In the pursuit of sustainable and energy efficient practices, governments worldwide are implementing regulations to improve the environmental performance of buildings. One such regulation, particularly in the United Kingdom, is the TM44 assessment. This assessment plays a crucial role in enhancing the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring compliance with legal obligations.
Just so you know, the TM44 assessment is also often called an Air Conditioning Energy Assessment or an Air Conditioning Inspection.
So what is a TM44 Assessment?
A TM44 assessment is a mandatory process for buildings with air conditioning systems that have a combined effective rated output greater than 12kw. This applies to single units with an output of 12kw and to individual units that together reach or exceed 12kw. This directive falls under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and focuses on improving the efficiency of air conditioning systems in commercial and public buildings.
In other words, the purpose of the TM44 assessment is to provide a report to business owners and business managers on how energy efficient their air conditioning is. It is also worth noting that even if your building doesn’t meet the criteria of 12kw, it maybe useful to have your air conditioning systems inspected to improve the efficiency.
How do I know if I need a TM44 Assessment?
Ultimately your maintenance provider can tell you if you need a TM44 or not, but if not here are a few pointers:
- If you can see data plates on the air conditioning units look for the cooling capacity (not the input), start adding up, once you reach 12kW stop, no need to count any more you need a TM44 assessment.
- In general 2.5kW is the smallest duty air conditioner most brands make, so if you have more than 4 air conditioning units you most likely need a TM44 assessment.
- Most air conditioning units are sized using a heat load calculation of around 100-125 Watts per square meter. Measure the size of the air conditioned space, if the total amount of space your air conditioning systems serve exceeds 120 square meters / 1291 square feet, you most likely need a TM44 assessment.
How Often Does a TM44 Assessment Need To Be Carried Out?
The first inspection must have taken place within five years of the date when the first or oldest system was first put into service. Thereafter, inspections will be required within every 5 years and must be done by an accredited air conditioning assessor.
The key word here is the within, so if you have a brand new system installed today a TM44 is due, there is no division between old and new units, such as “don’t do those as they are not 5 years old yet.
Who Can Carry Out a TM44 Assessment?
Only an accredited Energy Assessor can carry out a TM44 assessment. These professionals have the expertise to evaluate the efficiency and performance of air conditioning systems.
What does a TM44 Assessment involve?
The primary aim of the inspection is to give building owners and operators information about the performance of their buildings cooling and ventilation plant, and to identify opportunities to save energy and cut operating costs.
The visit involves a visual assessment of a sample of your cooling and ventilation installations.
Following the inspection, the inspector will provide you with a report containing:
- The current efficiency of your equipment and suggestions for improvement including, where appropriate, its replacement.
- A list of any faults identified (e.g. condition of air filters) during the inspection and suggested actions.
- The adequacy of the equipment maintenance and suggestions for improvement.
- The adequacy of the installed controls and control settings and suggestions for improvement.
- The current size of the installed system in relation to the cooling load.
- Suggestions for improving the system’s energy efficiency, or where appropriate minimising or avoiding the need to use air conditioning.
The report should also contain.
- The address of the building in which the inspected system is located;
- The name of the energy assessor;
- The name and address of the energy assessor’s employer, or if self-employed, the name under which the person trades and their address;
- The date on which the inspection occurred; and
- The name of the approved accreditation scheme of which the energy assessor is a member.
It is important to note that the inspection must be carried out by a qualified accredited air conditioning energy assessor and the assessment lodged onto the .GOV Website.
You are under no obligation to act on the advice provided in the reports; however, if you did so, it is likely you would reduce your overall energy consumption, save costs and protect the environment.
Why is a TM44 Assessment important?
Energy Efficiency Improvement – TM44 Assessments are designed to identify inefficiencies in air conditioning systems. By addressing these inefficiencies, building owners can enhance the overall energy efficiency of their systems, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs.
Cost Savings – Improving energy efficiency not only benefits the environment but also translates into cost savings for building owners. By implementing the recommendations from the assessment, businesses can reduce their energy bills and increase the long-term sustainability of their operations.
Environmental Impact Reduction – By addressing inefficiencies, TM44 assessments contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and align with global efforts to combat climate change.
Legal Compliance – In the UK, TM44 Assessments are a legal requirement for buildings with air conditioning systems with a combined effective rated output greater than 12kw. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines and penalties.
Enhanced System Performance – a thorough assessment provides insights into the condition and performance of the air conditioning system. Addressing issues identified in the the assessment can lead to improved system performance, increased reliability and a more comfortable indoor environment.
Can We Help?
TM44 assessments play a crucial role in promoting energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact and ensuring legal compliance for buildings with air conditioning systems. Building owners and managers should view these assessments as an opportunity to enhance the sustainability of their operations, achieve cost savings and contribute to a greener more energy efficient future.
Here at Mattair, we have a team of highly skilled Energy Assessors who are qualified to carry out TM44 Assessments. If you would like to arrange an Assessment or require any further information, please call 01246 414922 or email [email protected]
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