The Building Engineering Services Association has reported that sales of air conditioning to the public have been irresponsible in the midst of the third UK heatwave this year
A series of UK heatwaves across May and June sparked a rise in online searches for cooling products, such as air conditioning.
Despite cooling equipment being subject to sales restrictions, BESA members have reported installation enquiries from members of the public who have already bought units from online retailers.
Irresponsible air conditioning sales cause potential safety risks
BESA says products containing refrigerant gases, including some that require specialist handling due to flammability risks if not properly installed or used, continue to be purchased by DIY users and unqualified installers.
Irresponsible sales of air conditioning have continued despite repeated warnings and the potential safety risks to people and property.
Online sales are able to bypass F-gas regulations
The Environment Agency is responsible for enforcing F-gas rules, which include measures to protect the public by requiring retailers to only sell equipment charged with refrigerant gas to properly qualified engineers.
The laws have successfully prosecuted online sellers in the past; however, the practice has continued and accelerated again recently, according to BESA.
“Most professional merchants and wholesalers are well aware of their obligations and take a responsible approach, but online sales remain something of an Achilles heel,” said BESA’s technical director, Kevin Morrissey.
“Anyone selling specialised air conditioning and heat pump equipment must be able to prove they received confirmation from the buyer that the equipment would be installed by someone holding a valid F-gas handling certificate or by an F-gas registered contractor.”
Companies that invest in technical skills for AC installation are “genuinely frustrated”
Morrissey added that there was “genuine frustration” amongst certified companies that invest in training to ensure their technical skills are up to date when they witness less responsible individuals carrying out uncertified installations and undercutting the market.
Safety situation prevails due to lack of deterrent
Members of REFCOM, the UK’s leading F-gas certification body, are also unhappy about the lack of an adequate deterrent, with only limited enforcement of the law by the EA.
“They are seriously worried that the safety situation could deteriorate as our climate gets progressively warmer, prompting more domestic consumers to look for low-cost solutions online,” Morrissey concluded.
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