Heat Pump Maintenance Requirements in France

France has 2 laws governing heat pump Maintenance:

• Article R 244-44 of the Environmental code

• Arrete of February 29, 2016 / Article R543-79

Both of these laws cover different aspects of heat pump maintenance, and this post aims to explain what this means for homeowners

R 244-44 Summary

Equipment concerned:

This law covers any heat pump between 4 and 70kW in rated power (delivered heat/cooling power, not electrical consumption). It excludes systems for which the sole purpose is hot water production only. The power of the machine is typically found on the data plate on the outdoor unit.

Maintenance Scope:

This law is quite prescriptive in that it details what the maintenance activity should comprise:

1. Verification of the thermodynamic system

2. Refrigerant Leak Test (see the scope under Article R543-79 below, as the technician must do this)

3. Cleaning if necessary

4. Adjustment

5. Providing advice to the homeowner

Maintenance Period:

Law states this must be undertaken every 2 years

Documentation:

Law states that a maintenance certificate must be issued in a timely manner.

Arrete 29 Fevrier 2016 / Article R543-79 Summary

Equipment concerned:

This is where it gets slightly technical, as it depends on the type and quantity of refrigerant in the machine. For the modern families of refrigerants (HFCs and PFCs) this is measured in TeqCO2 (tonnes equivalent of CO2, if the gas is released) and this is based on the quantity and global warming potential of the refrigerant. Any installation with a TeqCO2 of 5 or above is in scope for this law. Thankfully it is a law that the TeqCO2 and/or the type and quantity is written on the machine, and this it typically found on the outdoor unit data plate.

As a rough guide, a large heat pump for a chalet using R410A as the refrigerant would have more than 5 TeqCO2 (and be in scope for this law), but if that same heat pump was using R32 then it would likely be under 5 TeqCO2 as R32 has a significantly lower global warming potential (GWP). Check the data plate to confirm. If like in the example above only the type and quantity is shown, an online calculator can help you get the TeqCO2.

Scope:

This law is purely about refrigerant managment, so the scope is a leak test of the equipment, using a dedicated leak detector for refrigerant.

A blue (or red in the case of a leak) disc is stuck to the machine and dated

Complete CERFA form 15497-03 to document the intervention and leave a copy with the homeowner.

Maintenance Period:

Again this is slightly technical, but as most domestic heat pumps don't have a permanent refrigerant leak detection system the period is 12 months for the leak test

Documentation:

CERFA form 15497-03 to document the intervention

Qualified personnel:

The company doing the work needs to posess a current Attestation de Capacite. Typically this means the technician has a Category 1 certificate of aptitude to intervene on thermodynamic systems and the company has adhered to the strict requirements of a public audit body to obtain the Attestation de Capacite. You can check whether a company has this on this link (look under Flourinated Gasses, List of Attested Operators).

Homeowner Summary

Irrespective of the law, maintenance is good practice. There is more to a heating system than what the law covers so a checkup and adjustment can save your bills and potential breakdowns. Your heat pump may legally require an annual refrigerant leak test, or bi-annual maintenance including a leak test. Either way waiting until November to find a problem is potentially going to lead to issues, so scheduling your maintenance is key. Using a company with the appropriate qualifications is essential to keep in check with the law. It's worth noting that whilst you are unlikely to have the environmental police on your doorstep, you may run into issues with your insurance company if your paperwork is not up to date.