If your commercial building has air conditioning, you've probably heard of TM44 inspections. But what exactly are they, and what do you need to do to stay compliant?

Learn the key TM44 inspection requirements, who needs to comply, when inspections are due, and how to meet UK air conditioning regulations effectively.

What Is a TM44 Inspection?

A TM44 inspection is a legal requirement in the UK under the energy performance of buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012. It applies to air conditioning systems with a combined output of 12kW or more.

The goal? To assess how efficiently your systems are running and identify improvements.

What Does the Inspection Involve?

A qualified energy assessor will:

• Examine the design and operation of your cooling systems
  
  
• Review system controls and energy usage
  
  
• Identify maintenance issues, leaks, or inefficiencies
  
  
• Recommend cost-saving actions and provide an official TM44 report
  
  

You’ll then receive a TM44 certificate as proof that your building meets inspection requirements.

When Do You Need a TM44 Inspection?

• First inspection: Required five years from the system’s installation date (if it meets the 12kW threshold).
  
  
• Ongoing compliance: TM44 inspections must be repeated every five years.
  
  
• After upgrades or major changes: A new inspection may be needed.
  
  

Who’s Responsible?

If you're a building owner, landlord, or facilities manager, it's your responsibility to:

• Arrange TM44 inspections with a qualified assessor
  
  
• Keep certificates and reports available for enforcement bodies
  
  
• Act on recommendations where applicable
  
  

Key TM44 Inspection Requirements

Here’s a breakdown of the legal and technical criteria:

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Requirement                                          Detail

Threshold                                                Applies to systems ≥12kW combined output

Frequency                                               Every 5 years

Qualified assessor                              Must be an accredited energy assessor

Scope                                                         Covers indoor/outdoor units, controls, usage, and maintenance

Compliance                                             Certificate/report must be retained for inspection by authorities

Penalty for non-compliance            Up to £300 fine per offence (plus repeat penalties)

See full UK government guidelines on air conditioning inspections.

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What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Skipping a TM44 inspection isn’t just risky it’s costly. Businesses can face:

• £300 per offence fines
  
  
• Repeated penalties for continued non-compliance
  
  
• Issues during building audits, leasing, or asset sales
  
  

In short, it pays to stay on top of your inspection cycle.

Why It’s Worth Doing Properly?

A good TM44 inspection doesn’t just keep you legal; it can save you money. Research shows that implementing assessor recommendations can cut air conditioning costs by 10%–40%.

It can also:

• Extend the life of your HVAC systems
  
  
• Improve your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating
  
  
• Show clients and staff you care about sustainability
  
  

How Gradwell Group Makes It Simple?

At Gradwell Group, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses across the UK get compliant, fast. Here’s how we do it differently:

• Fast quotes and 24-hour turnaround options
  
  
• Nationwide coverage from Leeds to London and everywhere in between
  
  
• Highly trained, approved assessors
  
  
• Clear, no-jargon reports with energy-saving recommendations
  
  
• A dedicated team who manage all the paperwork so you don’t have to
  
  

Get your TM44 quote now quick, easy, and no obligation.

TM44 Inspection FAQs

• Who can perform a TM44 inspection?

Only qualified and accredited energy assessors.

• What systems are included?
  
  

 Any cooling system (air con, chillers, split units) totalling 12kW or more.

• Do I need to act on the recommendations?

You're not legally required to, but doing so can significantly reduce energy bills.

• Do I need to display the TM44 certificate?

You must keep it on file and provide it to regulators if requested.

Final Thoughts

TM44 inspection requirements are more than just a checkbox on your compliance list. They’re an opportunity to improve energy performance, lower operating costs, and protect your business from fines.

By partnering with Gradwell Group, you’ll not only meet the legal standard you’ll go beyond it.

Act now. Stay compliant. Save energy.

Book your TM44 inspection with Gradwell Group

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