If you’re responsible for a building with air conditioning with over 12kW of cooling capacity you have a legal responsibility to carry out TM44 inspections.
Putting in place a programme for the maintenance of the air conditioning system and the required TM44 inspections, Air Conditioning Inspection Reports and Certificates will ensure the air conditioning system runs efficiently, reducing running costs and potential damage to the environment, delivering on your legal responsibilities and keeping your tenants comfortable and happy.
Do you need a TM44 Air Conditioning Compliance Inspection?
Introduced in 2011, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requires the TM44 regulations inspection of air conditioning systems in all buildings with over 12kW of cooling capacity, including buildings with multiple individual units less than 12kW which when combined have an output if more than 12kW.
The purpose of the TM44 inspection and report is to provide information regarding the efficiency of your air-conditioning systems and advice on how the energy efficiency of the system may be improved, to meet carbon reduction requirements. You will receive an Air Conditioning Inspection Report (AC-REPORT) and a separate Air Conditioning Inspection Certificate (AC-CERT).
What does the TM44 inspection cover?
Your energy inspection will include:
- a visual assessment of your air conditioning system
- examination of your air conditioning equipment and controls
Once the inspection is over, your assessor will give you a report that tells you:
- the current efficiency of your equipment
- suggestions for improving the efficiency of your equipment
- any faults and suggested actions
- how to reduce your air conditioning use
Source: https://www.gov.uk/get-your-air-conditioning-system-inspected
Whilst implementing any recommendations made is not a legal requirement, doing so could significantly improve the air conditioning system’s efficiency, reducing the running costs of the building and protecting the environment. Annual servicing as a minimum is advisable as for every year a system is in operation but not serviced it loses efficiency, which means it has to work harder and consumes more energy.
What are your obligations?
A TM44 inspection, report and certification is required every five years, and within three months of taking possession of a building. As a commercial landlord, you must ensure that the report and certification are available for inspection.
You should also note that air conditioning systems require F-Gas certification to be carried out annually (or in some cases every six months). Both TM44 inspections and F-Gas regulations relate to the use of air conditioning units, but have distinct requirements, ensuring you understand the difference and comply with both is essential if you’re responsible for a commercial building with air conditioning.
Find out more about your obligations in relation to F-Gas
What are the implications of non-compliance?
Government advice on this is very clear:
Local Authority trading standards officers have the power to check certification and issue fines for non-compliance, currently £300 per building, with additional fines for continued non-compliance.
We can help you fulfil your obligations
We can help you to keep your building compliant and the people in it happy and safe. We can carry out regular maintenance of your air conditioning systems and arrange TM44 inspections.
The simplest way to achieve this is to put a Darenth Valley planned and preventative maintenance contract in place, which can cover any or all of the 12 Maintenance Essentials as required.
If you would like to arrange a TM44 inspection or discuss putting a PPM agreement in place please contact Alex Tait our Business Development Manager.
Do our Happy Building Health Check
We’ve identified 12 areas of essential maintenance for keeping commercial property compliant and created a Happy Building Health Check chart. If compliance is your responsibility download it and check that your building complies.