As part of the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) reform, which is currently under consultation, the UK Government is looking to improve the framework used for air conditioning inspections (TM44).
Air conditioning inspections are mandatory inspections which must be carried out by an accredited air conditioning energy assessor every five years on systems with an effective rated output of more than 12kW. Alongside an inspection, the energy assessor will also provide recommendations to improve the performance of the systems to save energy and reduce operational costs.
Redesigning Air Conditioning Inspections
The current air conditioning inspection process can be long, complex and often repetitive. This could mean that system operators are not fully engaged or understand the findings and recommendations made within the report. The Government consultation is recommending that the process be simplified to encourage system operators to take action to improve the energy performance of their air conditioning systems.
Within the recommendations made in an air conditioning inspection, the assessor will identify opportunities to replace older, badly performing systems with new energy efficient systems. The Government is suggesting redesigning air conditioning inspections to include:
- The likely efficiency of the system and any suggestions for improvement of any faults identified during the inspection and suggested actions
- The adequacy of equipment maintenance and any suggestions for improvement
- The adequacy of the installed controls and control settings and any suggestions for improvement
- The current size of the installed system in relation to the cooling load and any suggestions for improvement
- Consideration of the capabilities of the system to optimise its performance under typical operating conditions
- A summary of the findings and key recommendations
How air conditioning inspections can support net zero goals
It is suggested that air conditioning inspections need improving to become more relevant for the current goals of energy efficiency and carbon reduction. The main target of the air conditioning inspection is to encourage system operators to take action and improve the energy performance of their systems.
By implementing air conditioning report recommendations, system operators can achieve 30-40% in energy savings. By putting the lowest cost recommendations into action, such as changing the setting schedule of the system, 10-20% of energy savings could be achieved. This demonstrates the positive impact utilising these recommendations can have on reducing an organisation’s overheads and helping to achieve its sustainability targets. By committing to become more energy efficient, you can enable these benefits to support you in meeting your organisation net zero goals and support the Government with their own 2050 net zero target.
Improving TM44 air conditioning compliance
Currently there is an ongoing issue with compliance meaning that the benefits of air conditioning inspection recommendations are not being realised by all. Through this consultation, the Government is suggesting increasing fines for non-compliance to encourage operators to ensure their TM44 compliance is up to date. The aim of this is also to encourage them to take advantage of the recommendations made in their inspection to fully embrace carbon emission reduction and energy efficiency.
This consultation is due to close on 26 February 2025 and any new reforms will start to be applied from early 2026.