TM44 Inspections: Compliance Isn’t Enough – They’re Now a Strategic Energy Opportunity

Why TM44 Matters More Than Ever

TM44 inspections – the mandatory energy assessments for UK commercial air conditioning systems of 12 kW or more, are moving from regulatory box-ticking to strategic business tools. Recent developments show they’re becoming central to both compliance and energy efficiency.

1. Fines Are Climbing and Enforcement Is Tightening

The UK government is proposing a new enforcement regime under the Energy Act 2023, following a public consultation that closed in February 2025. Key proposals include:

• Penalties increasing to £800 per offence, plus an additional £200 per week if compliance isn’t achieved.
• Public registers of non-compliance, making it easier for enforcement bodies, and even clients, to see if your business is falling behind.

This marks a sharp escalation from previous levels, where smaller fines proved too lenient to drive meaningful compliance.

2. TM44 = Energy Savings, Not Just Regulatory Checks

TM44 inspections offer more than an updated legal record; they highlight clear opportunities for improvement:

• Full implementation of recommendations can cut energy use by 30–40%.
• Even simple tweaks, like adjusting temperature settings or schedules, can deliver 10–25% savings.
• Improved system maintenance extends equipment life, avoids costly breakdowns, and supports sustainability goals.

With energy prices still high and carbon reduction targets in sharper focus, these savings are no longer optional—they’re strategic.

3. Expect a Centralised TM44 Register and Clearer Reporting

Planned reforms include:

• A digital, centralised register of TM44 inspections to improve transparency and traceability.
• More standardised reporting formats, turning assessments into practical roadmaps for energy efficiency rather than just compliance paperwork.

What This Means for Businesses

• Non-compliance is getting expensive: delays could cost thousands in a matter of weeks.
• The ROI is real: TM44 inspections can pay for themselves in energy savings.
• Being proactive is essential: don’t wait for enforcement to knock on the door.

How Green Skills Can Help

At Green Skills, we partner with NRG Focus, led by industry expert Tom Nelson, to provide accredited TM44 inspections for businesses across the UK. This partnership not only ensures our clients meet their legal obligations, but also enables us to offer broader expertise across the energy sector and deliver services with full nationwide coverage. Together, we help turn compliance into a powerful energy-saving strategy.

Take Action Now

• Check the expiry date of your current TM44 inspection.
• Book your next inspection ahead of time to avoid penalties.
• Use your assessment as a springboard for lasting energy and cost savings.

For more information on booking a TM44 inspection, contact us today.