TM44 Compliance Checklist Guide Summary
This checklist summarises the essential steps organisations must follow to meet the requirements of TM44 air conditioning inspections. It is based on the core obligations set out in the UK’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
The legal basis and inspection requirements for TM44 are set out in the official UK guidance on TM44 air‑conditioning inspections, which explains when inspections are required and how compliance is assessed.
Confirm Whether Your System Requires a TM44 Inspection
You must arrange a TM44 inspection if:
- Your air conditioning system has an effective rated output above 12 kW.
- Multiple smaller units together exceed 12 kW combined output.
- Several units under the control of one operator function as a single system.
The effective rated output can be found on the system rating plate, in manuals or via manufacturer specifications.
Check Inspection Frequency
- TM44 inspections must be completed every five years.
- A valid TM44 certificate and inspection report must be kept on record.
There is no legal requirement to implement recommended improvements, but many support reduced energy and carbon consumption.
Compliance relies on TM44 inspections carried out by accredited assessors, ensuring air‑conditioning systems are reviewed against regulatory and efficiency criteria.
Understand Your Legal Responsibilities
The person who controls the technical operation of the system is legally responsible for compliance, including:
- Ensuring inspections occur within required timescales
- Retaining the most recent TM44 report
- Providing the report during a change of operator
- Arranging an inspection within three months if documentation is missing.
Prepare the Information Needed for an Inspection
Gather the following before requesting a quote:
- Number and type of air conditioning units (split units, VRF units, packaged units, chillers, AHUs)
- Location of systems
- System documentation and maintenance records.
Know What the TM44 Inspection Will Assess
A TM44 assessment typically reviews:
- Refrigeration components – evidence of degradation or poor maintenance
- Air moving systems – airflow delivery and potential efficiency impacts
- System controls – thermostats, timers, operating schedules
- Maintenance routines and documentation quality.
These elements help determine whether the system is operating efficiently.
Understanding the TM44 inspection requirements and regulations helps organisations determine whether their systems fall within the scope of mandatory inspection.
Review the Findings and Recommendations
Your TM44 report will outline:
- Overall system effectiveness
- Identified faults and efficiency risks
- Control and settings improvements
- Opportunities to optimise performance or right‑size equipment
- Potential low‑cost operational changes.
These recommendations support improved energy management and reduced carbon emissions and organisations use TM44 findings to explore potential efficiency improvements identified through TM44, including opportunities to reduce operating costs.
Maintain Compliance Documentation
Ensure you keep:
- The latest TM44 inspection report
- A valid TM44 certificate
- Evidence of maintenance schedules
- Any system documentation provided to the assessor.
This documentation must be available if requested by enforcement authorities.
Understand Penalties for Non‑compliance
Failure to comply can lead to:
- £300 fine for missing a valid TM44 inspection
- £200 fine for failure to provide the TM44 report within seven days upon request
- Repeated fines until compliance is achieved.
Apply Best Practices for Managing Air Conditioning Systems
The following good practices help maintain performance:
- Schedule inspections ahead of the due date
- Ensure the system is regularly maintained and cleaned
- Implement recommendations where practical
- Monitor controls to prevent simultaneous heating and cooling.
Summary
TM44 inspections ensure air conditioning systems are safe, efficient and legally compliant. Understanding the thresholds, inspection cycle, documentation requirements and efficiency criteria will help organisations manage risk and maintain high system performance.
Learn more about air conditioning inspection support here: TM44 inspection services
Written by Richard Quigley – Energy Consultant, CertHE(Eng), MInstR
Richard is a Level 4 TM44 assessor with deep HVAC experience and brings 20+ years of HVAC and facilities experience to TM44 assessments that enhance compliance and operational efficiency.