Commercial Air Conditioning Installation or Refurbishment: What’s Right for Your Business?

Choosing the Right Commercial Cooling Solution in a Changing UK Market

In 2025, commercial buildings across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire, and London face increasing pressure to meet stricter energy, refrigerant, and workplace health regulations. Whether you operate a multi-floor office, a high-street retail space, or a light industrial unit, your air conditioning setup matters more than ever.

But when problems start—rising energy bills, poor cooling performance, noise complaints—the big question becomes: should you install a new system or refurbish the existing one?

At ClimateWorks, we help commercial clients make this critical decision. Our priority is to design solutions that support your business long-term—whether that’s a full new installation or an expert system upgrade.

The Growing Importance of Modern Air Conditioning in Commercial Buildings

The UK’s commercial real estate market is evolving rapidly. Tenants, employees, and visitors expect comfortable, climate-controlled spaces. Beyond comfort, companies must also hit sustainability targets and comply with health and safety legislation.

If your system is:

• Over 10 years old
• Running on phased-out refrigerants like R-22 or R-410A
• Costing more each year in reactive maintenance
• Struggling to maintain even temperatures

…it’s time to think strategically about your next move.

Full Installation vs. Refurbishment: Key Differences

New Installation

• Complete system designed around current building use
• Energy-efficient units with low-GWP refrigerants
• Warranty coverage on all components
• Future-proofed for new regulations (Part L, F-Gas)
• Often offers faster payback in running cost savings

Refurbishment

• Keeps some existing infrastructure (ductwork, piping)
• Replaces outdated or faulty units
• Lower upfront cost compared to full installation
• May extend system life by 5–10 years
• Limited by old system’s layout and original design

Real-World Example: Office Block in Guildford

A facilities manager at a Guildford office building contacted ClimateWorks after tenant complaints about inconsistent temperatures across different floors.

Our assessment:

• The VRF system was 12 years old and based on R-410A refrigerant
• Some indoor units were showing PCB faults and compressor wear
• The ductwork and electrical infrastructure remained sound

Our solution:

• Full system replacement using R-32 refrigerant VRF
• Retained usable ductwork and upgraded only necessary wiring
• Phased installation to maintain full building operation during works

Result:
Energy consumption dropped by 28% within the first six months, and tenant satisfaction increased significantly.

Signs You May Need Full Installation Instead of Refurbishment

• High repair costs year-on-year
• Units no longer compatible with modern controls or zoning
• Refrigerant phase-down affecting serviceability
• Frequent breakdowns and staff complaints
• Inability to meet new EPC or sustainability requirements

If several of these apply to your building, installing a new commercial air conditioning system may deliver stronger long-term ROI.

Planning an Installation with ClimateWorks

Our team ensures commercial installation projects are practical, phased around business needs, and fully compliant.

Our process includes:

• Full heat load and cooling demand assessments
• System design (VRF, VRV, ducted, multi-split) based on building usage
• BMS integration and smart control options
• Noise control considerations (especially in multi-tenant or listed buildings)
• Handover documentation and maintenance planning

We work closely with facilities managers, project managers, and M&E consultants across the South East.

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