13 April 2022
What is a TM44 inspection?
A TM44 inspection involves a visit by an accredited energy assessor, such as Inenco, who undertakes a full review of all of your air-conditioning systems, including the control settings. The documents produced during the inspections provide building owners or managers with valuable data and insight when it comes to the design, maintenance and performance of their air-conditioning system and whether the system is adequate and effective for the building it is in.
The main purpose of the inspection is to provide owners and managers with information about how energy-efficient their cooling systems are, and the final report also provides advice on how to save money by being more energy-efficient when it comes to cooling your office or commercial premises. A modern and effective air conditioning system will not only save on maintenance and repair bills but will also use less energy.
Do all air conditioning units require a TM44 inspection?
Not all air-conditioning units require TM44 inspections, only those that utilise refrigerants for cooling, or some of those that employ other cooling methods, such as cooled decks or aquifers. Typically, TM44 applies to larger air-conditioning systems with a total output of 12kW or more, whether this is a single, large unit or a system of smaller ones. Systems above 250kW are covered by separate legislation and guidance. It is mandatory that all TM44 inspections are carried out within five years of the previous one, and they must be carried out by an accredited inspector
In England, Wales and NI, the results of the inspection must be lodged with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on its Energy Performance of Buildings Register, where a recommendations report and certificate can then be generated by anyone who wishes to. In Scotland, the building owner must be able to produce a valid certificate and report when required to do so.
What happens if a TM44 inspection is not carried out?
Failing to comply with TM44 requirements can result in financial penalties, with companies liable for a £300 fine per offence. Additional charges of £200 per building or unit can be applied, if a company fails to produce their inspection report within seven days of it being requested. Enforcement Officers can check at any time whether a building or unit is compliant.
However, as mentioned, the primary reason for TM44 inspections is to gain a better understanding of the performance of your air-conditioning unit. The recommendations report contains data that can then be used to improve efficiency, reduce electricity consumption and operating costs, as well as to minimise maintenance requirements and lower GHG emissions.
Reports can also highlight opportunities to improve the overall operation of an air-conditioning unit, including the replacement of less efficient systems or oversized units to match the cooling load. It is also an insightful data-gathering opportunity on a considerable source of utility costs, helping to improve controls and settings, along with identifying any technical flaws