TM44 Inspections

As the operator responsible for an air conditioning system, it is important for you to adhere to specific regulations, such as the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, which were updated in 2020 (known as the EPB Regulations).

According to the EPB Regulations, if you control a refrigerant air conditioning system with a rated output exceeding 12kW, it is mandatory for you to organise a TM44 inspection at specified intervals. This inspection ensures compliance and evaluates the energy performance of your air conditioning system.

As MD Cooling, we want to ensure that you are aware of the requirements regarding TM44 inspections for air conditioning systems. Such inspections are mandatory for any air conditioning system that utilises a refrigerant as a cooling agent and has an effective rated output exceeding 12kW.

The effective rated output refers to the maximum calorific output, expressed in kW, delivered during continuous operation, as specified by the manufacturer. You can easily access this information by referring to the rating plate attached to your system, its operating manual, or the manufacturer's website.

According to the EPB Regulations, a TM44 inspection is a compulsory requirement that should be conducted within a maximum interval of five years since the last inspection. The initial inspection of a qualifying system must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. For all systems that were first put into service on or after 1 January 2008, the initial inspection should have been carried out within five years from the date when the system was first put into service.
2. For other air conditioning systems with an effective rated output exceeding 250kW, the first inspection should have taken place no later than 4 January 2009.
3. For other air conditioning systems with an effective rated output surpassing 12kW, the first inspection should have occurred by 4 January 2011.

These requirements ensure that qualifying air conditioning systems are inspected promptly to assess their energy efficiency and compliance with the EPB Regulations. It is crucial to adhere to these timelines to maintain regulatory compliance and ensure the proper functioning of your air conditioning system.

TM44 inspections are obligatory, but it is important to note that you are not legally obliged to follow the recommendations provided in the inspection report.

These inspections must be conducted by an accredited energy assessor, and you can find qualified assessors by searching the Government's energy assessor database. If you decide to proceed with the recommended repairs or replacements, it is crucial to hire a qualified engineer to perform the work.

To ensure full compliance, the person in control of a qualifying air conditioning system must:

1. Arrange TM44 inspections in accordance with the regulations' requirements and timetable.
2. Keep the most recent TM44 inspection report provided by an accredited energy assessor.
3. Transfer any TM44 inspection reports to the new operator if there is a change in system control.

If operational responsibilities are transferred, and an inspection report is not passed on, the new operator must arrange for a TM44 inspection within three months.

Non-compliance with the regulations carries penalties. Failure to arrange a TM44 inspection can result in a fine of £300. Additionally, if requested by a Trading Standards Officer, failing to produce a TM44 report within seven days may lead to an additional penalty of £200.

A TM44 inspection is just one of the obligations that come with operating an air conditioning system. Apart from the EPB Regulations and the F-Gas Regulations, which may require regular F-Gas leak testing, MD Cooling Solutions can assist you with F-Gas certified services. As a registered member of REFCOM, we can perform F-Gas leak testing for your system. Furthermore, we are happy to review the recommendations provided in your TM44 report and offer competitive quotations for the required work.