When a fixed air conditioning system fails, a temporary solution must be found in the interim (until the built-in system is either repaired or fully replaced). Although most systems are used solely for providing cool air for customer and/or staff comfort, there are many other situations where air con provision is important.

About R22 refrigerant systems

Most air conditioning systems in the UK that are over ten years old contain an ozone-depleting CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) called R22 Refrigerant, which is now banned across the EU. By law, R22 systems will become unserviceable by the end of 2014, meaning that they will be illegal to repair in the event of a system failure.

Changes to be made on land and at sea

It is not only land-based businesses that will need to ‘make the switch’ to non-R22 refrigerant air con: freight and shipping companies must also comply with EU regulations. According to the website Motorship.com, maritime service networks such as the Wilmhelmsen Ships Service has begun phasing out ozone-depleting refrigerants in their fleet, with thousands of vessels changing their systems in line with new legal requirements.

For any kind of business, the good news is that hiring a mobile air con solution from an air conditioning hire specialist whilst the fixed system is being changed is a quick, affordable and hassle-free process.

The benefits of temporary air con hire are numerous:

• There is no capital expenditure involved.

• Hired units will always be serviced before being released to clients. This means they will then work to maximum efficiencies and be less likely to fail.

• Clients can always receive the newest models available (whereas if they buy the unit it could date or not be the most efficient).

• Experienced portable air conditioning unit hire personnel will recommend and supply which unit will best serve each particular application and any ancillary equipment that may be required and will supply that too).

• There are no long-term storage issues: units can simply be rented as and when needed, with the rental specialist collecting and returning them to their depot when they have served their purpose.

Businesses should not delay in researching temporary air con hire options

The key to making an almost seamless transition between switching from an old R22 system to a more planet-friendly one (and renting a impermanent air con solution in the interim) is to have a suitable plan in place; this means contacting a good air con hire company that is experienced in providing businesses of all kinds with air con solutions, and discussing: unit options; cost; on-site access, power and available space etc. when mobile units are delivered at the required time; and other factors.

Portable air conditioners can bridge the gap perfectly when old and new fixed air con systems are switched. But site managers and facility management companies should start researching temporary air con hire now, as demand for this service is sure to rise rapidly as the end of 2014 EU deadline – when R22 systems will become unserviceable – draws closer.