Having your air conditioning system inspected by an accredited air conditioning assessor is designed to improve energy efficiency, minimise carbon emissions, and reduce operating costs.
Most importantly, TM44 inspections are legally required under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations 2007 – making it essential to know if and when you need one.
Keep reading to learn more about TM44 inspections, when they are required, and what your responsibilities are as the owner or manager of air conditioning systems.
What Is a TM44 Inspection?
A TM44 inspection, also known as a TM44 survey, is a professional and comprehensive assessment of air conditioning systems to ensure they are operating efficiently and safely. These inspections are legally required under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations 2007 and must be carried out by an accredited energy assessor.
During a TM44 inspection, the assessor will evaluate the unit or system’s performance and identify potential improvements. The air conditioning inspection report will include at least the following details:
- The efficiency of the system & recommendations for improvement
- Any identified faults & suggested actions
- The adequacy of equipment maintenance & functionality, with guidance on best practice
- If the size of the installed system is appropriate for the required cooling load
- Summary of the findings & key recommendations
While there is no legal requirement to act on recommendations made by the assessor, doing so can contribute positively to the energy efficiency, carbon output, and operational costs of running the air conditioning system.
Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2007
The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations 2007 sets out the requirements for the production of energy performance certificates (EPCs), display energy certificates (DECs), and air conditioning energy assessments (ACEA), also known as TM44 inspections.
Failure to arrange a TM44 inspection when one is due can lead to a statutory fine of £300, which is a penalty that may be repeated weekly until a valid report is in place. There is also an additional fine of £200 for failure to provide an outstanding report within 7 days of a request being made.
Who is Responsible for Ensuring Compliance?
Any person who has authority over the operation of an air conditioning system, such as the building owner or manager, has statutory obligations and a duty of care regarding the performance and maintenance of the system. This person must ensure TM44 inspections are carried out in line with regulations.
Importantly, it is not the responsibility of tenants, employees, or other occupants who have control of the thermostat by remote. It remains the duty of the persons or company who manage the building to organise TM44 inspections and ensure compliance.
“Do I Need a TM44 Inspection?”
According to the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations, all air conditioning systems with an effective rated output of more than 12kW must be inspected every 5 years by an accredited energy assessor.
The regulations also require that the first inspection of affected air conditioning systems be carried out as follows:
- For all systems put into service on or after 1 Jan 2008, the first inspection must have taken place within 5 years from the date of its first use
- For other systems where the effective rated output is more than 250kW, the first inspection must have taken place by 4 Jan 2009
- For other systems where the effective rated output is more than 12kW, the first inspection must have taken place by 4 Jan 2011
If you have an air conditioning system approaching its fifth year of operation or know you have not had a TM44 inspection in the last 60 months, you should schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Not only does an inspection help you stay compliant, but recommended improvements could be the first step towards cutting your energy bills.
“How Do I Find Out the Effective Output of My Unit?”
To find out the effective output of an individual air conditioning unit, check the rating plate attached to it. The information may also be found in the operating and maintenance manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
If you have multiple units and need to aggregate the ratings shown on the rating plate of each unit, please speak to a member of our team who will be happy to help you.
TM44 Inspections from ACI Reports
Unsure when your last TM44 inspection took place? Get in touch and we can help you decide if you should schedule a TM44 inspection to ensure you are fully compliant with current legislation.
If we find that you do, our accredited assessors can deliver efficient and accurate inspections across the UK. Click through to find out more about our comprehensive air conditioning TM44 inspection services.