How to Choose the Right Air Conditioning System for North East UK Businesses

07/08/2025

With unpredictable summers and increasing workplace comfort expectations, more businesses across the North East are investing in reliable air conditioning systems. But with so many options on the market – from wall-mounted split units to advanced VRF systems – how do you know which setup is right for your business?

At AACS Limited, we’ve helped organisations across Sunderland, Newcastle and the wider North East region choose and install the most effective cooling solutions for their environments. This guide will walk you through the most common commercial air conditioning systems, their strengths, and which might work best for your premises.

Why Choosing the Right System Matters

Not all cooling systems are created equal, and neither are business premises. A modern office has very different cooling needs compared to a warehouse, server room, or laboratory. Choosing the wrong system can lead to poor performance, high running costs, or even regulatory non-compliance.

Your building’s size, internal layout, and occupancy levels should all guide your decision. Likewise, factors like future expansion plans, energy efficiency goals, and industry standards (such as those in healthcare or tech) must be considered.

Comparing the Main Types of Commercial AC Systems

Here’s a breakdown of the three most common types of systems we install across the region:

System Type	Best For	Pros	Considerations
Split Systems	Small offices, retail units	Cost-effective, simple installation	Not scalable for large/multi-room spaces
VRF Systems	Medium to large offices, hotels, schools	Zonal control, energy efficient, discreet	Higher upfront cost, professional design needed
Chiller-Based Systems	Large industrial or commercial buildings	Centralised cooling for large-scale setups	Requires plant space, more complex to maintain

Let’s explore them in a bit more detail.

Split Systems

Split systems, often found in smaller commercial properties, consist of one indoor unit connected to an outdoor condenser. They're easy to install and ideal for single-room offices or small retail spaces. We often recommend these to small businesses looking for a budget-friendly, quick solution.

VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) Systems

VRF systems are the most flexible and efficient solution for medium to large buildings. They allow multiple indoor units to be connected to one outdoor unit, with the ability to control temperatures independently in each space. This zonal control makes VRF systems perfect for multi-floor offices, hotels and schools.

One of their standout features is heat recovery, enabling simultaneous heating and cooling in different zones. This can result in substantial energy savings.

Chiller-Based Systems

These systems are typically reserved for large-scale operations, such as manufacturing facilities or high-spec environments like data centres or laboratories. They use chilled water to cool air and often integrate with ductwork or fan coil units.

Chillers provide consistent performance across large spaces but require dedicated plant rooms and regular maintenance. If your site already has a plant infrastructure, this may be a natural fit.

Choosing Based on Your Business Type

Still not sure what’s right for your building? Here's a quick guide: 

• Small Offices or Retail Spaces  → Split systems work well here – cost-effective and straightforward. 

• Medium to Large Offices or Multi-Zone Premises  → VRF systems give you flexibility, comfort and long-term efficiency. 

• Industrial Warehouses or Manufacturing Plants  → Consider chiller-based systems or large-scale VRF configurations. 

• Server Rooms or Data Centres  → Cooling reliability is critical. We often recommend redundant VRF systems or precision cooling using chilled water. 

• Healthcare or Lab Environments  → Systems need to meet strict hygiene and temperature control standards. We offer compliant, fully tailored designs. 

Trusted by Industry-Leading Brands 

At AACS Limited, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every building is different, which is why we work with the best names in HVAC: Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, and Toshiba. These partnerships ensure you get access to the latest, most efficient technology, installed by certified engineers. 

We’re also F-Gas certified and SafeContractor approved, so you can be confident in our compliance, safety record, and technical expertise. 

Book a Free Consultation 

Choosing the right system starts with the right advice. Whether you’re planning a new office fit-out, upgrading your current setup, or troubleshooting performance issues, our experienced team is here to help. 

Get in touch today for a free consultation or no-obligation quote. 

Serving North East businesses since 1990. Cooling solutions done right, every time.