There are a range of air conditioning solutions available, no matter the size or nature of your business. The type of air conditioner that you can install will depend on a few factors. Firstly, whether you are limited by property restrictions. Secondly, the size of the area that you are looking to cool. Lastly, the visual aesthetic that you are looking to maintain.
Let’s take a look in more detail.
AC Solutions for restricted properties
If you are unable to install a traditional air conditioning system in your workplace, whether it is due to limited space or property restrictions, don’t worry! There are still some options available to you. You can overcome these obstacles by installing an internal water cooled condenser.
Traditional systems are made of up of two main components, an indoor unit and the outside condenser box. It is the external unit that usually requires planning permission as it sits outside the building. With water cooled units however, the entire system is installed internally. They are plumbed into your water supply and use water in a controlled manner to remove heat from the room.
The entire unit is contained within the building and would therefore not require any planning permission. As a bonus, engineers will hide the condenser in a concealed space such as a cupboard, meaning that you can maintain the visual aesthetic of your work space.
Office AC Solutions
Air conditioning can make a noticeable difference to an office space, especially during the summer months. They are particularly useful in cities like London where it is not always possible to open windows due to noise levels outside.
Working From Home
With so many people now permanently working from home, it no surprise that there has been an increase in demand for home office AC systems. If you have converted one of the bedrooms in your home or built a small office in your garden, a classic wall mounted air conditioning unit will work wonders. A single unit will be enough to cool the whole room. They are one of the most versatile and cost effective AC solutions, ideal for your home office space.
Small Offices
If you own a small office, a wall mounted unit is the most cost effective and versatile solution. A single unit can keep an average-sized room cool. If you are looking to cool multiple areas, you can install up to four units to the same system. For example, if you want to cool your main work space and a meeting room, you will need to install two separate units. If you have a slightly bigger office space, you can install multiple units across the room to provide balanced air flow throughout the space. This type of unit is quick and easy to install. It can be retro fitted, without the need for any additional work.
Large Offices
Ceiling cassette and ducted units are two popular choices for large open-plan office spaces. Although they are more expensive than wall units, they have added visual appeal. Both of these units are installed in a suspended or false ceiling. Ceiling cassette units feature four way air flow which allows for even air distribution in large spaces. Ducted units, although the most expensive, are the most discreet and visually appealing option. They are designed to be almost entirely hidden, with only the small grilles remaining visible. These grilles can be installed almost anywhere with the added bonus of having different designs available. This allows you to tailor the system according to your interior décor and maintain the visual aesthetic of your office.
AC Solutions For Retail Space
If your shop is hot and stuffy during the summer months, it can have a negative impact on the productivity of staff and satisfaction of customers. It can also be detrimental to your IT equipment and your products. Providing a cool and comfortable environment, will encourage customers to shop for longer and has the potential to increase your sales.
Small Retail Spaces
If you own a small retail space, wall mounted units are the most versatile and cost effective AC systems. A single unit is powerful enough to cool an average-sized room. If you are looking to cool a larger area, you have the option of installing multiple units across your shop. It is essential to consider the placement of the units to avoid leaving hot spots and creating an even distribution of air flow around the room. Your dedicated installation engineer will further advise you on this.
For a more discreet and visually appealing option, you can install a ceiling cassette unit. The four way air flow means that these can be placed in the centre of your shop to distribute air evenly.
Large Retail Spaces
Both ceiling cassette and ducted units are excellent choices for big retail spaces. They both also require installation in a suspended ceiling. If visual aesthetic is of high importance to your shop, ducted units are the ideal air conditioning solution for your business. The unit and ductwork are all hidden within a suspended ceiling, with only the small grilles remaining visible. These are available in different designs with slightly different purposes, your installation engineer will advise your ideal option to you.
AC Solutions for Restaurants
Restaurants have to provide a certain atmosphere for customers. If your restaurant is particularly hot or cold, it will drive customers away. It is important to regulate the temperature to keep you customers comfortable and happy.
Small Restaurants
If you own a small café, restaurant or diner, wall mounted units are one of the most popular solutions. Not only are they quick and easy to install but they are the cheapest and most flexible option. In addition, you can easily add more units if you have multiple areas that need cooling. On the other hand, you could also install a ceiling cassette unit in the centre of your space for even cooling. With this option you will benefit from visual appeal as they are more discreet and will blend into the ceiling space. Although, these units are usually more expensive than wall units. It just depends on your preference.
Large Restaurants
Ducted systems and ceiling cassette units are typical in large restaurant spaces. Both are excellent for cooling large areas and providing balanced air flow. If visual aesthetic is at the forefront of your restaurant business, ducted units are the easiest to tailor to match your interior décor. The small grilles are easy to customise and can be installed almost anywhere in the building. They are the most expensive option so it is important to consider what aspects are important to your business and to prioritise accordingly.
AC Solutions for Data Server Rooms
Data server rooms are at the core of any business and it is therefore essential to maintain. IT equipment generate a lot of heat, especially in the summer months so temperature regulation is important to avoid breakdowns and data loss. It is also vital to note that it is worth investing a little more for a high quality AC system that you can rely on for your business.
Wall units are a good option for regulating the temperature in server rooms. To ensure even cooling distribution, you can place multiple units across the space. Ceiling cassette units will also work. Although a little more expensive, you can place these in the centre of the room and the four way air flow will distribute the cool air evenly. Due to the nature of server rooms, it is good practice to have an additional AC unit as backup in the case of an unexpected breakdown or malfunction. Portable air conditioners are great for emergency situations and will protect your servers until an engineer arrives to implement repairs. The Air Conditioning Company have great portable AC options for server rooms, with the option to hire or buy.
Benefits of Business Air Conditioning Solutions
Air conditioning will bring a range of benefits to your business. Not only can it improve staff productivity but will also have a positive impact on your customers’ experience with your business. Some of the key benefits include:
- An increase in staff productivity, leading to better customer service
- A boost in staff morale, which will increase motivation
- Improved customer satisfaction, encouraging them to shop for longer
- A decrease in staff stress levels, especially during busy periods
- Improved air quality, promoting a healthy work environment
- Protection for your IT equipment, avoiding breakdown costs
Air Conditioning Maintenance
Once you have your new system installed it is essential to invest in an air conditioning maintenance plan. Neglecting to maintain your AC system on a regular basis will lead to unnecessary breakdown costs. We recommend that you service your AC system at least once a year. In addition to avoiding breakdown and repairs costs, regular maintenance will increase the lifespan of your system. It will also ensure that it is running at maximum efficiency, which will save you money on energy bills.
We are the experts
At ACS, we are truly the experts when it comes to both traditional and internal air conditioning solutions. We provide a bespoke installation and maintenance service, tailored to your specific requirements. Our team of F-Gas engineers are available to offer free consultations and site surveys to help you find the ideal system for your commercial space. Get in touch today to find out more about air conditioning solutions for your business.
