Climachill, Author at Climachill

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Climachill

With rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, maximising your air conditioning system’s efficiency has never been more important. An energy-efficient AC unit doesn’t just reduce your carbon footprint—it can dramatically cut your monthly energy bills whilst maintaining optimal comfort throughout your home or business.

The good news is that improving your air conditioning efficiency doesn’t require a complete system overhaul. Through a combination of smart maintenance practices, strategic usage, and simple home improvements, you can significantly enhance your AC’s performance. Here’s our comprehensive guide to getting the most from your cooling system whilst keeping costs down.

Professional Maintenance

The foundation of any efficient air conditioning system is regular professional servicing. Much like your car needs an MOT, your AC requires periodic check-ups to maintain peak performance. During a professional service, technicians will inspect refrigerant levels, check electrical connections, clean filters, and identify potential issues before they become costly problems.

A well-maintained system operates more smoothly, uses less energy, and lasts significantly longer than a neglected one. We recommend annual servicing before the summer season begins, ensuring your system is ready when you need it most.

Maintain a Clean Air Filter

Your air filter works tirelessly to keep dust, pollen, and debris from entering your system. However, a clogged filter forces your AC to work harder, consuming up to 15% more energy. The solution is simple: replace or clean your filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and environmental factors.

If you have pets, suffer from allergies, or live in a dusty area, you may need to change filters more frequently. High-quality filters not only improve efficiency but also enhance indoor air quality, creating a healthier environment for your family.

Smart Temperature Control

Installing a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the most effective ways to boost efficiency. These devices allow you to schedule temperature changes throughout the day, ensuring your AC only runs when needed. For example, you can programme the system to reduce cooling when you’re at work and restore comfort just before you return home.

The optimal temperature setting is typically around 24-26°C during summer months. Each degree you raise the thermostat can save 6-8% on your cooling costs. Smart thermostats take this further by learning your habits and adjusting automatically, some even using geofencing to detect when you’re away from home.

Seal Windows and Doors

Even the most efficient air conditioning system will struggle if cool air is escaping through gaps and cracks. Inspect your home for air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings. Simple solutions like weatherstripping, caulking, and door sweeps can make a substantial difference.

Pay particular attention to areas where different materials meet, such as where the foundation meets the walls, or around window frames. These are common leak points that can significantly impact your system’s efficiency.

Manage Internal Heat Sources

Your air conditioning system has to work against all heat sources in your home, including appliances, lighting, and electronics. During peak cooling hours, avoid using heat-generating appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and clothes dryers. Cook outdoors when possible, or use smaller appliances that produce less heat.

Switch to LED lighting, which produces significantly less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs. Turn off electronics when not in use—even in standby mode, they generate heat that your AC must counteract.

Keep Your Outdoor Unit Happy

Your air conditioning system’s outdoor unit needs proper care to function efficiently. Keep the area around the unit clear of debris, leaves, and vegetation. Maintain at least two feet of clearance on all sides to ensure proper airflow.

Gently clean the outdoor coils with a garden hose (never use a pressure washer) to remove dirt and debris that can impede heat transfer. If the coils are heavily soiled, contact a professional for proper cleaning.

Consider System Upgrades

If your air conditioning system is over 10-15 years old, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model could provide substantial savings. Today’s systems are significantly more efficient than older models, with some offering seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER) of 20 or higher.

Look for systems with variable-speed compressors, which can adjust output to match cooling demands more precisely than traditional single-speed units. These systems provide better humidity control, quieter operation, and superior efficiency.

Improving your air conditioning efficiency is an investment that pays dividends in comfort, cost savings, and environmental responsibility. While some measures require professional assistance, many efficiency improvements are simple DIY tasks that any homeowner can tackle.

At Climachill, we’re committed to helping you achieve optimal comfort whilst minimising energy consumption. Whether you need routine maintenance, system repairs, or are considering an air conditioning upgrade to a more efficient model, our experienced technicians are here to help.

Ready to boost your air conditioning efficiency? Contact Climachill today to schedule a consultation and discover how much you could save on your energy bills whilst staying perfectly comfortable all year round.

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Climachill

Choosing the right air conditioning system for your home or business can be incredibly challenging.

Luckily, air conditioning units – specifically portable and wall-mounted ones – are incredibly beneficial, cost-effective, and value-adding, but a prominent question remains: Should you choose a portable or wall-mounted air conditioning unit?

At Climachill, we specialise in providing expert air conditioning products, installations, repairs and maintenance services across Sussex and the South East of the UK, ensuring that every customer gets the best system to suit their needs.

With that in mind, let’s explore the key features, benefits, and differences between portable and wall-mounted air conditioning systems to help you make an informed choice.

Why Consider Portable Air Conditioners?

Portable air conditioning units are a practical and convenient choice for regulating the indoor air quality and temperature of specific rooms without the hassle of installing one in a permanent, fixed location.

The compact designs of portable air con units are beneficial when you consider the flexibility of their placement, whether in homes, offices, or rental properties alike.

Benefits of Portable Air Conditioners

Easy to move – Portable units can be placed in different rooms as needed, offering a convenient cooling system for year-round use.
No installation needed – Unlike fixed systems, portable air conditioners do not require professional installation on an interior or exterior wall, nor do they need bespoke air vents installed, making them a hassle-free option for homeowners to create a comfortable environment.
Cost-effective – The initial investment is lower than that of a wall-mounted system, and there are no additional installation costs like those associated with upgrading central heating.
Ideal for short-term use – Portable air con units are perfect for temporary situations, such as in rental properties, summer homes, or offices with fluctuating occupancy.
Supplemental – Can be used alongside existing heating, cooling and ventilation systems to provide extra comfort when temperatures soar, for example, in server rooms.
Remote control – Many indoor units can be controlled remotely, making it convenient for homeowners to maintain optimal comfort.

Considerations of Portable Air Conditioning Units

While portable air conditioning units offer convenience and ease of use, they do require a nearby window or vent for exhaust and may take up floor space. Older designs and models may be louder, meaning homeowners who want to regulate noise levels and maintain a quiet operation may wish to opt for a newer portable air con unit.

At Climachill, we can offer a wide range of excellent, high-quality portable air conditioners to suit a range of budgets and applications.

Why Consider Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners?

Wall-mounted air conditioners are a long-term solution for those looking to cool or heat specific rooms efficiently. These systems are commonly used in homes, offices, and commercial spaces where permanent climate control is needed.

Benefits of Wall-Mounted Air Con Units

More efficient cooling – These systems provide better overall performance compared to portable units, ensuring consistent temperature control.
Compact, simple design – Mounted on walls, these units do not take up floor space, making them ideal for rooms with limited space. They also don’t require a separate outdoor unit, which can prevent disruption and upheaval during renovations.
Powerful and quiet – Ideal for homeowners who want to maintain a more comfortable indoor environment and regulate noise levels.
Multifunctional – Many models offer both powerful heating and cooling options, making them suitable for year-round use.
Energy efficiency – Fixed systems often have higher energy efficiency ratings and offer effective temperature distribution, reducing running costs in the long term.

Considerations of Wall-Mounted Air Conditioning Units

The installation of wall-mounted units requires professional fitting and may not be suitable for rented properties or spaces where modifications are restricted. However, they provide a more permanent and effective solution for climate control in spaces in homes or offices, and newer models allow homeowners to maintain year-round climate control with complete confidence.

The costs of wall-mounted air conditioners may seem higher compared to portable units, but with regular maintenance, however – such as the types of maintenance offered by Climachill – homeowners can reap the costs back in the long run.

Which Air Conditioning System Is Right for You?

The choice between portable and wall-mounted air conditioners depends on your needs, space, and budget. If you require a flexible, cost-effective cooling option with no installation requirements, a portable unit may be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a long-term, energy-efficient solution with greater cooling power, a wall-mounted system is the way to go.

At Climachill, we provide best-in-class air conditioning installations, servicing, and maintenance across Sussex and the South East. Whether you need a portable unit for immediate comfort or a professionally installed wall-mounted system for long-term results, we are here to help. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction never changes, which is why we are driven to provide you with a service that you can truly value for years to come.

Buy Air Conditioners Online or Book a Free Quote Today

If you’re still unsure of what air conditioning system is right for you, contact Climachill today to discuss your cooling needs. Our team of experienced engineers can recommend the perfect system to suit your space and budget.

Explore our range of air conditioning units or book a consultation with our team today.

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Climachill

Maintaining a stable and comfortable temperature indoors is an everyday task for office managers. Office environments can quickly experience temperature changes and air quality fluctuations if no proper air conditioning or ventilation unit is installed

When the temperature creeps too high or is allowed to dip too low, or when the air feels stuffy, acrid, or stale, it can quickly and dramatically affect employee well-being, productivity, and concentration.

While numerous commercial air conditioning systems exist, there are plenty of reasons to consider a portable air conditioning unit. At Climachill, we are experienced in all aspects of commercial air conditioning installations, but we’re here to suggest why – if retrofitting a fully ducted or vented unit isn’t feasible right now – a portable air con unit is a must-have in your office.

The Versatility of Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are a game-changer for offices facing fluctuating temperatures and varying occupancy levels. Unlike fixed air conditioning systems, these units can be easily moved to address specific cooling needs as they arise.

Advantages of Portable AC Units in Office Settings

As far as office air conditioning units go, portable can be one of the best ways to go. Here are just some of the benefits of portable AC units:

Flexibility: Easily relocate the unit to cool different areas as needed.
Cost-effective: Lower initial investment compared to permanent installations.
No structural modifications: Ideal for rented office spaces or listed buildings.
Supplemental cooling: Boost cooling in server rooms or during heatwaves.

Portable vs Other Commercial Air Conditioning Options

While portable units offer distinct advantages, it’s important to understand how they compare to other commercial air conditioning systems.

Wall-Mounted Air Conditioning Units

Wall-mounted units are popular in smaller office spaces; these units are efficient and can provide both cooling and heating. However, they require permanent installation and may not be suitable for all office layouts, particularly if extensive retrofitting is required.

Ducted Air Conditioning Systems

Ducted systems offer comprehensive climate control for larger offices. They’re discreet and can maintain consistent temperatures throughout the building, making it more streamlined and controllable for specific rooms. However, installation is complex and costly, making them less suitable for smaller or temporary office spaces.

Single-Split Systems

Single-split air conditioners are ideal for individual rooms or small offices. Each indoor unit is connected to its own outdoor unit, providing targeted cooling. However, they require outdoor space for each unit, which can be limiting for some office buildings.

Multi-Split Systems

Multi-split systems allow multiple indoor units to connect to a single outdoor unit, which is preferred for offices with multiple rooms and limited outdoor space. They offer individual room control but come with a higher initial cost and more complex installation.

Why Portable Air Conditioners Work for Busy Offices

Portable air conditioning systems offer unique benefits that make them particularly well-suited for office environments

Adaptability to changing office layouts

- Portable units can be easily configured to suit new office layouts or varying occupancy levels. It’s easy to move them around to suit temporary working arrangements and meeting rooms, and move them around as necessary.

Energy efficiency

- These units exclusively cool or heat the areas in use, reducing overall energy consumption, rather than the whole building. Many models – such as the PAC15L portable air conditioner – come with programmable WiFi timers and heat pump integrations, helping businesses save money.

Quick deployment

- Portable systems are ideal to deploy when fully fitted systems break down and need an emergency repair. They’re also fast to act and provide temperature control and comfort when temperatures suddenly spike or drop, the anomalies of which are quite common in Spring and Autumn.

Minimal disruption

- There’s no need for extensive installation work when buying a portable air conditioning unit. They can be set up and operational within minutes.

Cost-effective solution

- When choosing a portable system, they will typically have lower upfront costs compared to permanent systems, given the lack of invasive and disruptive renovation work needed. This makes them ideal for short-term office leases without any long-term commitment.

Choosing the Right Portable Air Conditioner for Your Office

When selecting a portable air conditioner for your office, consider the following factors:

Room size and cooling capacity (BTU rating) – ensure the unit’s BTU rating matches your space requirements and occupancy levels.
Energy efficiency ratings
Noise levels
Drainage options (self-evaporative vs manual emptying)
Additional features (e.g., dehumidification, air purification)

To get the most out of your portable AC system, consider its placement. For best results, position the unit away from obstacles and direct the airflow effectively. Ensure that, during use, close windows, and doors to maintain cooling efficiency and prevent the unnecessary escape of regulated air.

Regularly clean your air conditioning unit filters and check for optimal performance periodically. Invest in regular commercial air conditioning servicing and maintenance.

Buy a Portable Office Air Conditioner Today

While permanent air conditioning systems like wall-mounted, ducted, and split systems have their place in office environments, portable air conditioners offer much more flexibility and convenience, particularly for short-term office arrangements and flexible workers.

Explore our range of air conditioning units available to buy today, or get in touch with Climachill today about arranging a bespoke commercial setup. Our air conditioning engineers cover the entire Sussex area and are happy to visit your site.

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Climachill

An air conditioning system works by removing heat from indoor spaces and expelling it outside, thereby cooling the interior environment. The process involves several key components:

Evaporator Coil: Located indoors, the evaporator coil contains refrigerant that absorbs heat from the indoor air, causing the refrigerant to evaporate into a gas.
Compressor: The compressor, situated in the outdoor unit, pressurises the gaseous refrigerant, increasing its temperature and preparing it for heat expulsion.
Condenser Coil: Also part of the outdoor unit, the condenser coil releases the absorbed heat into the external environment, causing the refrigerant to condense back into a liquid.
Expansion Valve: This component reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, cooling it down before it re-enters the evaporator coil to continue the cycle.

This continuous cycle effectively transfers heat from inside your property to the outside, maintaining a cool and comfortable indoor climate.

The Importance of Regular Air Conditioning Service in Sussex

Regular servicing of your air conditioning unit is essential to ensure its efficiency and longevity. In Sussex, where seasonal variations can impact system performance, scheduling routine maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Professional servicing typically includes cleaning components, checking for refrigerant leaks, and ensuring all parts function optimally.

Understanding the Cost of Air Conditioning Service

The cost of servicing your air conditioning unit can vary based on factors such as the system type, age, and specific maintenance requirements. On average, you might expect to pay up to £150 for a standard service. However, more comprehensive maintenance or repairs can incur higher costs. Investing in regular servicing enhances system efficiency, potentially reducing energy bills and extending the unit’s lifespan—ultimately saving you money in the long term.

At Climachill, we specialise in air conditioning installations, servicing, and repairs across Sussex and the South East. Our team of qualified engineers is committed to providing exceptional service to both residential and commercial clients. We offer flexible payment options and work to ensure your system operates at peak performance.

Contact Climachill

Phone: 01273 803820
Email: office@climachill.co.uk
Address: The Oaks, Lordings Road, Billingshurst, Sussex, RH14 9NA

Investing in regular air conditioning service not only ensures a comfortable indoor environment but also contributes to the system’s efficiency and longevity. Trust Climachill for all your air conditioning needs in Sussex and the surrounding areas.

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Posted on November 5, 2013 by Climachill

air conditioning services sussex

Air Conditioning Indoor units when operated in ‘cooling mode’ create water, this water is collected into an indoor unit drain pan and is then either gravity fed away or pumped away if your indoor unit is leaking water something has gone wrong.

Reason 1 – Bad Installation of Indoor Unit

Is your indoor unit level? If it isn’t then the water could be spilling out of the indoor drain pan before it can be drained away, we have been called out to clients who have leaking indoor units to find the units haven’t been installed correctly by their previous A/c contractor.

Reason 2 – Bad Installation of Gravity Drain Pipe

Does the gravity drain pipe actually have a gravity fall on it? Water won’t flow uphill so if the drain pipe has been installed with an uphill gradient it won’t drain and water will eventually drip out of the indoor unit.

Reason 3 – Blocked Drain Pan / Gravity Drain Pipe

An indoor unit draws air into it from the room, this is through indoor unit filters, filters cant trap 100% of the dust that is in the air & so dust/dirt can find its way into the indoor unit drain pan, if this collects & builds up over time the drain pan or drain pipe can become clogged, if it becomes clogged enough it can restrict water flowing through it enough that water backs up and eventually drips out of the indoor unit.

Reason 4 – Pump Failure

If your system couldn’t have a gravity drain pipe then your contractor would have chosen to install a condensate removal pump, these are specifically designed to pump the water to a suitable outlet, a pump has moving parts thus at some point it can fail, if the pump fails then water will back up and eventually drip out of the indoor unit. Some pumps have filters which require cleaning every 6months (as per pump manufacturer recommendations), if the filter isn’t cleaned then water won’t flow through the filter to the pump mechanism and so can back up and drip out of the indoor unit.

Is Your Outdoor Unit Leaking Water?

It is normal for an outdoor unit to leak water if the indoor unit has been set to heating mode unless the water leaking from the outdoor unit could cause a slip hazard in the form of turning to the ice during the Winter months then this shouldn’t be a cause for worry.

The above tend to be the common reasons as to why an air conditioning indoor unit leaks water, regular servicing of your system in line with manufacturer recommendations will help prevent water leaking from your Air Conditioner, and during a service visit an engineer will use specific chemicals to clean an indoor unit which helps break down any blockages within the drain pipe, they will also check the pump operation to ensure that it is working correctly at the time of the service.

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Climachill

portable air conditioning
There are 2x modes which allow a temperature set point to be made, cooling mode and heating mode.

The answer to this question is that there is no answer – everyone is different and will therefore like a different temperature, from our experience the general norm setting in cooling & heating mode is around 22C.

Setting Air Conditioning Temperature

Setting your Air Conditioner lower than 21C in cooling mode is normally regarded as too cold and is generally a waste of electric in trying to cool the room this cold, likewise trying to heat a room to higher than 24C is generally a waste of electric – most people set their home thermostat to approx 22C so you should set your Air Conditioner to the same temperature.

You shouldn’t set the Air Conditioner to the lowest cooling setting (generally 18C) – this is far too cold for an office environment and likewise you shouldn’t set the temperature to 30C in heating mode, both of these simply waste electric.

Keep Cool in the Office

Temperature set points can cause arguments within an office environment; we have found that men generally like the temperature lower compared to women, we have one customer whom has a mixed office and on a service visit we found that the women had all moved to one end of the office whilst the men had all moved to the other end of the office, the office had 2x air conditioner units and they found this way the men & women each had their own system – a tad extreme but nonetheless solved the office bickering.

In summary we would recommend a temperature set point of approx 22C.

Posted on September 23, 2013 by Climachill

The Dangers of Excessive Heat in the Workplace

air conditioning In the summer months, when the temperatures soar for a short while, there can be some very real consequences attributed to by excessive heat in the workplace. Over exposure to extended periods of hot weather can increase the risk of a sizeable amount of heat related illness. Workers who are employed in outdoor work are at risk of the elements for prolonged hours, as are those who work in hot environments, such as bakeries, miners and fire-fighters. In general, the younger and fitter you are, the less at risk you are. This however, does not always apply and it is wrong to think that you can easily dodge the side effects of heat in your workplace.

One such illness is heat stress. This indicates the first signs of danger and can lead on to other more damaging effects, such as heat stroke. The initial signs of stress from heat can cause irritability, sweaty palms and forehead, headaches and dizzy spells. Without proper intervention, this can then lead on to heat rashes or cramps, which usually indicate a growing cause for concern. Once the worker experiences some of these symptoms, it is crucial they let somebody know and attempt to cool down. The worst case scenario for a worker in an overheated climate is to suffer from heat stroke, which is a more aggressive form of heat exhaustion. This can sometimes lead to black outs, and people die every year through not heeding the warning signs of onset heat stroke.

Overheated Office

Preventing the effects of heat in the workplace is an extremely important job of any employer. There are many ways of doing this, such as installing air conditioning, opening windows, introducing fans, letting workers take short breaks, allowing drinks to be consumed and letting the team know about the dangers. Alongside this, there should always be someone within the vicinity who has first aid training and who can assist in any emergencies, should they occur.

Excessive heat can result in the raising of your body temperature to dangerous levels and this can happen very quickly, if nothing is done to stop it. If you or someone else begins to feel chills, suffer from slurred speech or experience dizziness in hot weather, then try to act immediately and seek help. Wearing suitable, light clothes can offer some respite from the heat, but most important of all is to become aware of your own body’s signals when in danger.