislation is based on the Royal Decree of July 4, 2019, as well as European Regulation No. 517/2014. It mandates periodic inspections of systems containing more than 5 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent of refrigerant, with the frequency varying depending on the system’s charge and leak-tightness. These inspections must be carried out exclusively by certified technicians, and all servicing activities must be recorded in a logbook. For example, a simple split-unit air conditioner containing 3 kg of R410A already exceeds this threshold of 5 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, making regular maintenance mandatory.
Différences régionales en Belgique
Each Belgian region enforces specific rules. In the Brussels-Capital Region, air conditioning systems exceeding 12 kW must undergo an inspection every five years by a certified expert, but systems containing F-Gases must be inspected annually. In Wallonia, monitoring is overseen by the SPW Énergie (Public Service of Wallonia Energy), which requires a leak-tightness check for any installation exceeding 5 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, to be performed by a certified refrigeration technician. In Flanders, an energy inspection is mandatory based on the installation’s power capacity, and a logbook must be kept up to date. These regional requirements reinforce the federal legislation and are part of a broader strategy to reduce environmental impact.
The risks in case of no maintenance.
Failing to maintain your air conditioning system can lead to administrative fines of up to several thousand euros, in addition to the loss of the manufacturer’s warranty. A poorly maintained system is more prone to breakdowns, leaks of harmful gases, and can also harm the health of the building’s occupants. Health risks include the spread of bacteria such as legionella, mold, or allergens. Furthermore, a refrigerant leak can have a significant environmental impact, equivalent to several tons of CO₂ being released into the atmosphere.
What does a typical maintenance include?
A professional maintenance typically includes checking the refrigerant level, detecting any potential leaks, cleaning or replacing filters, inspecting electrical and electronic components, as well as cleaning the indoor and outdoor units. The professional also tests the overall performance of the unit and adjusts the settings if necessary. All these operations must be carried out by a certified technician with the required qualifications.
Maintaining your air conditioning annually is much more than just a formality. It is a responsible act that ensures optimal operation of the system, preserves indoor air quality, extends the equipment’s lifespan, and most importantly, complies with strict safety and environmental legislation. In Belgium, these obligations vary slightly by region, but all converge toward a common goal: guaranteeing the sustainable and safe use of air conditioning equipment. For both private individuals and professionals, it is therefore highly recommended to hire a certified refrigeration technician, like Frigotec, to stay compliant with regulations and ensure the longevity of the installation.
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