TM44 Air Conditioning Assessments: Are Your Buildings Compliant?
Many organisations are unaware that a TM44 assessment is a legal requirement for any building with an air conditioning cooling capacity exceeding 12 kW. In practice, this threshold is surprisingly low. For example, just two reasonably sized external condensers will often exceed 12 kW, while a single large Mitsubishi City Multi system can range from 12 kW to 150 kW.
What Does a TM44 Assessment Cover?
A TM44 inspection applies to:
Air conditioning systems
Air handling units (AHUs) that provide cooling
Certain systems, such as kitchen supply and extract ventilation systems that do not provide cooling, are generally exempt.
A crucial point to remember is that the requirement applies per building, not per site. For example, a school campus may consist of several separate buildings. If multiple buildings exceed the 12 kW cooling threshold, each building requires its own TM44 assessment and certification.
The inspection must be carried out by an accredited energy assessor at least once every five years.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Until recently, enforcement penalties included:
£300 per building for failing to hold a valid TM44 certificate.
A further £200 penalty for failing to provide the report to the local enforcement authority within seven days when requested.
The £300 fine could be reissued weekly until compliance was achieved.
This meant cumulative fines could reach £5,000 per building. For organisations managing multiple qualifying buildings, the exposure increases significantly. For example, a school with five affected buildings could potentially face penalties of up to £25,000.
Increased Enforcement Activity
At the beginning of the year, the government announced an upcoming "enforcement wave", increasing the primary penalty from £300 to £800 per building. This has prompted many organisations to take a closer look at their compliance obligations.
Historically, enforcement activity was relatively limited. In many cases, local authorities and Trading Standards departments were responsible for policing compliance while also managing buildings that were themselves non-compliant. As a result, enforcement was often viewed as a lower priority.
However, that position is changing rapidly.
Our energy management partner - Coral Energy, recently assisted a care home in Merthyr Tydfil after it received an enforcement notice requiring urgent action to avoid financial penalties. We also understand that a growing number of local authorities have now begun issuing notices and fines, signalling a clear shift in enforcement activity.
Why TM44 Matters More Than Ever
The government's focus on improving building performance, reducing energy consumption and lowering carbon emissions has elevated TM44 assessments from a largely overlooked requirement to a key element of building compliance.
As enforcement activity continues to increase, organisations that have delayed inspections may now be at greater risk of penalties and reputational damage.
What Do You Receive?
A TM44 assessment delivers:
An official TM44 certificate
A detailed inspection report
An assessment of system condition and performance
Recommendations for improving efficiency and reducing operating costs
Guidance on system effectiveness and opportunities for optimisation
Beyond compliance, the report can help identify practical ways to reduce energy consumption, improve system performance and lower running costs.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of a TM44 assessment varies depending on several factors, including:
Building size
Number and type of air conditioning systems
Total installed cooling capacity
Complexity of the installation
We will work with you to provide tailored quotations based on your specific building and system requirements, ensuring you receive a cost-effective and compliant solution.
With enforcement increasing and penalties rising, now is the ideal time to review your portfolio and ensure every qualifying building has a valid TM44 certificate in place.