The Ministry of Energy has finalized a draft Government Decision approving the Regulation on the Inspection of Heating Systems, which establishes new rules for the periodic inspection of the performance of heating systems in buildings across the Republic of Moldova.

The new provisions will apply to heating systems or combined heating and ventilation systems with an effective rated output of more than 70 kW. This category may include shared heating systems in apartment buildings, as well as those in educational and healthcare institutions, office buildings, hotels and restaurants, commercial premises, sports facilities and other public buildings. Individual heating installations in apartments will not fall under the scope of the Regulation.

The frequency of inspections will depend on the capacity of the system. Systems with an effective rated output between 70 and 290 kW will be inspected once every five years, while systems with a capacity exceeding 290 kW will be inspected once every three years.

During the inspections, the energy performance of heating systems will be assessed, and recommendations will be issued based on the findings to improve their efficiency. These recommendations may include, among other measures, the modernization or replacement of heat generators or the introduction of alternative solutions that are more energy-efficient.

The draft also establishes requirements for maintaining an Electronic Register of Inspection Reports, which will form part of the National Information System on the Energy Performance of Buildings, managed by the National Center for Sustainable Energy.

The implementation of the new mechanism aims to improve the energy efficiency of heating systems and reduce energy consumption and operating costs. At the same time, recommendations resulting from the inspections may contribute to lower energy consumption and, consequently, reduced CO₂ emissions.

To ensure the provision of inspection services, specialized personnel will need to be trained and qualified. It is estimated that approximately 100–150 inspectors will be required.

The draft was developed by the Ministry of Energy with the support of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Project in the Republic of Moldova (E4M), implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, pursuant to the provisions of Law No. 282/2023 on the Energy Performance of Buildings.

The document has undergone public consultations and the interinstitutional approval process and will now be submitted to the Government for approval. Following its approval, the Regulation will enter into force on January 1, 2027, while Government Decision No. 1325/2016 on the periodic inspection of heating systems in buildings will be repealed.