Refrigeration obligations for the user
Refrigerants and electricity consumption in industrial, commercial and residential refrigeration equipment are a burden on the environment. This is why regular maintenance is important. Because of the importance of maintenance, legislation obliges refrigeration equipment owners to have regular leakage checks and energy audits of air-conditioning refrigeration equipment. This law can bring big savings for the refrigeration appliance owner, at least in the long term. Industrial, commercial and real estate companies will act responsibly, avoiding many damages and business interruptions, if the equipment is regularly inspected and maintained. You can also make significant savings in your own activities in the use of refrigeration equipment. Everyone should take care of the maintenance of heat pumps and other refrigeration equipment in their homes. Defrosting freezers and vacuuming the backs of refrigerators are important.
Statutory refrigeration leakage checks
Leak checks are the responsibility of the owner or operator of the refrigeration appliance and should only be carried out by a qualified installer. Leakage checks are supervised by regional environmental centres, municipal environmental protection authorities and health inspectors. Failure to carry out leakage checks is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code, punishable by a fine or up to 2 years' imprisonment.
Refrigeration leakage check intervals:
- Once a year, when the refrigerant quantity is between 3 and less than 30 kg
- Twice a year for refrigerant quantities between 30 and less than 300 kg
- Every three months for refrigerant quantities above 300 kg
Any leak detected must always be repaired immediately. After the leak has been repaired, the installation must be inspected within one month of the repair to ensure that the repair has been successful.
Refrigerator maintenance logbook
A maintenance logbook must be kept for refrigeration appliances with more than 3 kg of refrigerant. All maintenance operations, especially refrigerant additions, should be recorded. If refrigerant needs to be added, there is a leak in the appliance which must be located and repaired immediately. Refrigerants are harmful to the upper atmosphere, causing ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect. A maintenance logbook can be obtained from a refrigeration service shop, for example.
Refrigerator service sticker
In the immediate vicinity of refrigeration appliances subject to a statutory leakage check, there must be a service label indicating when the last leakage check was carried out and the latest date for the next check.
Refrigerator service contract to reduce costs
It is advisable to conclude a maintenance contract with a refrigeration company for periodic servicing of the installation. Periodic maintenance reduces repair and operating costs and extends the life of the refrigeration unit.
Scheduled maintenance should be planned according to the use of the refrigeration system, so that the system operates as designed throughout the period, thus optimising its energy use. Preventive maintenance by refrigeration technicians during the day is less expensive than emergency work during on-call hours. Maintenance and inspection records should be kept and stored with the equipment.
By paying attention to these things on a regular basis, you will save money and minimise risks at the same time. However, sometimes unforeseen accidents do happen. Insurance is available to cover them. With insurance, you can protect your buildings, equipment and food and be prepared to be compensated when normal business operations are interrupted by unexpected damage.
Contact our customer service team for scheduled maintenance, annual contracts or emergency assistance.
We serve you 24/7, every day of the year. Our professional refrigeration service technicians and the installers of our partners registered with the Security Technology Centre come to help you in every situation.
