If your commercial building has air conditioning, a TM44 air conditioning inspection may be more than just best practice, it could be a legal requirement.
Many businesses are unaware of TM44 regulations until they face enforcement action, fines or issues during compliance checks. This guide explains what a TM44 inspection is, who needs one and why it matters for your business.
What Is a TM44 Air Conditioning Inspection?
A TM44 inspection is a mandatory energy efficiency assessment of air conditioning systems with a combined cooling capacity of 12kW or more.
The inspection evaluates how efficiently your air conditioning system operates and provides recommendations to improve performance, reduce energy consumption and lower running costs.
TM44 inspections apply to most commercial and non-domestic buildings, including:
- Offices
- Retail units
- Hotels and leisure facilities
- Healthcare and education buildings
- Industrial and warehouse premises
Is a TM44 Inspection a Legal Requirement?
Yes, under UK energy regulations, a TM44 inspection is a legal requirement for qualifying systems.
If your building has air conditioning systems totalling 12kW or above, you must:
- Have a TM44 inspection carried out at least every 5 years
- Ensure the inspection is completed by an accredited assessor
- Ensure the TM44 inspection report is lodged on the government database and available to enforcement authorities if requested.
Failure to comply can result in financial penalties and enforcement action.
What Does a TM44 Cover?
A TM44 inspection assesses:
- System efficiency and performance
- Controls and settings
- Maintenance practices
- Opportunities to improve energy efficiency
- Whether the system is correctly sized for the building
The resulting TM44 report includes practical recommendations designed to reduce energy use while maintaining occupant comfort.
Who Is Responsible for TM44 Compliance?
The legal responsibility for ensuring a TM44 air conditioning inspection is carried out rests with the person who has overall control of the system’s operation. In practice, this is typically the party responsible for arranging system maintenance and managing other statutory compliance obligations, such as F-gas inspections.
Depending on how responsibility is allocated, this may be:
- Building owner
- Landlord
- Facilities manager
- Tenant
Why TM44 Inspections Matter for Businesses
Legal Compliance
A valid TM44 certificate demonstrates compliance with UK energy regulations and avoids the risk of fines or enforcement action.
Reduced Energy Costs
TM44 recommendations often identify straightforward improvements that can significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs.
Improved System Performance
Regular inspections help ensure systems operate efficiently, reducing strain, breakdowns and unnecessary wear.
Sustainability and ESG Goals
Energy efficiency is increasingly important for businesses working towards carbon reduction targets and ESG commitments.
Common TM44 Misconceptions
- “We service our air conditioning so we don’t need TM44.”
Servicing and TM44 inspections are different. TM44 focuses on energy efficiency, not maintenance. - “Our system is small, so it doesn’t apply.”
The threshold is cumulative. Multiple smaller units can still exceed 12kW. - “We only need it once.”
TM44 inspections must be renewed every five years.
What Happens If You Don’t Have One?
If a TM44 inspection is required and not in place, you may face:
- Fines from local authorities
- Compliance issues during audits
- Increased energy costs
- Reputational risk
Being proactive is far more cost-effective than reacting to enforcement.
TM44 Air Conditioning Inspections with Clifton Energy
Clifton Energy provides professional TM44 air conditioning inspections for commercial properties across the South East. Inspections are carried out by accredited assessors and delivered with clear reporting and practical guidance to support compliance and efficiency.
Get Compliant with Confidence
If your building has air conditioning, a TM44 inspection is not something to overlook.
Contact Clifton Energy today to book your TM44 air conditioning inspection or to discuss your wider compliance requirements, including Commercial EPCs and fire door inspections.