In short
Commercial air conditioning services cover the installation, servicing, maintenance and repair of cooling and heat-recovery systems in commercial buildings, including VRF/VRV, split and cassette units. Engineers keep indoor and outdoor units clean, check refrigerant circuits and drains, test controls, and carry out F-gas leak checks where required, so spaces stay comfortable and systems run efficiently.
What air conditioning services involve
- indoor unit filter, coil, fan and drain checks
- outdoor unit coil cleaning, fan and electrical checks
- refrigerant system checks, leak checks and records where required
- controller, remote and central control checks
- fault code diagnosis and repair
- installation and replacement of systems
When air conditioning work is needed
- before summer, so systems are ready for peak cooling demand
- rooms are not cooling, or units are blowing warm air
- water is dripping from indoor units
- a fault code appears on the controller
- ageing systems use refrigerants that are being phased down
Equipment covered
| System type | Typical use |
|---|---|
| VRF/VRV systems | Multi-zone offices, hotels, retail and mixed-use buildings |
| Split systems | Server rooms, comms rooms, small offices and shops |
| Cassette units | Open-plan offices, retail floors and meeting rooms |
| Ducted units | Concealed ceiling installations |
| Close control units | Server and data rooms needing tight temperature and humidity control |
Our process
- Tell us the number and type of systems, their location and any faults.
- We service, repair or survey, depending on what you need.
- Readings and F-gas records are updated where applicable.
- You receive a report with recommendations.
Typical applications
Office floors, retail units, restaurants, hotel rooms and public spaces, server rooms and healthcare consulting rooms.
Maintenance considerations
- Keep outdoor units clear of debris and allow airflow around them.
- Do not let filters go unchecked: blocked filters reduce cooling and increase energy use.
- Check condensate drains before summer, when they work hardest.
- Plan replacement of systems using refrigerants that are hard to obtain.
Compliance and safety
Refrigerant work needs certified engineers. Only F-gas certified engineers may work on refrigerant circuits, carry out leak checks or recover refrigerant.
Operators must keep records for systems within the F-gas thresholds, and systems over 12 kW need a TM44 inspection by an accredited energy assessor.
Coverage across London
We take air conditioning enquiries across London and Greater London. See areas we cover.
Commercial Air Conditioning: frequently asked questions
Why is our office air conditioning not cooling?
Common causes include blocked filters, dirty outdoor coils, incorrect controller settings, a failed fan, a refrigerant leak or a fault code on the system. Our guide on air conditioning not cooling explains safe checks before you call.
Does commercial air conditioning need F-gas leak checks?
Systems containing fluorinated refrigerant at or above 5 tonnes CO2 equivalent need periodic leak checks by certified engineers, with records kept. The frequency depends on the system's charge and whether leak detection is fitted.
What is a TM44 inspection?
Air conditioning systems with an effective rated output over 12 kW must have an energy inspection by an accredited energy assessor at least every five years. It is separate from servicing but servicing records support it.
Should we replace R22 air conditioning?
R22 can no longer be used to service systems, so any leak or refrigerant-related failure on an R22 system usually means replacement. If you still have R22 equipment, plan its replacement before it fails.
Is VRF or split air conditioning better for our building?
Split systems suit individual rooms such as server rooms. VRF/VRV systems suit multiple zones with individual control and can offer simultaneous heating and cooling. The right choice depends on loads, layout and plant space.
UK guidance and references
Primary and industry sources relevant to this subject. Always check the current edition and how it applies to your building.
- F gas in refrigeration and air conditioning GOV.UK
- Air conditioning inspections for buildings GOV.UK
- Workplace temperatures Health and Safety Executive

