In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about choosing a reliable, accredited air conditioning inspector – including 5 recognised accreditation schemes you should look out for during your search.
ACI Reports has an experienced team of accredited air conditioning inspectors trained to the highest level in the industry (Level 4). Click through to see our full list of accreditations.
How to Choose a Reliable Air Conditioning Inspector: Key Takeaways
1. Only an accredited energy assessor can inspect your air conditioning system.
2. If you do not get your air conditioning system inspected every 5 years, you will be fined £300 weekly until a valid certificate is in place.
3. You can find a registered air conditioning inspector, such as ACI Reports, on the Government website.
4. Before arranging an assessment, you should check that the assessor is part of an accredited scheme. At ACI Reports, we’re registered through the Sterling Accreditation scheme.
5. You should also consider other factors, such as the assessor’s experience, assessment process, and if they’re local.
6. Selecting the right air conditioning inspector is crucial for minimising disruption to your operations, optimising costs, and ensuring compliance with legislation. With ACI Reports, you can have peace of mind that your inspections are carried out by professional, accredited energy assessors.
What Is an Air Conditioning Inspection & Why Is It Important?
An air conditioning system inspection, also known as a TM44 inspection, is a professional and comprehensive assessment to ensure the safe and efficient operation of air conditioning systems.
The inspection involves an onsite visual assessment of all applicable air conditioning units and systems, including an examination of control settings, maintenance strategies, and whether the size of the installed system is appropriate for the required cooling load.
After the inspection is complete, the assessor will provide you with a certificate and report that tells you:
- The current efficiency of your air conditioning system
- Recommendations for improving the efficiency of the system
- Any identified faults and suggested actions
- Guidance on how to reduce your air conditioning use
You are not legally required to act on recommendations made by the air conditioning inspector, but doing so can contribute positively to your system’s energy efficiency, carbon output, and operational costs.
When Do You Need an Air Conditioning Inspection?
TM44 is the accepted UK guidance for assessing the efficiency and environmental impact of air conditioning units and systems. A TM44 inspection is legally required under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations 2007.
Any person who owns, manages, or has authority over the operation of an air conditioning system is responsible for organising TM44 inspections and ensuring compliance.
You will need a TM44 inspection if your air conditioning system has an effective rated output of more than 12kW and is approaching its fifth year of operation (or you know you have not had an inspection in the last 60 months).
If you do not get your air conditioning inspected every 5 years, you will be fined £300 weekly until a valid report is in place.
How to Find a Registered Air Conditioning Inspector
Only an accredited energy assessor can inspect your air conditioning system. This service will be carried out for a charge, and the fee can vary depending on the energy assessor you choose.
To arrange an inspection and get a valid certificate, you can find a registered air conditioning inspector via the Government website. Alternatively, ACI Reports has a full team of registered energy assessors ready to help streamline the inspection process for you.
Government-Approved Accreditation Schemes
Before arranging an assessment with an air conditioning inspector, you should check that they are part of an accredited scheme.
There are several accreditation schemes that they may be licenced under. These include:
- Sterling Accreditation Ltd
- Elmhurst Energy Systems Ltd
- CIBSE Certification Ltd
- Quidos Ltd
- ECMK
Accreditation schemes are set up to ensure the quality of the assessor’s work. If you experience any issues with your inspection, you can contact the energy assessor’s accreditation scheme listed on your report.
Choosing a Reliable Air Conditioning Inspector
After you have shortlisted a selection of accredited air conditioning inspectors, you should consider a few other factors to ensure you are fully supported by someone reliable and trustworthy.
This might mean you:
- Ask for recommendations – Find a credible provider through personal recommendations you know you can rely on.
- Consider their experience – They may be qualified, but how long have they been qualified for? In what areas are they most knowledgeable? Do they have experience with a building or system like yours?
- Discuss the process – Before committing to the service, talk to the assessor about their approach and if it suits your needs.
- Search locally – An assessor familiar with your area ensures an efficient assessment and convenient post-inspection support.
- Trust your instincts – How has your experience been so far? Is the assessor punctual and responsive? Are they professional and approachable? Weigh up the qualities that matter most to you.
ACI Reports: Sterling Accreditation Approved Air Conditioning Inspectors
Selecting the right air conditioning inspector is a decision that can influence the level of disruption to your operations, the cost for your business, and most importantly, your compliance with legislation.
With a systematic and informed approach, you can ensure you make the best possible choice for your needs.
ACI Reports is a registered member of the government-approved Sterling Accreditation scheme.
This accreditation permits our air conditioning inspectors to conduct professional, highly accurate TM44 inspections and produce legally valid EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) and DECs (Display Energy Certificates).
View our Air Conditioning TM44 Inspection Services page for more information on how we can support you. Alternatively, you can contact a member of our team who will be happy to help.
ACI Reports has an experienced team of accredited air conditioning inspectors trained to the highest level in the industry (Level 4). Click through to see our full list of accreditations.