What is TM44?

The Energy Performance of Building Directive 2002 is a European Directive designed to reduce

carbon emissions and promote energy efficiency.

New air conditioning systems over 12 kW installed after January 2008 must be inspected within 5 years of being put into service.


CIBSE Technical Memorandum TM44 provides guidance on conducting an air conditioning inspection to satisfy the requirements of the Directive as expressed in the various regulations in the UK. The focus is on systems that use refrigerants to produce cooling.

Unlike the requirements for Energy Performance Certificates, these air conditioning inspections are not triggered by sale or rental, but have been given definite deadlines for compliance:

This means that any systems over 12 kW that have not already been inspected are currently breaching the regulations and therefore liable for a fine or further prosecution.

First inspection of all existing air conditioning systems over 250 kW cooling capacity should  have been completed by 4 January 2009.

First inspection of all existing air conditioning systems over 12 kW should have been completed by 4 January 2011. 

New air conditioning systems over 12 kW installed after January 2008 must be inspected within 5 years of being put into service.

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