Rising energy bills are tightening margins for businesses across the UK – and commercial air conditioning is often a silent contributor. Cooling systems can drive up huge operational costs, especially if they’re underperforming, oversized, or running inefficiently.
If you’re wondering how to save money on your air conditioning bills, a TM44 inspection might not be the first thing that comes to mind – but it should be. As well as keeping you compliant, they offer practical, tailored advice to cut costs and improve long-term system performance.
Quick tip: Many businesses save thousands of pounds a year by following the recommendations in their TM44 inspection report, making it one of the most cost-effective steps you can take.
ACI Reports has a team of experienced energy assessors ready to carry out TM44 inspections for your air conditioning systems – including professional, actionable recommendations on how to save money on air conditioning bills.
What is a TM44 Inspection & Why Does it Matter?
A TM44 inspection is a professional energy assessment of your air conditioning systems. It’s a legal requirement in the UK for buildings with a combined cooling output over 12kW and must be carried out by a qualified energy assessor at least every 5 years.
During the inspection, the assessor will review how your systems are installed, maintained, and operated – and whether any improvements can be made to optimise efficiency, improve effectiveness, and reduce running costs.
Failing to meet TM44 requirements can lead to legal penalties, but the inspection offers more than regulatory compliance. It’s a chance to gain expert insight into how your air conditioning is performing and where it’s wasting energy and money.
Why Your Air Conditioning System Might Be Costing You More
You could be overpaying for cooling without even realising it. Common issues we see in TM44 air conditioning inspections include:
- Systems running outside business hours
- Poorly set thermostats or timers
- Ducting heat loss due to poor insulation
- Equipment that’s oversized or too powerful for the area it serves
- Old or inefficient components dragging down performance
These hidden inefficiencies can have a noticeable impact on your electricity bill, but a TM44 inspection can help identify and correct them.
Direct Financial Benefits of TM44 Inspections
1. Uncover Faults & Inefficiencies
Even a system that seems to work fine could be drawing unnecessary energy. TM44 inspections offer the opportunity to uncover hidden inefficiencies, such as:
- Refrigerant leaks or low pressure, limiting cooling capacity
- Worn components like compressors or fans, reducing output
- Poor insulation on ducts or pipework, leading to wasted energy
Catching these issues early allows you to address them before they escalate into higher energy or maintenance bills.
2. Optimise Systems & Usage
A thorough TM44 report doesn’t just highlight problems – it provides practical, prioritised recommendations based on your actual system setup and usage pattern. This helps you optimise efficiency by answering questions like:
- Is your system oversized, causing unnecessary energy consumption?
- Are some areas being overcooled while others remain unused?
- Are your controls (timers, sensors, thermostats) correctly adjusted to real occupancy patterns?
By acting on these insights, you can reduce consumption and ensure long-term energy savings.
3. Reduce Overall Energy Costs
Every kilowatt of energy you save translates into lower monthly bills.
For example, one TM44 inspection carried out by ACI Reports for a leading UK university revealed that a single campus building could reduce its annual air conditioning operating cost from £25,458 to £9,397 – a saving of £16,061, just by implementing the recommended optimisations.
These kinds of savings add up fast across large sites, especially when systems are outdated or oversized for the space they serve.
Real-World Savings with ACI Reports
Before: £25,458 per year
After: £9,397 per year
Annual Saving: £16,061
Indirect Financial Benefits That Add Up Over Time
1. Extend Equipment Lifespan
Efficient and well-maintained equipment lasts longer. When air conditioning runs smoothly, you reduce:
- Wear and tear
- Emergency repair costs
- Premature replacements
A regular TM44 inspection helps pinpoint issues before they turn into expensive breakdowns – extending the useful life of your equipment and reducing capital expenditure.
2. Improve Comfort & Productivity
Temperature has a direct impact on employee focus and customer experience. A more efficient, better-controlled air conditioning system creates:
- More consistent indoor temperatures
- Fewer staff complaints or disruptions
- A better environment for both work and sales
Over time, this creates a comfortable environment that supports a more focused, productive workforce and ensures a positive experience for your customers.
3. Boost ESG & Sustainability Credentials
TM44 air conditioning inspections contribute to your wider energy efficiency and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals by:
- Reducing your building’s carbon emissions
- Supporting your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability reporting
- Demonstrating proactive energy management to clients and stakeholders
For companies working toward net zero or trying to meet upcoming Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standards, this can be an important part of the bigger picture.
4. Avoid Fines for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with TM44 regulations can lead to fines of £300 per unit. Crucially, this is not a one-off penalty; it can be issued repeatedly until you are compliant. For larger systems or multi-site businesses, that risk adds up quickly.
By keeping your inspections up to date, you eliminate the chance of unexpected enforcement and avoid unnecessary costs that offer nothing in return. It’s a simple way to protect your budget and your compliance record.
Can You Calculate the Savings Yourself?
While every building is different, you can get a rough idea of how much your system might be costing you by looking at:
- System size (kW)
- Operating hours per week
- Energy tariff (p/kWh)
- Estimated efficiency level (% of peak performance)
Example formula: Cooling Load (kW) x Hours Run x Cost per kWh = Estimated Cost
Then compare this to an optimised scenario where runtime and inefficiencies are reduced by 20-30%. Even that simple tweak can illustrate potential savings worth exploring further with a professional TM44 air conditioning inspection.
Book a TM44 Inspection with ACI Reports
At ACI Reports, we make TM44 inspections simple, informative, and actionable.
- Nationwide coverage from experienced, L4-qualified assessors
- Detailed reporting with clear, cost-saving recommendations
- Dedicated, friendly team to manage the process from start to finish
Whether you’re trying to cut costs, boost sustainability, or stay compliant, a TM44 inspection is a smart, strategic investment in your building’s performance and your business’s bottom line. Explore our TM44 Air Conditioning Inspection Services or contact our team today.
FAQs About TM44 Inspections
How much does a TM44 inspection cost?
TM44 inspection costs vary based on the number, size, and complexity of your air conditioning units. We’ll provide a tailored quote after reviewing your setup.
How long does a TM44 inspection take?
Most inspections are completed in one site visit, with the report delivered shortly after. Our booking coordinator will give you a clear timeline.
Do I need a TM44 inspection?
If your building has air conditioning systems over 12kW combined, you’re legally required to have a valid TM44 report. If you’re unsure whether you need one, we’re happy to help you check.
Can a TM44 inspection save my business money?
Absolutely. Many of our clients see significant savings by implementing the recommendations we provide – sometimes thousands of pounds per year.
How do I book a TM44 inspection?
You can contact the ACI Reports team directly via our online booking form, and a coordinator will be in touch to guide you through the process.