Air Conditioning Energy Assessments (TM44 Inspections)
What is a TM44 air conditioning energy assessment?
TM44 inspections provide an official, structured assessment of a commercial air conditioning system’s energy efficiency.
It enables building owners and managers to understand how well their systems are operating, as well as identifying any opportunities to reduce energy consumption.
Because decreased efficiency can be an indicator of other issues, this type of inspection can also reduce the risk of downtime from a problem going unnoticed.
Once an inspection is complete, a comprehensive report is compiled outlining any inefficiencies along with practical recommendations that could improve system performance, reduce carbon emissions, and lower bills.
TM44 air conditioning energy assessments are not purely about legal compliance; additionally, they’re an opportunity to identify cost savings and improve the daily performance of existing equipment.
Which Buildings Need a TM44 Inspection?
Under the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, as amended in 2020, any building fitted with air conditioning systems that exceed 12kW combined effective rated output must undergo a TM44 inspection at least every five years.
In practice, this applies to a wide range of commercial premises, including:
- Offices
- Retail stores and shopping centres
- Hotels and hospitality venues
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Manufacturing facilities
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Healthcare facilities and medical centres
- Leisure centres and sports facilities
It’s important to remember the 12kW threshold is the combined capacity of all the air conditioning systems within a building.
That means a building with multiple smaller units may still exceed the limit.
Unsure if your building requires a TM44 inspection? Our team can help.
TM44: Understanding your legal responsibilities
Ultimate responsibility for arranging a TM44 inspection lies with the person who manages the building’s air conditioning system.
To remain compliant, you will need to ensure:
- Your air conditioning systems are assessed every five years
- The inspection is carried out by an accredited TM44 assessor
- A copy of the inspection report is retained
- Recommendations are reviewed to improve system efficiency where appropriate
Any failure to comply with the regulations can result in enforcement action and financial penalties.
What happens during a TM44 inspection?
At ICE, our inspection process has been designed to be as straightforward as possible and our team works to ensure that any disruption to your business is kept to a minimum.
Step 1: Initial review
Our TM44 assessor will review your building, discuss your systems, and gather details about the age, maintenance history, and operation of any equipment.
Step 2: Site inspection
We’ll then inspect the key components of your air conditioning system.
This includes:
- Indoor and outdoor units
- Controls and thermostats
- Refrigeration equipment
- Air handling equipment
- Ventilation arrangements
- Operating schedules
- Existing maintenance records
Step 3: Performance assessment
We then assess the efficiency of your installation, identifying any opportunities to reduce energy consumption.
We’ll consider factors like:
- System sizing
- Control settings
- Equipment condition
- Maintenance practices
- Overall operational efficiency
Step 4: Detailed report
After the inspection has been completed, you’ll then receive a comprehensive TM44 report.
This contains:
- A complete asset register
- Inspection findings
- Energy efficiency observations
- Estimated running costs
- Practical recommendations for improvement
Our assessors will explain the findings in clear, easy-to-understand language, so you know exactly what they mean for your business.
Why choose ICE for your TM44 inspection?
We’ve been supporting commercial clients with refrigeration and air conditioning services for decades.
When you choose ICE, you benefit from:
- Accredited TM44 assessors
- Experienced commercial air conditioning engineers
- Straightforward booking process
- Clear, jargon-free reports
- Practical recommendations to improve efficiency
- National coverage across a wide range of commercial sectors
- Decades of industry expertise
Air conditioning energy assessment FAQs
Do I need a TM44 inspection?
If your building has air conditioning systems with a combined cooling capacity greater than 12kW, you are likely required by law to have a TM44 inspection every five years.
Does a TM44 inspection replace servicing?
TM44 inspections assess the overall energy performance of the installation, while routine servicing keeps your air conditioning equipment operating safely and efficiently. Both are important.
How long does a TM44 inspection take?
Inspection time will depend on the size and complexity of the building but typically ranges from one to several hours.
What happens if I don’t have a TM44 inspection?
Failure to comply with TM44 requirements can result in enforcement action and financial penalties. Inefficient systems will also significantly increase your energy costs over time.
Can a TM44 inspection help reduce energy bills?
One of the primary objectives of a TM44 assessment is to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs.
Book your TM44 air conditioning energy assessment
If your building requires a TM44 inspection, the experienced team at ICE makes the process simple.
Our accredited assessors provide professional air conditioning energy assessments for commercial buildings across the UK, helping businesses remain compliant while identifying opportunities to reduce energy costs.
Contact ICE today to schedule your TM44 air conditioning energy assessment, or speak to one of our specialists for expert advice.