What is an ACEA / TM44 Inspection?

An ‘Air Conditioning Energy Assessment’ or alternatively titled as a TM44 inspection is a legal requirement under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2007 for any commercial or public sector buildings that have air conditioning equipment installed with a capacity of 12kW or more. An inspection is required every 5 years and must be conducted by an accredited inspector. Their primary purpose is to help businesses improve the efficiency of their buildings – more specifically, reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions and operating costs.

What is included in a ACEA / TM44 Inspection?

The inspection is to ensure that your air conditioning equipment is sized correctly for the areas it is serving, that the controls are set-up to minimise energy usage and visually check the equipment is maintained plus review service records to verify the maintenance / F-Gas checks have been undertaken. The inspector will examine all refrigeration equipment on site including any ventilation systems plus the associated controls. Following the visit a report will be created which highlights any faults and the current efficiency of your equipment, suggestions of how the efficiency can be improved and how to reduce the usage of your equipment. The report will be logged on the government ECEA database and a quotation issued for any recommended remedial works. Once completed, these works will enhance the existing systems to a standard of ‘inherent’ efficiency, consistent with the current minimum provisions of the building regulations or industry best practice standards.

What is the difference between an Enhanced Report & Standard Report?

In addition to the advice & recommendations in a Standard TM44 Report, an Enhanced TM44 report provides additional information & analysis including potential annual savings for the recommended works, and an overall energy rating for all the equipment on-site to show how efficient the plant is. It will also give an energy rating for each piece of equipment so you can assess which systems should be considered for replacement. It also provides you with an asset register which details the quantity & type of refrigerant, system condition and capacity for each item. It will also provide you with approx. energy usage for the equipment on site with weekly & annual running costs based on the building occupancy and equipment usage. It will also report on the equipment capacity compared to the area being served to confirm if the equipment is too small or too large for the application.

Why should I have a TM44?

A TM44 inspection isn’t just about staying compliant—it offers tangible benefits:

· Efficiency Gains: Identifies inefficiencies, helping you reduce energy usage and lower costs.

· Legal Compliance: There are financial penalties for the failure to provide a valid copy of the ACEA/TM44 report so ensure you are compliant by scheduling your TM44 inspection today!

· Environmental Benefits: Improving energy efficiency reduces your system’s carbon footprint and is another feather in your ESE policy cap!

· A -Game: For building managers, it’s a way to ensure your air conditioning is working as effectively as it should, minimising waste and unnecessary expense, plus ensures your air conditioning contractor is competent and delivering on their promise.

TM44 inspections might not be the most exciting item on your to-do list, but they’re a straightforward way to stay compliant and potentially uncover savings. They provide the kind of insight that’s not just about following the rules but about making better decisions for your building.

Need a TM44 inspection? Get in touch to book yours and ensure your system is compliant and performing at its best.