What is a TM44 Inspection?

Our TM44 Inspections Guide helping businesses remain compliant, reduce energy costs, and make informed decisions.

Air Conditioning Inspections: What You Need to Know

Understanding TM44: The UK's Legal Standard for Air Conditioning Inspections

A TM44 inspection also known as a TM44 Report or TM44 Survey is a legally required energy assessment of a building’s air conditioning system, carried out by an accredited assessor every five years for systems with an effective rated output of more than 12kW. As energy costs continue to rise, TM44 inspections offer significant opportunities for cost savings and contribute to broader sustainability goals.

TM44 is a particular type of air conditioning survey that assesses the performance and efficiency of the air conditioning systems of a building. Its main purpose is to ensure the adequacy of the system for the building and enhance energy efficiency and carbon footprint.

TM44 is outlined in Energy Performance of Building Regulations 2007 and is designed to implement the European Union’s Energy Performance of the Building Directive (EPBD).

However, this does not mean that every air conditioning system in the UK is subject to TM44 inspection, which we will discuss in detail here. We will also elaborate on the process, regulations, and importance of this inspection. Let’s begin with the components of the system that are inspected during the TM44 inspection.

What are the Key Elements of a TM44 Inspection?

TM44 inspection is a thorough process that includes every aspect, from assessment to recommendation and more. Here are the key elements of the inspection:

System Assessment

The inspection involves a detailed evaluation of the system, including its type, efficiency, design requirement and control. It will also check the cooling demands of the building and compare it with the installed system to ensure it is of proper size to maintain energy efficiency.

Maintenance and Operation

The inspection also checks whether the system is being maintained and operated in an energy-efficient manner. It will also check for issues that can reduce the energy efficiency of the system, such as blocked ducts and dirty filters.

Compliance

The system is also checked for its code compliance with all the relevant standards and regulations. Building managers or owners should have a complete report on the subject to present to the authorities when requested.

Recommendations

TM44 inspection also includes a complete report that comes with recommendations to improve the functionality and energy efficiency of the system. These recommendations may include adjustments, upgrades and changes to its operation or maintenance.

Which Systems are Inspected in a TM44 Inspection?

Below is the detail of the systems that are checked during the inspection:

1. System Overview

System Type: The type of air conditioning system is assessed, e.g., central systems, split units, chillers, and VRV/VRF systems.
System Size and Capacity: The overall size and capacity of the system are assessed to ensure it is not oversized or undersized for the building’s needs.

2. Refrigerant Circuit

Refrigerant Type: The type of the refrigerant is identified to ensure it is compliant with the regulations.
Refrigerant Charge: The level of refrigerant is also checked to ensure it is at optimal level and not overcharged or undercharged.
Leak Detection: The system is then checked for any signs of refrigerant leaks, which can reduce performance and harm the environment.

3. Air Handling Units (AHUs)

Filters: The overall condition of air filters is checked to ensure they are not clogged, damaged or dirty.
Coils: Condenser and evaporative coils are inspected for debris or damage, which can badly hamper the performance of the heat exchanger.
Fans and Motors: The condition and performance of fans and motors are checked to see if they are properly functioning.

4. Controls and Settings

Thermostats: The assessor checks the calibration, placement and settings of thermostats to ensure they are properly controlling the system.
Timers and Schedulers: The settings of timers and schedulers are checked to see whether they are set for energy efficiency.
Zoning: If the system uses zoning, the system is checked to ensure it is properly configured to avoid excessive energy usage for unused areas.

5. Ductwork

Insulation: Ductwork’s insulation is thoroughly inspected for its overall condition to ensure it is not causing energy losses.
Leakage: The ductwork is also checked for any signs of leakage, which can reduce the system’s efficiency.
Airflow: The airflow in the ducts is checked to ensure it is balanced and meets design specifications.

6. Cooling and Heating Equipment

Chillers: If the chillers are included in the system, they are checked for maintenance, efficiency, and operation.
Condensers: The condition of the condenser is thoroughly evaluated to ensure its optimum performance.
Heat Exchangers: Heat exchangers are inspected for damage or fouling, which can reduce efficiency.

How is a TM44 Inspection Carried Out?

TM44 inspection follows a detailed process, checking every component of the hardware and software of the system. Here is a detailed process of TM44 inspection:

Pre-Inspection Preparation

This step includes the evaluation of the system and all the relevant paperwork to understand the upcoming challenge. This generally includes the assessment of the following:

On-Site Inspection

Once the preliminary checks are complete, the assessor goes on to thoroughly examine the air conditioning system. This step includes the following:

Data Collection and Analysis

After the assessment, all the data is collected and thoroughly assessed to identify any shortcomings and potential areas of improvement. It includes the analysis of:

Report Preparation

Once the inspection and analysis are complete, the assessor will prepare a complete report that includes all the details on the following:

Post-Inspection Actions

After the report is prepared, the owner or the manager of the building is responsible for implementing the recommendations to increase the system's efficiency. Moreover, the report must be kept safely and made available to the relevant authorities upon their request.

Get in Touch Today to Book Your TM44 Inspection

Ensure compliance, improve energy efficiency and optimise your air conditioning systems with a TM44 inspection. Our expert team at KTIC can help every step of the way.

Why is a TM44 Inspection Important?

A TM44 inspection is important for several reasons, ranging from legal compliance to environmental and financial benefits. Here’s a detailed explanation of why it matters:

Legal Compliance

TM44 inspection is mandatory for buildings with more than 12kW air conditioning output. If failed to comply, it can result in penalties of up to £300 per building.

Energy Efficiency

The inspection will help identify inefficiencies and address them promptly to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.

Cost Savings

Improving the efficiency of the system, a TM44 inspection will help you save a substantial amount on energy bills. It will also reduce repair costs by identifying potential problems early.

Environmental Impact

By optimising the performance of the air conditioning system, you can reduce your overall carbon footprint and contribute to the global climate goals.

Maintenance and Longevity

A TM44 inspection allows you to carry out proactive and preventive maintenance, keeping the system in optimal condition and improving its longevity.

Building Value and Reputation

A timely TM44 inspection demonstrates your commitment to energy efficiency and improves the value of your building.

What are the Legal Requirements for a TM44 Inspection in the UK?

System Requirements

Your air conditioning system must have an output of more than 12kW, or the cumulative output of the air conditioning systems of the building should be above 12kW for the TM44 inspection.

Frequency of Inspection

TM44 inspections are required every 5 years for eligible air conditioning systems, including single systems rated at 12kW or more and multiple smaller systems with a combined output exceeding 12kW. Systems with an output over 250kW must have their first inspection within 1 year of installation.

Responsibilities

The building manager or the owner is responsible for ensuring the air conditioning survey is carried out within the required timeframe. Furthermore, only an accredited energy assessor is eligible to carry out a TM44 inspection.

Inspection Report

After the inspection, a detailed report must be prepared and provided by the assessor, which should be kept by the owner or the building manager and presented to the authorities when requested.

Penalties

In case of failure to comply with the requirements, local authorities can issue a fine of £300 for every building per non-compliance visit. If you do not carry out the inspection within the next 7 days, they can fine you with an additional £200.

Exemptions

All air conditioning systems with output less than 12kW or buildings with cumulative AC output of less than 12kW are exempted. Moreover, temporary cooling systems are also not subject to a TM44 inspection.

How much does a TM44 Inspection Cost?

The cost of a TM44 inspection varies depending on factors such as the size, complexity and capacity of the air conditioning system. Keeping these parameters in mind, a TM44 inspection can cost you anywhere between £600 and £1500. TM44 inspections are categorised into two levels:

Level 3 — covers simpler systems such as multiple split units with a centralised controller.
Level 4 — covers more complex systems including Air Handling Units (AHUs) and chillers, which require more time to inspect and typically cost more.

Other factors that affect price include the number of systems on site, access requirements, and whether you require an Enhanced TM44 inspection, which provides a more detailed assessment and can identify specific cost-saving opportunities.

If you are looking for a qualified and accredited assessor near you for a TM44 inspection of your building’s air conditioning system, you can contact KTIC. We offer high-end inspections at highly competitive prices around the UK.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

What is a TM44 inspection?

CIBSE’s TM44 stands for Technical Memorandum 44 and is used as the guidance for air conditioning inspections in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Malta and Gibraltar. The guidance is primarily intended to support inspections which are carried out for compliance with the EPBD, but will also be useful to anyone who wishes to assess the energy efficiency of an air conditioning system.

What is the current legislation regarding TM44?

Air conditioning energy assessments are now a legal requirement under The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 SI 2007/991 amended by SI 2007/1669, SI 2007/3302 and SI 2008/647. We’ve written in more detail on both EPBD and air conditioning compliance obligations.
The person who controls the operation of the system is the person who has the responsibility for ensuring an inspection takes place every 5 years. Only systems that are used purely for process cooling are exempt form the air conditioning inspection laws.

What are the penalties of TM44 non-compliance?

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is policed by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (Trading Standards). Failure to comply with the directive could include recurring fines of £300 for smaller air conditioning systems (per building and non-compliance visit). For more complex systems, some councils have stated that non-compliance could result in larger fines relevant to the level of deemed negligence. The TM44 Inspection of air conditioning systems is also a requirement in order to obtain and renew ISO:8001 accreditation.

How does AC inspection ensure its energy efficiency?

During the inspection of your property’s AC system, we identify opportunities to reduce energy usage. Our experts suggest effective measures that can help increase your AC unit’s overall energy efficiency

Who is responsible for air conditioning inspection?

The building owners and managers must undertake TM44 air conditioning inspection every five years to ensure the AC units perform optimally and remain compliant with UK regulations

What are the consequences of not having a TM44 AC inspection?

If you fail to comply with the requirements of the TM44 AC inspection, you will have to pay a fine of up to £300 (per building and non-compliance visit). If you do not carry out the inspection within the next 7 days, you could be fined an additional £200.

What is the TM44 inspection register and how do I check it?

The TM44 inspection register is the official government database where all completed TM44 inspection reports must be submitted by the accredited assessor. Submitting to the register is a legal requirement. An inspection is not considered compliant until the report has been submitted and a certificate issued.

Building owners and facilities managers can search the register by address or certificate number to check whether a valid TM44 certificate is in place: Check the TM44 Register. As an accredited assessor, KTIC handles the lodgement process on your behalf. Once your inspection is complete, your certificate will be issued without any additional steps required on your part. If you are unsure whether your building currently has a valid certificate, contact our team and we can check it for you.

How much does a TM44 cost?

The costs of a TM44 inspection depends on the type of air conditioning system that you have installed. The CIBSE TM44 inspection guidance describes the methodology to follow so we would need to know about the components of your system in order to quote a price. The inspections fall under 2 categories, level 3 inspections & level 4 inspections.
An example of a TM44 inspection level 3 would be 7 split units with a centralised controller. A level 4 inspection would typically involve 1 or more AHU and/or chillers, these type of inspections tend to cost more due to the time taken to inspect the components.
If you would like to know more about TM44 inspection costs then please let us know what equipment you have installed and we will get back to you with a formal quote and competitive price.

How often do I need a TM44 inspection?

A TM44 inspection is required at least every five years for air conditioning systems with an effective rated output of more than 12kW. Keeping inspections up to date ensures you remain compliant with current regulations and helps maintain the efficiency of your system over time.

What are the additional benefits of TM44 inspections?

In short, you could save significantly more than it costs to carry out the air conditioning assessment, with very little capital expenditure. How much you can save will depend on the age and efficiency of the air-conditioning system and controls installed. An ‘Enhanced TM44 Inspection’ gives a more in depth assessment of the air-conditioning system. Thus, we would highly recommend our clients to consider this type of TM44 inspection in order to maximize identified potential savings.
We go into depth on the subject of Energy Savings which can be found on our news page.

When were TM44 regulations introduced?

TM44 regulations were first introduced to the UK in 2007 as part of the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2007, following the introduction of the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The TM44 regulations were then enforced from January 2009 for systems with a cooling capacity over 250kW and from January 2011 for systems with a cooling capacity over 12kW.

These regulations were introduced to improve the overall energy efficiency of buildings in the UK. Since then, they have become a legal requirement and a crucial component of UK energy legislation.

You can read more about this here.

What are the benefits of TM44 inspection?

TM44 AC inspections are carefully designed to offer several benefits to individuals, which include:

Lower Energy Bills
Reduced Operating Costs
Lesser Carbon Emissions
Lower Electricity Consumption
Sustainable & Comfortable Future
Enhanced System’s Energy Efficiency

What are the common problems identified during TM44 inspections?

Having years of experience providing TM44 inspection services, we have identified that some of the most common issues with AC systems include:

Faulty Controls
Incorrect Settings
Refrigerant Leakages
Poor Maintenance of Coils & Filters
Insufficiently Insulated Ducts & Pipework
Obsolete AC Systems That Are Not Compatible for Modern Efficiency Standards.

TM44 News, Guidance and Insights

We have a variety of blogs related to TM44 inspections and air conditioning compliance. If you still have any questions, you might find the answers are covered in one of our blogs; otherwise, feel free to reach out and ask us directly.