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According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), productivity drops above 26°C in commercial spaces. Along with proper cooling, office cleaning improves air quality by reducing dust and allergens. For leased properties, end-of-lease cleaning ensures the space is spotless and meets lease obligations.
Once the mercury reaches 34°C, it goes down by as much as 50%, which is why it is important to have a good air conditioning system installed.
Without one, you might not be complying with state legislation for specific aspects such as food storage, healthcare, or the protection of your equipment, and you certainly won’t be offering your customers as pleasant an environment to shop as you could.
However, if you have just bought a new system, you might not be aware of what is involved in the installation process, which is very different from what happens in private homes.
That’s why we have put together this guide, which outlines what you should expect.
Types of Air Conditioning Systems for Commercial Spaces
Before you can have an air conditioning system installed, you must purchase one, and when it comes to commercial spaces, there are several types available.
Which one you pick will be influenced by factors like how big your floorplan is, what level of energy efficiency you are looking for, and your overall budget. But here are some of the best options you can choose from.
1. Split Systems
These types of systems are best for small offices or retail spaces and comprise an indoor unit that is connected to an outdoor compressor. Proper air compressor installation is crucial for the optimal performance of split systems in commercial environments.
Overall, they are cost-effective, relatively easy to install, and offer a localised cooling solution.
2. Ducted Air Conditioning
If you have a large space for which you require even cooling, then ducted systems are a good choice.
They use concealed ducts to distribute cool air throughout the building, which can’t be seen as it is incorporated into the ceiling.
3. Multi-Split Systems
Multi-split systems are popular in medium-sized spaces because they enable several indoor units to connect to a single outdoor compressor.
In doing this, they can cool different rooms at varying temperatures, which helps you to save on energy costs in rooms that are not being used.
4. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems are ideal for large office spaces or multi-story buildings such as hotels because they are very efficient and can simultaneously heat and cool different zones as required.
5. Evaporative Coolers
In areas with low humidity, such as warehouses or industrial spaces, evaporative coolers are a good, energy-efficient option because they use water to cool air.
Installation Process
The process of putting in an air conditioning system into a commercial space is perhaps best explained in this installation guide by Alliance Climate Control.
However, it generally goes something like this:
1. Initial Consultation and Site Inspection
You will need to engage the services of a professional, experienced, and licensed HVAC contractor who will book you in for an initial consultation to assess your needs.
They may also do a site inspection to evaluate the space you want to be cooled and go through what they think are the best options for you.
Typically, after you send an enquiry, most contractors will aim to respond within 24 hours to arrange this visit. The site inspection gives them a chance to analyse your premises, discuss your requirements in detail, and consider your timeline and budget. During this visit, the contractor will also provide tailored recommendations and a clear, final quote—so you’ll know exactly what to expect, without any hidden fees or surprises after the installation is complete.
2. System Design
Once you’ve chosen your preferred system, the contractor will create a custom-designed plan that will identify where the units, ducts (if applicable), and controls will be placed within your commercial space.
This will be designed to ensure it is cooled as effectively and quickly as possible when it is turned on.
3. Pre-Installation Preparations
During this stage, the contract will prepare the site for the installation process. This should involve clearing spaces, ensuring that your current electrical outlets are up to code, and obtaining any state permits that you might need.
4. Installation Process
At a time that is suitable for you, the contractor will install your air conditioning system, which might also require them to connect it to refrigerant lines and set up any ductwork that is needed.
What’s especially helpful is that reputable commercial HVAC installers understand how crucial it is for your business or workplace to remain accessible and comfortable. To minimise disruption, many teams offer flexible installation schedules—including after-hours or weekends—so your daily operations can continue with little to no interruption. In some cases, such as with larger commercial or office spaces, a brief shutdown for a day or two might be necessary, but the aim is always to keep downtime to an absolute minimum while maintaining high-quality workmanship.
Whether it’s a small café wanting to keep customers cool during lunch service or a multi-level office building coordinating with tenants, experienced contractors will adapt their approach to fit your business’s unique needs and timelines.
Often this takes place outside of business hours, although for bigger commercial or office spaces, you might need to shut down for a day or two.
5. Testing and Commissioning
After installing the air conditioning system, the contracting team will thoroughly test its functionality, airflow, and ability to regulate the temperature. They will do as many minor tweaks and adjustments as required until it is deemed fully operational.
At this stage, a comprehensive quality assurance process is carried out to ensure that everything is working as it should be and meets both industry standards and your expectations. You are more than welcome to be present and involved during this process—feel free to ask questions or request demonstrations to ensure you’re comfortable with your new system.
6. Handover and Training
With the system fully up and running, the contractor will officially go through a handover process, whereupon they will explain to you how it works.
They will also provide you with useful tips on how to clean and maintain it and outline the correct protocol if something were to go wrong with the system.
How Long does a commercial air conditioning system take to install?
The length of time that it takes for a commercial air conditioning system to be installed can be anything from a couple of hours to a few days.
Overall, it depends on what system you choose and how big your space is. The contractor will provide you with a timeline based on these factors.
End of Lease Cleaning After Installation
If you’ve installed a new air conditioning system as part of a lease requirement, a thorough end-of-lease cleaning ensures the property is spotless and meets all contractual obligations. Removing dust and debris from installation, cleaning vents, and sanitizing floors and surfaces can help secure a full bond refund while leaving the space in excellent condition for the next tenant. Professional cleaning services can handle deep cleaning, ensuring compliance with lease agreements and maintaining a fresh, hygienic environment.
