Conservation of fuel and power: Approved Document L, Volume 2 — Buildings other than dwellings

O N L I N E V E R S I O N L1(b), L2 Comfort cooling NOTE: Evaporative cooling and desiccant cooling systems are not within the scope of this guidance. 6.33 In addition to meeting the general requirements for cooling systems in Section 5, the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of each cooling unit should meet the minimum standards in Table 6.6. 6.34 The specification of comfort cooling systems should be based on an appropriate heat gain calculation for the building, based on CIBSE’s Guide A. Systems should not be significantly oversized. In most circumstances this means that the cooling appliance should not be sized for more than 120% of the design cooling load. Table 6.6 M inimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER)(1) for comfort cooling Type Cooling unit SEER Packaged air conditioners Single-duct type 3.0 Other types 3.0 Split and multi-split air conditioners >12kW 5.0 Split and multi-split air conditioners ≤12kW 5.0 Variable refrigerant flow/volume (VRF/VRV) systems(2) 5.0 Water-to-water chillers <400kW 5.0 Water-to-water chillers 400–1500kW 6.0 Water-to-water chillers ≥1500kW 6.5 Vapour compression cycle chillers, air-cooled <400kW 4.0 Vapour compression cycle chillers, air-cooled ≥400kW 4.5 Absorption cycle chillers(3) EER 0.7 Gas-engine-driven variable refrigerant flow 1.6 NOTES: 1. Seasonal space cooling energy efficiency as defined by the Ecodesign Commission Regulation No. 206/2012 Annex II, at average rating conditions where applicable. 2. For VRV/VRF systems, SEER is for the full system including indoor units. 3. For absorption chillers an EER (energy efficiency ratio) has been used instead. This should be determined according to BS EN 14511-2. Controls 6.35 Comfort cooling/air-conditioning systems should have all of the following controls. a. The systems should be subdivided into separate control zones for areas of the building for which any of the following are significantly different. i. Solar exposure. ii. Pattern of use. iii. Type of use. 47 Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document L Volume 2, 2021 edition O N L I N E V E R S I O N