faq'S

TM44 Inspections: Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What is a TM44 Inspection?
​A TM44 inspection is a mandatory assessment of a building's air conditioning system to evaluate its energy efficiency. It was introduced under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations to help UK businesses reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

​2. Is a TM44 report a legal requirement?
​Yes. If your building has a combined air conditioning cooling output of 12kW or more, you are legally required to have a valid TM44 report. This applies to both single large units and multiple smaller units that total 12kW across the entire site.

​3. How often do I need a TM44 inspection?
​Inspections must be carried out every five years. If your system was installed recently, the first inspection must be completed within five years of the installation date.

​4. Who is responsible for arranging the inspection?
​The "relevant person" in control of the operation of the system is responsible. This is typically:
• ​The Building Owner (if they manage the facilities).
• ​The Facilities Manager or Managing Agent.
• ​The Tenant (if the lease specifies they have full control over the AC maintenance).

​5. What happens during the inspection?
​An accredited assessor will perform a non-invasive visual survey. They will check:
• ​The efficiency and sizing of the units compared to the cooling load of the building.
• ​System controls and settings (timers, thermostats, and sensors).
• ​Maintenance records and the general condition of the equipment.
• ​Factors affecting efficiency, such as glazing, insulation, and heat-producing office equipment.

​6. What will I receive after the inspection?
​You will receive an official TM44 Inspection Report and a certificate lodged on the Government energy certificate.

The report includes:
• ​An efficiency rating of your current system.
• ​A list of faults or poorly configured controls.
• ​Tailored recommendations to reduce energy bills (e.g., simple setting changes or equipment upgrades).

​7. What are the penalties for non-compliance?
​Failure to have a valid TM44 report can result in a £300 fine per system/building. Trading Standards can issue these fines repeatedly (e.g., weekly) until a certificate is produced. You can also be fined £200 for failing to provide a copy of a report to an enforcement officer within seven days of a request.

​8. Do I have to follow the recommendations in the report?
​No. While the inspection is a legal requirement, acting on the recommendations is voluntary. However, most businesses find that implementing the "low-cost" or "no-cost" suggestions (like adjusting timers) pays for the cost of the inspection through energy savings within months.

​9. Can my regular AC maintenance engineer do the TM44?
​Only if they are a qualified and accredited Air Conditioning Energy Assessor. A standard F-Gas maintenance check is not the same as a TM44 inspection. The TM44 is an energy efficiency audit, whereas maintenance is about mechanical functionality.

​10. How do I know if my system is over 12kW?
​A quick way to check is to look at the labels on your units—"Cooling Capacity" is usually listed in kW.
​Example: If you have four small wall-mounted units rated at 3.5kW each, your total is 14kW, and you legally require a TM44 report.