- As a broad UK guide, a small building with a few packaged units starts from a few hundred pounds; larger buildings with multiple or centralised systems run to four figures.
- The number of systems, their complexity (simple packaged versus centralised), building size and the assessor level required are the main cost drivers.
- A report is valid for five years, so the annual cost of compliance is modest.
- Portfolio pricing and bundling with servicing visits reduce the cost per building.
TM44 inspection pricing is driven by one thing above all: how many systems the assessor has to examine and how complex they are. A single-floor office with four wall splits is a short job. A multi-storey building with a chilled-water plant, air-handling units and a building management system is a different exercise and needs a higher-level assessor. Here is what to expect.
Typical costs
| Building | Indicative fee (guide only) |
|---|---|
| Small building, a few packaged or split units | from a few hundred pounds |
| Mid-size building, multiple systems across floors | mid hundreds to around £1,000 |
| Large or complex, centralised chilled-water or VRF with BMS | £1,000+, quoted on inspection |
Indicative ranges, not a quote. Before commissioning, check Find an energy certificate in case a valid report already exists.
What drives the price
- Number of systems and units. Each needs examining.
- Complexity. Centralised systems need a higher-level assessor and more time than packaged units.
- Building size and layout. More floors and plant rooms mean more time on site.
- Records. Good maintenance logs and drawings speed the job; none slows it.
- Access. Roof plant, locked risers and out-of-hours requirements add cost.
What the fee should include
A site inspection by an accredited assessor, the TM44 report with its efficiency assessment and recommendations, and lodgement on the register. Ask whether the assessor is accredited at the right level for your systems; a complex building needs a higher-level assessor and a quote that does not mention it may not be comparable. Our guide to what TM44 involves covers the scope.
Get TM44 quotes
Compare no-obligation quotes from accredited air-conditioning assessors who cover your area.
The value beyond the certificate
The report’s recommendations usually include quick control and maintenance changes that reduce running costs, and air conditioning is often the biggest energy load in the building. A few hundred pounds every five years for a document that doubles as an energy-saving plan is good value even before the compliance.
Keeping the cost down
- Combine the inspection with a servicing visit if the same provider offers both.
- Price a portfolio together.
- Have records ready: unit list, capacities, maintenance history.
- Compare quotes, checking accreditation level.
Getting quotes
Assessors need the building type and size, a rough count and type of units, the approximate total capacity and the postcode. ComSurv gathers that in about a minute and returns no-obligation quotes from accredited assessors who cover your area.
Sources & further reading
- Air conditioning inspections for buildings (GOV.UK) — the requirement the fee covers
- Find an energy certificate (GOV.UK) — check whether a valid report already exists
External links open in a new tab. ComSurv is a matching service, not a firm of surveyors, and is not affiliated with these organisations. This article is general information, not legal, surveying or valuation advice; take advice on your specific situation.
