The answer
Does an annual service cover every air-conditioning requirement?
Not always. List your units and ask a qualified contractor which servicing, refrigerant checks and Scottish energy inspections apply. An annual service does not automatically cover every legal requirement.
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What should a service visit cover?
Filters, coils, drains, electrics, controls and outdoor airflow all affect how well the system works. Ask for a service plan that fits your equipment and opening hours.
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Does your system need refrigerant leak checks?
Some systems need specific checks and records under F-gas rules. A qualified contractor can use the refrigerant type and amount in each unit to tell you what applies.
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Is a separate energy inspection required?
Larger air-conditioning systems in Scotland may also need an accredited energy inspection. That is different from a maintenance visit or refrigerant leak check.
Which units need servicing or legal checks?
List each system, location, capacity, refrigerant type and charge, manufacturer instructions and last inspection. That reveals which equipment needs routine maintenance, which may cross F-gas leak-check thresholds and whether Scottish energy-inspection rules apply. These are related but distinct obligations.
A visit should leave a useful record: filter and coil condition, condensate, controls, faults and actions. Refrigerant work needs appropriate certification. If the building has qualifying larger systems, arrange the separate accredited energy inspection rather than assuming a service report satisfies it.
What to check next
Your next steps
Where we checked the facts
Check the original information.
These official pages back up the rules and technical details above. They can change, so check them again before spending money or starting work.
Apply this to your own property
Which rooms could you heat or cool?
A free survey checks the rooms you want to heat or cool, equipment positions and what may fit your property.