TM44
TM44 inspection Regulations and the TM44 inspection explained.
We are a multi award winning TM44 inspection company with an extensive track record of delivering cost effective compliance with the air conditioning inspection Regulations.
Every TM44 inspection and associated certificate and report is completed by a qualified air conditioning engineer.
Background:
The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2010 required that member states implement the necessary measures to establish regular inspection of air conditioning systems. Part 4 of The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, as amended, sets out the requirements for air conditioning inspection in England and Wales.
Timeframes and frequency of the TM44 air conditioning inspection:
- all air conditioning systems commissioned on or after 1 January 2008, required a first inspection within five years of commissioning date, and every 5 years thereafter
- for air conditioning systems, with an effective rated output of more than 250kW the first inspection should have taken place by 4 January 2009, and every 5 years thereafter
- for air conditioning systems, with an effective rated output of more than 12kW the first inspection should have taken place by 4 January 2011, and every 5 years thereafter
Statutory lodgement of TM44 inspection certificate:
From 6 April 2012, all TM44 inspection reports need to be lodged on the national Government Landmark register, where after a TM44 inspection report and certificate is generated.
Each accreditation body conducts quality assurance audits on its members lodged reports. Quality Assurance audits are a normal part of the overall quality regime that is required by DCLG from all Energy Assessor Accreditation Bodies.
What is TM44?
CIBSE Technical Manual TM44 was published by The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), describes the statutory requirements for an air conditioning inspection in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and provides guidance on practical inspection procedures. The procedures focus on assessing how well the system is maintained, controlled and operated, and whether it is fit for purpose.
Do air conditioning units with an effective rated output of 12kW and below require a TM44 Inspection?
For the purpose compliance with the TM44 inspection Regulations, all air conditioning units within a building controlled by a single person count as a single air-conditioning system.
Only air-conditioning systems with an effective rated output of more than 12kW are affected by these regulations, but if the building has 5 individual 3kW units, the total combined cooling capacity of the system under single control is 15 kW, and the system would require an inspection.
What is meant by control?
The person who controls the operation of the system is the person who controls the technical functioning of the system, not someone who can just alter the temperature.
The owner of the system will usually control the operation of the system even where day to day operation is contracted out to another. Where a tenant takes total responsibility for a building and its services (e.g. full repairing and insuring lease), then the tenant will control the system.
Depending on the terms of the contract, the FM or servicing company may accordingly become responsible under the regulations. In such cases the landlord and/or tenant retain a parallel duty to ensure the air conditioning inspection has been done.
Do I still require a TM44 air conditioning inspection if I have a contract in place which includes routine servicing and maintenance of the air conditioning system?
Yes, a TM44 air conditioning inspection is in addition to the normal activities associated with the ownership, operation and maintenance of air conditioning systems.
What does a TM44 air conditioning inspection cover?
The TM44 inspection will examine the refrigeration, air and water movement equipment that are part of air-conditioning systems, and their controls. It will also examine any documentation that helps to understand the system, or indicate the extent to which the system has been maintained. The energy assessor is also required to estimate whether the system is suitably sized for the cooling loads in the treated spaces, and to provide advice on ways in which the energy consumption and associated costs may be reduced.
What are the benefits of a TM44 air conditioning inspection?
- Compliance with the TM44 Inspection Regulations
- Expert advice on the current performance of your air conditioning and ventilation systems.
- Tailored recommendations to improve the reliability and energy efficiency of your air conditioning system/s, which will reduce life cycle costs.
- Independent review of maintenance practices and quality.
- Create awareness and provide advice on the current and future impact of legislative requirements
A TM44 inspection must be carried out by an accredited air conditioning energy assessor whom is a current member of an accreditation scheme.
There are two accreditation levels for air conditioning inspectors, namely Level 3 for simple package type cooling systems and Level 4 for complex centralised systems.
Level 3 systems are of the split, multi-split and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) type units, but where these units serve any space that is also served by a mechanical air supply system it becomes a Level 4 complex system.
Level 4 accredited inspectors can conduct inspections on both levels, but Level 3 can only conduct inspections on Level 3 systems.
How we can help!
At Smart GreenTech Solutions we are passionate about air conditioning and ventilation systems, and our goal is to ensure that our clients are compliant with the TM44 inspection Regulations with the least possible disruption to their business.
Our Level 3 and 4 air conditioning inspectors are CIBSE accredited and qualified air conditioning engineers with extensive knowledge and experience to provide you with expert advice not only on the current performance of your air conditioning, ventilation and associated control systems, but also on how to improve its performance.
In addition to the TM44 certificate, we will also provide you with a tailored recommendation report to improve the reliability and energy efficiency of your air conditioning and ventilation systems, as well as the indoor air quality of your buildings, which will significantly reduce operating costs whist creating a healthy indoor environment.