Don’t sweat it: Businesses urged to get ahead on summer cooling provision after early heat surge

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  Posted by: electime      22nd July 2026

With temperatures climbing above 30°C in parts of the UK, organisations are being encouraged to review their cooling strategies ahead of the summer months. Rather than relying on emergency callouts when systems come under pressure, a growing number of businesses are turning to HVAC hire to support business continuity, protect critical infrastructure and maintain safe working environments during periods of extreme heat.

Businesses most likely to be affected include:

  • Office-based businesses
  • Warehousing and logistics operators
  • Manufacturing and industrial sites
  • Retail environments
  • Healthcare and care settings

Cross Rental Services, the UK and Ireland’s specialist in HVAC and refrigeration hire, is encouraging organisations to take a more proactive approach to cooling provision ahead of further periods of high temperatures. Growing awareness of the impact heat can have on electrical equipment, operational efficiency and employee wellbeing is prompting a rethink across sectors.

  1. Plan cooling provision in advance

Cooling hire is often treated as a reactive measure, brought in when temperatures rise and systems are already under strain. In the air conditioning and chiller market, this can lead to a sharp increase in demand, reduced equipment availability and greater pressure on facilities teams to respond quickly.

With warmer weather arriving less predictably, and periods of extreme heat placing additional strain on buildings and electrical infrastructure, forward planning is becoming increasingly important. Securing equipment in advance helps avoid last-minute constraints and ensures sites are properly assessed before installation. This trend is already being seen across the market, with hire periods starting earlier and lasting longer as organisations adapt to changing seasonal conditions.

  1. Choose the right solution for each environment

Preparing early gives businesses time to assess what type of cooling is most appropriate for their site and operational requirements. For office environments, this may involve split air conditioning units or portable air conditioning systems to maintain comfortable working conditions and protect productivity.

Evaporative coolers provide a flexible alternative where suitable, requiring only a standard power supply and water source. For warehouses, manufacturing facilities and other heat-intensive environments, ducted air conditioning systems and temporary chiller solutions can provide consistent cooling, helping to protect both personnel and temperature-sensitive equipment.

  1. Carry out site assessments before peak demand

Early planning also allows for accurate specification of equipment. Site surveys carried out in advance ensure cooling systems are matched to the size, layout and occupancy of each space, reducing the risk of underperformance during prolonged periods of hot weather.

Assessments can also identify any electrical and distribution requirements before installation, helping organisations avoid delays and ensuring systems can be deployed efficiently when temperatures rise.

Kevin Cooper, Chiller Director at Cross Rental Services, said: “Recent high temperatures have shown how quickly conditions inside a building can become challenging to manage. Excessive heat doesn’t just affect comfort – it can impact equipment performance, operational efficiency and employee wellbeing.”

He added: “Planning cooling provision in advance gives organisations far greater control. It allows the right equipment to be specified, installed and supported properly, helping businesses maintain continuity and avoid the disruption that can come from reacting at short notice.”