TM44 Inspection: Everything UK Business Owners Need to Know
## What is a TM44 Inspection?
A TM44 inspection is a mandatory energy efficiency assessment of a building's air conditioning systems. Introduced under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the inspection is designed to improve the efficiency of air conditioning units, reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and reduce carbon emissions.
### The 12kW Rule: Do I Need One?
You are legally required to have a TM44 inspection if the **effective combined cooling output** of your air conditioning systems is greater than 12kW.
It's important to note the word "combined". You might have four separate 3.5kW split units in different rooms. Because their combined output (14kW) exceeds the 12kW threshold, the entire system falls under the TM44 requirement.
Common system types that fall within scope:
- **Split units** – very common in offices; combined output often exceeds 12kW with just 3–4 units
- **VRF/VRV systems** – multi-floor office systems; almost always exceed 12kW
- **Cassette units** – common in open-plan offices and retail; check combined kW rating
- **Chiller systems** – large commercial and industrial; always exceeds 12kW
### How Often is a TM44 Required?
TM44 inspections must be carried out **every 5 years** by an accredited air conditioning energy assessor. If you take over a building with a system that hasn't been inspected, you must arrange an inspection within three months of taking control.
### What Does the Inspector Do?
During a TM44 inspection, the assessor will:
1. Visually inspect your AC equipment, including outdoor condenser units and indoor cassettes
2. Review your maintenance records and F-Gas logs
3. Examine the system controls and temperature settings
4. Assess whether the system is oversized for the cooling load of the building
5. Score the overall energy efficiency of the system
You will receive an Air Conditioning Inspection Report highlighting areas for improvement. Implementing these recommendations typically yields 15–30% energy savings.
### Fines for Non-Compliance
Failing to hold a valid TM44 report when requested by Trading Standards carries a fixed penalty of **£300 per building**, plus a further **£200** for failing to provide the report within 7 days. These fines can be issued repeatedly.
### How to Book a TM44 in Your Area
Avorria provides accredited TM44 inspections across the UK. [Book your inspection online](/book?service=tm44) or [view our TM44 service page](/services/tm44) for full details.
A TM44 inspection is a mandatory energy efficiency assessment of a building's air conditioning systems. Introduced under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the inspection is designed to improve the efficiency of air conditioning units, reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and reduce carbon emissions.
### The 12kW Rule: Do I Need One?
You are legally required to have a TM44 inspection if the **effective combined cooling output** of your air conditioning systems is greater than 12kW.
It's important to note the word "combined". You might have four separate 3.5kW split units in different rooms. Because their combined output (14kW) exceeds the 12kW threshold, the entire system falls under the TM44 requirement.
Common system types that fall within scope:
- **Split units** – very common in offices; combined output often exceeds 12kW with just 3–4 units
- **VRF/VRV systems** – multi-floor office systems; almost always exceed 12kW
- **Cassette units** – common in open-plan offices and retail; check combined kW rating
- **Chiller systems** – large commercial and industrial; always exceeds 12kW
### How Often is a TM44 Required?
TM44 inspections must be carried out **every 5 years** by an accredited air conditioning energy assessor. If you take over a building with a system that hasn't been inspected, you must arrange an inspection within three months of taking control.
### What Does the Inspector Do?
During a TM44 inspection, the assessor will:
1. Visually inspect your AC equipment, including outdoor condenser units and indoor cassettes
2. Review your maintenance records and F-Gas logs
3. Examine the system controls and temperature settings
4. Assess whether the system is oversized for the cooling load of the building
5. Score the overall energy efficiency of the system
You will receive an Air Conditioning Inspection Report highlighting areas for improvement. Implementing these recommendations typically yields 15–30% energy savings.
### Fines for Non-Compliance
Failing to hold a valid TM44 report when requested by Trading Standards carries a fixed penalty of **£300 per building**, plus a further **£200** for failing to provide the report within 7 days. These fines can be issued repeatedly.
### How to Book a TM44 in Your Area
Avorria provides accredited TM44 inspections across the UK. [Book your inspection online](/book?service=tm44) or [view our TM44 service page](/services/tm44) for full details.