How often is a TM44 inspection?

Every 5 years for air conditioning systems with an effective rated output over 12 kW, including packaged split systems where the aggregate exceeds 12 kW.

Who needs F-Gas certification?

Any person installing, servicing, maintaining, repairing or decommissioning stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases.

How often should kitchen extract be cleaned?

TR/19 sets frequency by usage: heavy use (12+ hours/day) quarterly, moderate use (6–12 hours) every 6 months, light use annually.

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HVAC

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning compliance: TM44 air-con inspections, F-Gas record keeping, TR/19 ventilation hygiene, boiler and plant maintenance under UK regulation.

In short

Air conditioning systems over 12 kW require a TM44 inspection every 5 years, lodged on the Non-Domestic MEES register. F-Gas equipment needs leak checks between 3 and 12 months depending on charge size. Grease extract ductwork should be cleaned to TR/19 based on usage.

Legal snapshot

What the law says

Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012: TM44 air conditioning inspections every 5 years for systems >12 kW effective rated output.
F-Gas Regulation (EU) 517/2014 (retained): Leak checks, record keeping and certified engineers for refrigerant charges above CO2-equivalent thresholds.
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992: Regulation 6 — enclosed workplaces must be ventilated by fresh or purified air.
BESA TR/19 (Guide to Good Practice): Internal cleanliness of ventilation systems, including kitchen grease extract.

On the ground

Common problems & fixes

No TM44 report on file
Fix, Commission a Level 3 or 4 TM44 assessor; report lodged within 3 months of inspection.
F-Gas logbook not maintained
Fix, REFCOM-registered contractor for leak checks; digital logbook accessible to the Environment Agency on request.
Grease extract not cleaned — insurer non-compliance
Fix, TR/19-certified cleaner with post-clean deposit thickness test and photographic evidence.
Fresh air rates below CIBSE Guide A
Fix, Airflow survey and commissioning — often solved by damper rebalance rather than plant replacement.

Pillar guide5 min read

TM44 Air Conditioning Inspections: Duty Holder Guide

Who needs a TM44, how often, what a Level 3 or 4 assessor covers, the MEES register, and how to close energy performance recommendations.

Read the full guide

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Cluster guides for this niche are publishing shortly. The pillar guide above covers the full duty-holder journey while we finish the deeper breakdowns.

FAQ

Frequently asked

How often is a TM44 inspection?: Every 5 years for air conditioning systems with an effective rated output over 12 kW, including packaged split systems where the aggregate exceeds 12 kW.
Who needs F-Gas certification?: Any person installing, servicing, maintaining, repairing or decommissioning stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases.
How often should kitchen extract be cleaned?: TR/19 sets frequency by usage: heavy use (12+ hours/day) quarterly, moderate use (6–12 hours) every 6 months, light use annually.

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