Emergency Commercial AC Repairs – What to Do When Your System Fails

Emergency Commercial AC Repairs – What to Do When Your System Fails 

Your Commercial AC Just Stopped Working - Now What? 

Sudden air conditioning failure isn’t just inconvenient - it puts your entire operation at risk. 


If you're responsible for a warehouse, retail space, school, or office, you're now dealing with: 


  • Rising indoor temperatures 
  • Staff complaints and reduced productivity 
  • Disrupted services or customer experience 
  • Energy waste and potential compliance breaches 


Let’s be clear: guessing, delaying, or hoping it resolves on its own isn’t just ineffective - it’s costly. 


These systems don’t recover without intervention. And the longer you wait, the greater the damage, the higher the repair bill, and the bigger the disruption to your business.


Step 1: First Things to Check Before You Call 

Not every AC issue needs a new part, but many failures get worse by the hour. 


Start here: 


Thermostat Settings 


Double-check the setpoint, cooling mode, and batteries. A thermostat fault often mimics system failure. 


Circuit Breaker Status 


Has the breaker tripped? If it’s tripped, you can attempt a single reset. However, if it trips again, stop immediately - repeated faults indicate an underlying electrical issue that requires a qualified HVAC technician. 


Airflow Obstructions 


Blocked vents, closed dampers, or furniture too close to air returns can trigger poor performance or shutdowns. 


Filters and Grilles 


Clogged filters are one of the most common emergency repair causes. Inspect for heavy dust or visible grime. 


Emergency Switches 


Has someone accidentally flipped the service switch? It’s more common than you'd think. 


If cooling still hasn’t resumed, the system likely has a deeper fault. Time to book a proper diagnostic. 


Step 2: 5 Most Common Causes of Commercial AC Breakdowns 

1. Frozen Evaporator Coils 


Often caused by restricted airflow or refrigerant issues.


Signs: Ice on coils, weak airflow, water leaks 
Why it matters: Can destroy the compressor if ignored 

 


2. Electrical Failures 


Loose connections, corroded wiring, or blown fuses shut down the system. 


Signs: System won’t start, flickering power, smells of burning 

Why it matters: Electrical issues are safety-critical and can cause major system damage 

 


3. Thermostat Malfunctions 


Sensors can fail or misread temperatures, causing erratic cooling. 


Signs: Inconsistent performance, short cycling 
Why it matters: Your system may overwork or shut down entirely 

 


4. Refrigerant Leaks 


Even a slow leak can reduce cooling power by 30% or more. 


Signs: Warm air, hissing sounds, oily residue 
Why it matters: Illegal to ignore, can result in fines or health risks 

 


5. Poor Maintenance 


Lack of routine servicing causes most mid-summer callouts. 


Signs: Dirty filters, overheating units, higher bills 
Why it matters: Regular maintenance could have prevented the issue entirely 


Step 3: Get Emergency Commercial AC Repairs - Fast, Reliable, No Guesswork

In critical moments, you don’t just need an engineer -  you need a commercial-first HVAC partner. 


At Complete Cooling Services, we’re trusted by commercial clients across the East Midlands to: 


  • Respond quickly, with local engineers who understand the cost of downtime 
  • Diagnose the root cause – not just the symptoms, preventing repeat breakdowns 
  • Fix it right the first time, using our multi-brand expertise and deep technical knowledge 
  • Work across all major systems, including Daikin, Mitsubishi, Panasonic and more 
  • Stay with you after the repair, offering proactive advice and PPM options to future-proof your system 


We don’t do patch jobs or band-aid fixes. We solve the real issue - fast. Our expert engineers keep your building cool, compliant, and operational without the stress, downtime, or guesswork. 

GET HELP FROM AC ENGINEERS

Step 4: How to Prevent Future AC Breakdowns 

AC Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) 

CONSISTENT CLIMATE CONTROL & CONDITIONS with AC Installs

Scheduled system checks

Regular heating and cooling inspections help keep your home comfortable year-round.

EXPLORE PPM OPTIONS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY & COST SAVINGS with Air Con Unit Installation

Early detection of faults

Modern systems are more energy efficient and spotting issues early saves on future bills.

EXPLORE PPM OPTIONS
IMPROVED AIR QUALITY & HUMIDITY CONTROL with AC unit installation

Reduced energy waste

Advanced filters improve air quality while helping systems run cleaner and more efficiently.

EXPLORE PPM OPTIONS
CONSISTENT CLIMATE CONTROL & CONDITIONS with AC Installs

ENHANCED SYSTEM LIFESPAN

Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and extends the life of your equipment, saving on replacements.

EXPLORE PPM OPTIONS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY & COST SAVINGS with Air Con Unit Installation

Improved compliance

Stay up to date with regulations while saving on utility bills through modern, energy-efficient systems.

EXPLORE PPM OPTIONS
IMPROVED AIR QUALITY & HUMIDITY CONTROL with AC unit installation

Lower long-term costs

Advanced filters boost air quality and reduce allergens—cutting maintenance and energy expenses over time.

EXPLORE PPM OPTIONS

FAQs: Commercial Emergency AC Repairs 

  • What should I do if my commercial air conditioning stops working?

    If your commercial air conditioning stops working, start by checking the basics: ensure the thermostat is set correctly, inspect the circuit breaker for trips, and check for clogged air filters. 


    If nothing obvious stands out, turn the system off immediately and call a commercial HVAC repair specialist. Running a faulty unit can cause further damage and increase repair costs.


    Prompt action helps avoid downtime and protects your equipment. 

  • Why is my AC running but not cooling properly?

    Typically a Wall Mounted system would be 1 day (for a small system), with a Ceiling Cassette being up to 2 days (roughly speaking).

     

  • Can I fix a commercial AC issue myself?

    Air conditioning systems are extremely efficient - so much so that the UK Government is actively encouraging Companies to install them. As a rule of thumb, for every 1 kW of electricity put into an ASHP system, you can get up to 4 kW of Heat out. Compare that to the average electrical heater, where 3 kW of electricity goes in and roughly 2.9 kW of heat comes out.

  • How fast can a commercial AC unit be repaired?

    Most emergency commercial AC repairs can be completed the same day, depending on the nature of the fault and availability of parts.


    Quick diagnosis is key - experienced HVAC engineers can often identify and resolve common issues during the first visit.


    In more complex cases, follow-up visits may be required for part replacements. Booking a specialist promptly gives you the best chance of a fast resolution. 

  • What’s included in a commercial AC repair visit?

    A typical commercial AC repair visit includes a full system inspection, fault diagnostics, and minor repairs if parts are immediately available.


    Engineers will test electrical components, check refrigerant levels, inspect airflow and control systems, and ensure the unit is operating safely and efficiently. 


    You’ll receive a clear explanation of the issue, upfront repair costs, and, where needed, a quote for additional work or replacement parts. 

The best HVAC engineers with 1,000+ happy clients

Ready to Get Back Up and Running? Let’s Fix It Fast


✅  Same-day diagnostics 

✅ Certified commercial engineers 
✅ Repairs you can rely on 
✅ PPM plans to future-proof your system 


REQUEST AN EMERGENCY REPAIR

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