Air Conditioning & Ventilation FAQs

The Winstanley Team
Nov 7
3 min read

At Winstanley Electrical & Mechanical Services, we design, install, service and maintain commercial and industrial air conditioning and ventilation systems across the UK. Our qualified engineers deliver compliant, energy-efficient solutions that keep your building comfortable, safe, and productive all year round.

Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about air conditioning systems, maintenance, and how to keep your HVAC equipment running at its best.

How Does Air Conditioning Work?

Air conditioning works by transferring heat from inside your building to the outside environment. The system draws in warm indoor air, removes heat and moisture through refrigerant coils, and releases cooled, filtered air back into the space.

Using a compressor, evaporator, and condenser, the unit continually cycles refrigerant to regulate temperature and humidity. Modern systems can both cool and heat spaces through reversible heat-pump technology, making them efficient year-round climate control solutions.

Why Should I Get My Air Conditioning Serviced?

Regular air conditioning servicing provides several benefits:

Improved efficiency – cleaning coils, filters and components prevents the system from overworking.
Lower running costs – efficient units use less energy.
Extended lifespan – routine maintenance prevents early breakdowns.
Warranty protection – most manufacturers require regular servicing to keep warranties valid.

Regular maintenance ensures that your system runs safely and efficiently, reducing both energy bills and unplanned downtime.

How Often Should Air Conditioning Units Be Serviced?

Most manufacturers recommend two service visits per year, though this can vary depending on the environment and system use.For example, systems operating in laboratories, data centres, kitchens, or manufacturing facilities may require more frequent servicing — up to three or four times a year — due to heavier use or tighter air-quality requirements.

What Is Included in a Typical Service Visit?

A typical service and maintenance inspection includes:

Checking the motor, blower, and fan operation
Inspecting coils, pipework, and refrigerant levels
Testing operating pressures and temperatures
Cleaning or replacing air filters
Verifying controls, sensors and thermostats
Ensuring condensate drains and pumps are clear
Recording system performance and issuing service reports

What Are the Most Common Air Conditioning Problems?

Common faults include:

Blocked or dirty air filters
Low refrigerant levels
Fan or compressor failure
Electrical faults or tripped breakers
Thermostat malfunctions

Regular maintenance helps identify and resolve these early, before they lead to costly breakdowns.

How Long Does a Commercial Air Conditioning Unit Last?#

Most systems last 15 to 20 years, depending on usage, brand, and maintenance quality.Proper installation, compatible system design, and consistent servicing are key to maximising lifespan and performance.

What Are F-Gases and Why Are They Important?

F-Gases (Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases) are refrigerants such as HFCs and HCFCs used in air conditioning systems. Their handling and release are tightly controlled under UK and EU regulations.If your system contains more than 3kg of F-Gases, it must be inspected at least once a year by a certified engineer, with larger systems requiring quarterly inspections.Our engineers are REFCOM-certified to safely manage, recover and dispose of these refrigerants in full compliance with current legislation.

Do You Work on Systems Installed by Other Companies?

Yes. We frequently take over maintenance for systems installed by other contractors. Our engineers can assess the current setup, service it, and make recommendations for improved efficiency or compliance.

What Types of Air Conditioning Systems Do You Maintain?

We work with all major makes and models, including:

Split and multi-split systems
VRF / VRV systems
Ducted and cassette units
Air source heat pumps
Chillers and cooling coils
Air handling and ventilation units (AHUs)

What Is R22 and Why Can’t It Be Used Anymore?

R22 is an older refrigerant that was phased out under the Montreal Protocol due to its ozone-depleting properties.Although still found in some legacy systems, it can no longer be manufactured or used for servicing.Our engineers are trained in the safe removal and disposal of R22 and can advise on cost-effective upgrade or replacement options.

How Can Servicing Save My Business Money?

Research shows that every £1 spent on preventive maintenance can save up to £5 in future repair and downtime costs.Servicing keeps your system efficient, reduces the likelihood of major failures, and extends component life, meaning fewer replacements and lower overall costs.

Can You Handle Multi-Site Air Conditioning Maintenance?

Absolutely. Winstanley Electrical & Mechanical Services supports clients with multiple premises or nationwide portfolios.We can create a planned preventive maintenance (PPM) schedule covering all locations, ensuring consistent performance and compliance across your sites.