The pressure on businesses to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions is growing, especially in commercial buildings. Yet one of the most overlooked areas is air conditioning, despite HVAC accounting for around 40% of total energy use in some premises.
TM44 inspections, while a legal requirement in the UK, also present a valuable opportunity. Beyond compliance, they can help you understand how your cooling systems are performing, where energy is being wasted, and what changes will improve efficiency and cut running costs.
Find out more below.
What Is a TM44 Air Conditioning Inspection?
TM44 inspections are mandated under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) for any commercial air conditioning system with a combined output of 12kW or more. These assessments must be carried out at least every 5 years and are designed to:
- Evaluate the functionality and efficiency of your system
- Highlight faults and maintenance requirements
- Review control settings and operations
- Recommend practical energy-saving measures
Although there’s no legal obligation to implement the recommendations, doing so can significantly reduce energy usage and running costs.
How TM44 Inspections Improve Energy Efficiency [With Examples]
When performed by a qualified energy assessor, a TM44 inspection offers a clear, actionable strategy to improve your air conditioning system’s performance and minimise unnecessary energy use.
1. Identify Energy Waste
Oversized systems, poor control strategies, and units left running when not needed can all lead to excessive energy use. A TM44 energy assessment identifies these areas of energy waste so they can be corrected.
Example: A retail unit with a 50kW system may only require 20kW based on occupancy and floor area. This causes short cycling (where the unit constantly switches on and off), which wastes energy and accelerates wear.
2. Optimise Controls & Settings
Poor settings in Building Management Systems (BMS) or thermostats can mean missed savings. Small changes – like adjusting schedules or temperature setpoints – can quickly improve performance without any new equipment.
Example: An office air-con system may be set to 21°C and programmed to run until 7pm, even though most staff leave at 5pm. Simply adjusting the setpoint to 23°C and reducing operating hours can make a notable impact on energy usage.
3. Uncover Maintenance Issues
Improper maintenance can result in clogged filters, leaking refrigerant, and worn fan belts, which all reduce system efficiency. TM44 energy assessments will draw attention to any maintenance and servicing issues that could drive up consumption.
Example: A TM44 report might highlight that filters haven’t been changed for 12 months. This restricts airflow and forces the fan motor to work harder – increasing energy use and putting strain on the equipment.
4. Support Long-Term Plans
TM44 inspections can also help shape long-term energy strategies. If your system is outdated or nearing end-of-life, the report provides a data-backed case for upgrading to more efficient technology.
Example: An ageing unit may have a very low CoP (Coefficient of Performance), costing twice as much to run as a modern, inverter-driven alternative. A TM44 report gives you the data to plan a cost-effective upgrade and estimate the payback period.
Book Your TM44 Inspection with ACI Reports
At ACI Reports, we take a proactive approach to TM44 air conditioning inspections. Our experienced, accredited assessors look beyond compliance to provide practical guidance that improves efficiency, cuts costs, and supports sustainability goals.
Each TM44 inspection with ACI Reports includes:
- A clear, tailored report outlining inefficiencies and energy-saving opportunities
- Prioritised, actionable recommendations with estimated savings
- Support to help you plan any improvements or system upgrades
- Confidence that you’re meeting your legal obligations
To find out more or to book your TM44 energy assessment, send an enquiry to our team of experts. If you’re unsure whether you need an inspection, our team will be happy to advise you on your obligations.
FAQs About TM44 Inspections for Energy Efficiency
Can getting a TM44 inspection help meet ESG goals?
Yes. Energy efficiency is a key pillar of most ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks. Our TM44 inspections identify practical ways to reduce consumption and emissions, making your sustainability targets more achievable.
Can TM44 inspections really reduce energy use?
Absolutely. Many of our clients achieve savings of 10–25% by acting on the practical recommendations uncovered during a TM44 energy assessment.
What inefficiencies do TM44 inspections often uncover?
One of the most common causes of air conditioning inefficiency is systems being left running overnight or at weekends. Other findings include outdated control settings and overlooked maintenance tasks.
Can a TM44 inspection help identify areas for renewable energy integration?
Yes. The TM44 report can highlight inefficiencies that may be offset with solar panels, heat pumps, or battery storage solutions, making renewable options more viable and cost-effective.
Is a TM44 inspection mandatory in the UK?
Yes. TM44 energy assessments are a legal requirement under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations for air conditioning systems with a combined cooling capacity greater than 12kW. Keeping up-to-date ensures compliance and avoids potential fines.
How often do I need a TM44 energy assessment?
TM44 inspections are required every five years by law, but proactive businesses often choose more frequent assessments to optimise their consumption and costs.
How long does a TM44 inspection take?
The length of a TM44 energy assessment depends on the size and complexity of your air conditioning systems. For most commercial premises, the inspection can usually be completed in less than a day.
Who can carry out a TM44 energy assessment?
TM44 inspections must be completed by an accredited energy assessor qualified under EPBD guidelines – like our experienced team at ACI Reports.