Buy a TM44 inspection on comparable terms
Use one air-conditioning plant schedule, define the control boundary once and give every accredited assessor the same report, lodgement and access requirements.
A comparable quote must answer five things
- Who is the named accredited energy assessor and what current scheme entry and level apply?
- Which buildings, systems, indoor units, outdoor units, chillers, AHUs and controls are included?
- How will effective rated output and units under common control be established?
- What site inspection, calculations, recommendations, report and lodgement are included?
- What maintenance, repairs, access equipment, travel, VAT and follow-up are excluded?
Information to assemble before requesting quotes
Mark unknown items explicitly. Discovery can be priced; hidden assumptions cannot be compared.
- Person controlling the system and building or lease responsibilities
- Site and building schedule with access contacts
- Plant inventory with make, model, output, identifiers and served areas
- How units are grouped, operated and controlled
- Chillers, AHUs, ventilation systems and control strategy
- Previous TM44 report, register reference and recommendations
- Maintenance, energy, operating-hours and comfort records
- Inaccessible plant, security, inductions and target report date
Project brief
Business and site: ______________________________________________
Reason for commissioning: first / periodic / new installation / change or event
Equipment and identifiers: ______________________________________
Use, process or operating conditions: ______________________________
Documents available: ___________________________________________
Sites and areas in scope: ________________________________________
Access and shutdown constraints: _________________________________
Target visit and report date: _____________________________________
Required quotation format
- Who is the named accredited energy assessor and what current scheme entry and level apply?
- Which buildings, systems, indoor units, outdoor units, chillers, AHUs and controls are included?
- How will effective rated output and units under common control be established?
- What site inspection, calculations, recommendations, report and lodgement are included?
- What maintenance, repairs, access equipment, travel, VAT and follow-up are excluded?
Competence and evidence questions
Competence is specific to the equipment, system and judgement being bought. Ask about the proposed person, not only the company.
- Who is the named assessor and which accreditation scheme, number and level apply?
- Is the scheme entry current and suitable for the systems in the brief?
- What comparable split, VRF, chiller, AHU and controls experience can they evidence?
- Who will attend, review and lodge the report?
- Can they provide a redacted comparable report with plant scope and recommendations?
- How are inspection findings separated from maintenance or remedial sales?
- What professional indemnity and public liability evidence applies?
Comparable quote scorecard
| Comparison point | Provider A | Provider B | Provider C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named assessor and scheme evidence | |||
| Assessor level and system experience | |||
| Person in control and building boundary | |||
| Unit and central-plant schedule | |||
| Effective rated output method | |||
| Controls and maintenance evidence | |||
| Accessible and excluded equipment | |||
| Efficiency findings and recommendations | |||
| Report and lodgement included | |||
| Travel, access, VAT and follow-up | |||
| Total comparable fee |
Do not add the scores blindly. Missing competence, equipment scope or statutory reporting can be a stop condition rather than a small disadvantage.
Report acceptance check
- Correct person in control, site and building boundary
- Every included system and unit is identifiable
- Effective rated output and grouping are explained
- Accessible equipment and controls inspected are recorded
- Sizing, operation and maintenance evidence are addressed
- Recommendations are specific and understandable
- Limitations and inaccessible plant remain visible
- Lodged report reference and next due date are supplied
Primary basis: GOV.UK air-conditioning inspection guide .