'/%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=small}
'/%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=small}
Summary: if you have a shop, restaurant, office, warehouse or commercial building in Germany with air conditioning, a chiller, a cold store or a heat pump, specific rules apply on refrigerants (F-gases), leak inspection, record keeping and certified technicians. This guide explains the key points simply and at the end gives criteria for choosing a specialist company.
Types of cooling and air-conditioning systems in commercial buildings
The most common are: split and multi-split systems for offices and shops, VRF systems for larger buildings, chillers and central ventilation (RLT), cold stores and industrial refrigerators, server room cooling, and the heat pump (Wärmepumpe) that provides both heating and cooling. Each needs regular servicing and documentation.
Why does refrigerant leak inspection matter?
Most devices use fluorinated refrigerant gases (F-gases). These gases are greenhouse gases, and their leakage both harms the environment and reduces the device’s efficiency and raises electricity costs. EU regulations (EU 2024/573) and German law set specific duties for owners and operators.
When does inspection become mandatory?
According to the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), a periodic leak inspection is required when the refrigerant quantity exceeds a threshold equivalent to about 5 tonnes of CO₂. For example, for R-410A this is about 2.4 kg and for R-32 about 7.41 kg; for hermetically sealed devices (hermetisch geschlossen) the threshold is roughly doubled. The exact quantity for your device is shown on the nameplate or in the technical documents.
What to do after repairing a leak?
The next inspection must be carried out by a “certified person” (zertifizierte Person) and at least 24 hours after the repair. Leak detection systems can lengthen the interval between inspections; the exact interval depends on the type and size of the device.
Duties of the owner or operator
Recording the quantity and type of refrigerant, recording every top-up or replacement, keeping service and inspection reports, preventing deliberate release of gas, and leaving technical work to a certified technician. Keeping these records is a legal duty for commercial owners.
Regular servicing: both the law and savings
Cleaning filters and heat exchangers, checking pressure and leaks, checking the drain and pumps and adjusting the controller extend the life of the device and reduce energy consumption. Many companies offer an annual service contract (Wartungsvertrag).
Heat pumps and the future of cooling systems
In recent years heat pumps and natural refrigerants such as CO₂ and propane have become more important. For installation or replacement, ask the company to explain compliance with current rules, possible subsidies and operating costs.
A few tips for choosing a service company
- Make sure the company or technician holds a valid certificate for working with fluorinated refrigerants and ask to see the proof.
- Get the work carried out, the quantity of refrigerant and the inspection results in writing.
- For critical facilities such as servers, commercial kitchens and cold stores, emergency service and out-of-hours support are important.
- Get several quotes and compare the scope of services.
- Ask about experience with similar projects and customer references.
One of the companies listed in this directory is Klima- und Anlagentechnik Schindler GmbH in Henstedt-Ulzburg, which designs, installs and services cooling, ventilation, heat pump and server cooling systems for commercial and industrial customers throughout Germany; address: ka-schindler.de.
Frequently asked questions
Does the owner of a private home also fall under this?
Inspection requirements depend largely on the refrigerant quantity and the type of operation. Check with a specialist company or the local authority.
How often should I service the device?
At least once a year is recommended; the leak inspection interval is determined by the refrigerant quantity.
How do I recognise a certified technician?
Ask for his or her certificate for working with fluorinated refrigerants.
Sources: Umweltbundesamt (umweltbundesamt.de), EU Regulation 2024/573. This article is general information and no substitute for technical or legal advice.
