TM44 inspections are designed to assess the efficiency of air conditioning systems, provide recommendations for improvements, and ensure systems are operating safely and effectively.
Ensuring regular inspections are carried out fulfils TM44 compliance with legal requirements and contributes to reduced energy costs and a more environmentally sustainable operation.
Understanding who is responsible for TM44 inspection compliance is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency, meeting legal obligations, and avoiding potential penalties.
Who is Responsible for TM44 Compliance and Inspections? Key Takeaways:
1. TM44 compliance is the responsibility of the building owner, manager, or landlord controlling the air conditioning system's operation.
2. TM44 compliance is not the responsibility of tenants or occupants who only manage the thermostat and not the central air conditioning system.
3. A TM44 Inspection must be conducted by accredited energy assessors, such as ACI Reports, to meet legal requirements and ensure efficiency.
Who Is Responsible For TM44?
Typically, TM44 compliance lies with the person or organisation that controls the operation of the air conditioning system, such as the building owner or facilities manager.
For multi-tenant buildings, such as apartments or shared offices within a building, often the responsibility falls to the landlord or property management company, which is responsible for the central system. They must ensure that systems are regularly inspected by accredited energy assessors and that all inspection records are well-maintained and easily accessible to ensure compliance.
It is important to note that tenants, employees or other occupants (whether in a residential or commercial setting) who may have control over the thermostat but are not in control of the system’s operation are not responsible for TM44 compliance. This is a common misconception, as many mistakenly believe that simply adjusting the thermostat equates to responsibility for the entire system which is incorrect.
Are TM44 Inspections Mandatory?
Yes, a TM44 inspection is a legal requirement. Under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations 2007 all air conditioning systems with an effective rated output of more than 12kW must be inspected every 5 years.
The requirements are designed to ensure businesses prioritise energy efficiency and stipulate specific timelines for the first inspection based on the air conditioning system’s installation date and capacity.
A TM44 energy inspection must be carried out by an accredited energy assessor, such as ACI Reports.
Consequences Of Non-Compliance With TM44 Regulations
Failure to comply with TM44 inspection requirements can result in substantial fines.
Building owners, managers, or landlords who do not arrange the necessary TM44 inspection can receive a fine which can be imposed weekly until a valid report is in place.
Additionally, a fine of £200 can be imposed for failing to provide an outstanding report within 7 days of a request.
Failure to comply with TM44 compliance has more than financial repercussions. It can lead to increased energy costs, inefficient system performance, and missed opportunities for operational improvements.
How To Ensure Your Air Conditioning System Meets TM44 Compliance Standards
At ACI Reports, we recommend the following to ensure TM44 compliance standards:
- Schedule regular inspections with an accredited energy assessor such as ACI Reports
- Maintain comprehensive records of every TM44 inspection and any recommendations and actions taken
- Implement all recommendations made following an assessor’s TM44 energy inspection
- Keep up to date with changes in legislation or guidelines relating to air conditioning systems and energy performance
TM44 Compliance and Inspections With ACI Reports
At ACI Reports, we have over a decade of experience conducting TM44 compliance inspections. As members of the government-approved Sterling Accreditation scheme, our energy assessors are authorised to carry out TM44 inspections.
Whether you are a building owner, manager, or landlord, we can offer expert guidance to ensure that your systems are compliant with Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations.
For more information about our TM44 Compliance and Inspection services, contact our expert team today.