TM44 inspections, or Air Conditioning Energy Assessments (ACEA), are required by law in the United Kingdom under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2007, amended in 2011 and 2012. [1] They are designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of air conditioning systems. [2] The name "TM44" refers to the technical memorandum TM44, which provides guidelines for these inspections.
Purpose
TM44 inspections are aimed at assessing the efficiency of air conditioning systems and providing building owners and operators with advice on how to improve the efficiency, reduce the energy consumption and decrease operating costs. [3] The inspections also look for any faults in the system and check that the system is properly maintained.
Inspection frequency and requirements
Air conditioning systems with a total cooling capacity of more than 12 kW must undergo an inspection at least once every five years. [4] This includes individual units which combined exceed 12kW. The first inspection must occur within five years of the installation of the system. [5] Subsequent inspections must be conducted by an accredited energy assessor within five years of the previous inspection.
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) states that an inspection report should include:
- The current efficiency of the equipment
- Suggestions for improving the efficiency of the equipment
- The adequacy of equipment maintenance
- Any faults in the systems and suggested actions
- The size of the air conditioning system compared to the cooling requirements of the building [6]
Enforcement
The enforcement of the TM44 inspection is undertaken by local authorities. Failure to commission, keep or provide an updated TM44 inspection report when required by an enforcement authority could lead to a fine of £300 per unit. [7]
Impact
TM44 inspections aim to reduce the energy consumption of air conditioning units, thereby reducing their impact on the environment and cutting costs for businesses. [8] By enforcing these inspections, the UK government encourages businesses to be more energy efficient and promotes a more sustainable approach to air conditioning. [9]
References
- ^ "The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007", legislation.gov.uk.
- ^ "Air conditioning inspections for buildings", tm44-inspections.com.
- ^ "Guide to air conditioning inspections for buildings", gov.uk.
- ^ "The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007", legislation.gov.uk.
- ^ "The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007", legislation.gov.uk.
- ^ "Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2002 on the energy performance of buildings", Official Journal of the European Union.
- ^ "Enforcement of air conditioning inspections", london.gov.uk.
- ^ "Guide to air conditioning inspections for buildings", gov.uk.
- ^ "Energy Performance of Buildings Directive", European Commission.