A TM44 certificate is evidence that a qualifying air conditioning system has undergone a TM44 inspection by an accredited air conditioning energy assessor. If your commercial building contains air conditioning systems with a combined effective rated output greater than 12kW, you may be legally required to have a valid TM44 inspection certificate.
However, many building owners and facilities managers are unsure what a TM44 certificate actually is, what it demonstrates and how it differs from a TM44 report. This guide explains the key requirements and obligations.
A TM44 certificate is issued following a TM44 air conditioning inspection. The inspection assesses the efficiency and condition of air conditioning systems and identifies opportunities to improve energy performance.
The certificate demonstrates that the inspection has been carried out. It is normally accompanied by a TM44 report containing the detailed findings, observations and recommendations from the assessment.
For many commercial buildings, yes.
TM44 inspections form part of the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations. Buildings with air conditioning systems exceeding the 12kW threshold are generally required to undergo regular inspections.
The requirement commonly applies to:
Building owners and those responsible for operating air conditioning systems should ensure inspections remain up to date to maintain compliance.
This is one of the most common questions raised by facilities managers and property owners.
The TM44 certificate confirms that the inspection has been completed.
The TM44 report contains the detailed findings from the assessment, including recommendations to improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs and enhance system performance.
In simple terms, the certificate demonstrates compliance while the report provides the technical detail.
TM44 inspections are generally required every five years.
At the end of that period a further inspection is required and a new TM44 certificate and report are produced.
Maintaining an accurate compliance register can help organisations avoid missed inspection dates.
During a TM44 inspection, the assessor reviews the air conditioning installation and considers whether the system is operating efficiently and remains suitable for the building's cooling requirements.
The inspection may identify:
Although compliance is often the primary driver, TM44 inspections can also highlight opportunities to reduce operating costs and improve building performance.
If your air conditioning systems have a combined effective rated output above 12kW, a TM44 inspection may be required.
Only an accredited air conditioning energy assessor can undertake a TM44 inspection and issue the associated documentation.
Where a qualifying building does not have a valid TM44 inspection, enforcement action and financial penalties may apply.
No. The certificate confirms the inspection has taken place. The report contains the detailed findings and recommendations.
KJ Tait provides TM44 air conditioning inspections across the UK. We help building owners, facilities managers and property professionals understand their compliance obligations while identifying practical opportunities to improve building performance and reduce energy consumption.
