Clipacore Advert 88x130mm.pdf 1 08/09/2025


HEATWAVES SPARK ONLINE AC SELLING ALARM


T


he Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has reported a spate of


irresponsible online sales of air conditioning equipment to members of the public as the UK grapples with heat waves Record high temperatures in June


prompted a spike in online searches for cooling products and, despite specialised cooling equipment being subject to sales restrictions, BESA members are reporting installation enquiries from members of the public who have already bought units from online retailers. Some online marketplaces were


reporting that requests for air conditioning installations rose by more than 300% at the start of July and with the UK now in the grip of repeated hot spells, the industry is braced for another bounce in demand. BESA, which runs REFCOM, the


UK’s leading F-Gas certifi cation body responsible for maintaining professional standards in the sector, said products containing refrigerant gases, including some that require specialist handling and may present a fl ammability risk if improperly installed or used, continue to be purchased by DIY users and unqualifi ed installers. This is despite repeated warnings and the potential safety risks to people and property. The Environment Agency (EA) is responsible for enforcing the F-Gas


regime which includes measures to protect the public by requiring retailers to only sell equipment charged with refrigerant gas to properly qualifi ed engineers. It has successfully prosecuted online sellers in the past for failing to establish the credentials of the buyer, but the practice has continued and accelerated again recently, according to BESA.


Responsible


“Most professional merchants and wholesalers are well aware of their obligations and take a responsible approach, but online sales remain something of an Achilles heel,” said the Association’s technical director Kevin Morrissey. “Anyone selling specialised air


conditioning and heat pump equipment must be able to prove they received confi rmation from the buyer that the equipment would be installed by someone holding a valid F-Gas handling certifi cate or by an F-Gas registered contractor,” said Morrissey. He added that there was “genuine


frustration” among certifi ed companies who invest in training to make sure their technical skills are up to date,


when they witness less responsible individuals carrying out uncertifi ed installations and undercutting the market.


REFCOM members also complain about the lack of an adequate deterrent with only limited enforcement of the law by the EA. “They are seriously worried that the safety situation


could deteriorate as our climate gets progressively warmer prompting more domestic consumers to look for low- cost solutions online,” said Morrissey. “The safety issue will only become


more serious as the industry transitions to the use of equipment charged with fl ammable refrigerants including R290 (propane).”


C M Y CM MY CY CMY K


INDUSTRY NEWS 09:50


NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MCS


L


isa Cooke, currently Microgeneration Certifi cation Scheme (MCS) chief operating


offi cer, has been appointed to succeed Ian Rippin and lead MCS as its managing director. Ian (pictured above left) was


MCS’ fi rst chief executive, appointed following its separation from Government in 2018. Under his


leadership, annual certifi ed installations increased by more than 500%, with nearly 6,000 MCS certifi ed businesses now delivering quality installations across the UK. Lisa (pictured above right) joined MCS shortly after Ian in 2018 and has led the redevelopment of the MCS installer Scheme, which is now


being rolled out to thousands of businesses. She formally took up the role of managing director on 1 August and will be supported by Ian in a handover and transition period until the end of 2026. As Managing director, Lisa will


shape and deliver MCS’s next long- term strategy, levering its legacy and impact to build lasting confi dence in home-grown energy for households and industry alike.


Lisa said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as MCS’ managing director at such a critical time. With 2026 already tracking to be the sixth consecutive record-breaking year for certifi ed installations and the case for home-grown energy strengthening by the minute, MCS has a critical role to play in accelerating the UK’s transition to home-grown energy.


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