TM44 Air Conditioning Inspections: What are the Evolving Compliance Guidelines for 2025?

October 21 2025by Maximum Climate Control

Is comfort the only thing you pay for when installing and servicing air conditioning systems in commercial spaces? According to building owners, facility managers, and occupiers, that answer is no. You also receive energy performance and high air quality. All while adhering to legal obligations. In the UK, every building must undergo a TM44 inspection as part of the commercial aircon services for systems rated 12 kW and above. Conducted every 5 years, it ensures continued compliance with regulations around energy performance and reduces environmental impact.

The regulatory landscape is constantly evolving. Read this blog to find out more about your new compliance responsibilities.

Upcoming Regulatory TM44 Reforms: What’s Changing?

The Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations (EPBR) state that TM44 inspections, as part of commercial air conditioning services, are mandatory for systems with a capacity of 12 kW and above. Yet, many commercial buildings are operating with an invalid inspection report due to a lack of awareness and low perceived risk. Despite a fine of £300 for non-compliance and an additional £200 for lack of documentation, commercial property owners and operators are continuing to avoid TM44 inspections.

This is all about to change.

Sweeping changes to the reforms are underway and awaiting approval. Designed to uphold the Net Zero strategy of the UK as outlined in the Energy Act of 2023, the following aspects have been proposed:

• Stricter enforcement: More regulatory bodies, including the Trading Standards, will be more actively involved. Expect fewer warnings and more direct actions against defaulters.
• More inspection value: In the future, the recommendations will inspire building operators through actionable advice.
• Higher penalties: Non-compliance will be criticised heavily with a fine of £800 per building, along with the usual £200 for one’s inability to produce a valid report.
• Centralised register: The digital reporting system will be more transparent for the public and regulators to track inspection status and maintain consistency across sectors.

Are the Benefits Only Limited to Compliance?

TM44 inspections are not just box-ticking exercises. They are said to unlock huge energy savings, environmental benefits, and reduced costs when conducted properly under air conditioning commercial services. The recent government consultations have revealed the following:

• Making changes in line with the TM44 report can reduce energy use by 30% to 40%.
• Basic adjustments alone, such as an optimised system setting, can save 10% to 20%.

How to Prepare for the Forthcoming Compliance Landscape?

The legislative changes have not been implemented, but you could still prepare for them today to save your business from paying through the nose and achieve long-term efficiency goals:

• Appoint TM44 air conditioning inspectors in advance, instead of waiting for enforcement to tighten. Your proactiveness today can put you in control of tomorrow.
• Embed TM44 inspections into your sustainability plan and facilities management to improve operational efficiency and prepare for audits.
• Examine your TM44 report for validity and check whether it accurately represents your current systems.
• Leverage inspections to your advantage by engaging with TM44 air conditioning inspectors and seeking advice on ways to minimise operating costs and energy usage.

Are You Ready? Schedule a TM44 Inspection Today

The moment is ripe for businesses to review their compliance status. Hire TM44 inspectors and safeguard your commercial property from hefty penalties. Benefit from long-term efficiency goals, strengthened ESG credentials, energy savings, and reinforced operational resilience. Whether you are unsure of your current TM44 status or require expert guidance to prepare for the forthcoming changes, Maximum Climate Control can help. Seek commercial air conditioning services and gain the invaluable competitive advantage your business needs.

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