Ventilation

The UK may not be the warmest or sunniest place to live, but businesses and commercial buildings still rely heavily on air conditioning to maintain comfortable and productive environments. But, using air conditioning isn’t simply a case of turning it on, enjoying a perfectly temperature controlled room, and thinking no more of it. Operating an air conditioning system comes with responsibilities, including compliance with regulatory standards. This is where TM44 inspections come in.

What is a TM44 Inspection?

A TM44 inspection is an air conditioning system assessment, and it’s required for all systems with an effective rated output of more than 12kW. The term ‘TM44’ refers to the industry accepted guidance for the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems, as set out by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which is why they’re often simply referred to as TM44 inspections. These inspections are designed to ensure air conditioning systems operate efficiently, whilst minimising environmental impact and energy use.

The inspections should be carried out by a professional energy assessor every five years, starting just before the system reaches five years of age, and then every five years after that. To ensure TM44 inspections stay up to date and don’t lapse, it’s best to arrange them just before the five year mark rolls around.

What is Approved Document F?

Approved Document F specifically applies to a building’s ventilation and indoor air quality. This statutory guidance document dictates that adequate ventilation must be provided to guard against internal moisture build-up that could adversely impact the property’s structure. If not addressed, condensation and poor indoor airflow can affect the long-term health and wellbeing of residents.

In this post, we’ll consider some of the impacts the new legislation will have on Ventilation Testing and how JosTec can help.