As a manufacturing and distribution company operating in a temperature-critical environment, the performance of our ceiling-mounted cooler and evaporator units is essential. These systems are responsible for maintaining consistent temperatures throughout our facility—ensuring product integrity, supporting compliance with stringent regulations, and enabling operational continuity. Our business model relies heavily on precision and reliability across all systems. So, when we began to notice irregular temperature levels, increased breakdowns, and rising energy bills, it became clear that something was affecting the integrity of our HVAC infrastructure.
Initially, the issues were sporadic. We observed small fluctuations in temperature readings and occasional alerts from our monitoring systems. However, over several months, patterns began to emerge—temperatures in cooler-dependent zones became inconsistent, machinery experienced more frequent faults, and energy usage in affected areas rose without explanation. Our engineering team carried out internal diagnostics and eventually traced the root cause: severe dirt and grime build-up on the ceiling-mounted cooler and evaporator units, many of which were situated up to 15 metres above the production floor.
Accessing these units posed its own challenge. Their elevated position made routine maintenance complex and time-consuming. Over time, the lack of specialised high-level cleaning allowed dust, residue, and particulate matter to accumulate across the coils and fan housings. This build-up was obstructing airflow, straining the HVAC systems, and compromising both efficiency and performance.
More concerning than the operational inconvenience was the looming financial risk. The condition of the evaporator units had deteriorated to a point where failure of several systems seemed imminent. Replacing these units would have required a significant capital outlay—estimated at over £500,000. Not only would this have caused major disruption to our logistics and production planning, but it would also have severely limited our ability to invest in ongoing growth initiatives, automation upgrades, or customer innovation projects. In short, the impact of inaction was both operational and strategic.
Realising the urgency, we reached out to ACC Commercial Cleaning Ltd. They came highly recommended for their experience in industrial environments and their ability to handle large-scale, high-level HVAC system cleaning. From the outset, the team at ACC demonstrated a deep understanding of our challenges. They listened attentively, conducted a thorough site assessment, and developed a bespoke cleaning plan tailored to our facility’s layout, operational demands, and safety protocols.
What impressed us immediately was their precision and transparency. The plan they presented addressed not only the immediate cleaning needs but also took into account long-term preventative care. It included high-level deep cleaning of all ceiling-mounted HVAC systems, careful scheduling during off-peak hours to avoid disruption, and the use of specialist mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) for safe and efficient access to difficult-to-reach units.
ACC also committed to using food-safe, non-corrosive cleaning solutions, in line with the environmental and hygiene standards of our facility. Their cleaning method involved mid-power pressure washing, which was powerful enough to remove heavy deposits without damaging delicate components. Every aspect of the process was designed to maximise safety, efficiency, and impact.
Implementation of the programme was seamless. ACC’s team worked during our scheduled hygiene downtime, coordinating with our internal teams to gain secure, timed access to each zone. Their staff were professional, well-prepared, and respectful of our space. Communication remained clear throughout, and any adjustments needed on the day were handled with flexibility and a proactive attitude.
The difference was almost immediate. Following the first phase of deep cleaning, energy consumption in our cooler zones dropped by 18%. This aligned with industry data that suggests unclean HVAC coils can increase energy use by as much as 30–40%. The drop in energy usage translated into significant cost savings on our monthly utility bills, helping to offset the cleaning investment within months.
Operationally, we saw a marked improvement in system reliability. HVAC breakdowns decreased by 85% within the first six weeks following the clean. This reduction in failures not only cut maintenance callouts and repair costs but also ensured that our temperature-sensitive goods remained within compliance thresholds at all times. Product waste dropped, internal audits were smoother, and quality control flagged fewer issues related to temperature stability.
Perhaps just as important was the improvement in environmental comfort and workplace conditions for our staff. With better air circulation and reduced strain on the system, airflow became more consistent, and the workplace environment more stable. This positively impacted staff morale and overall operational confidence.
We also noticed downstream benefits. Clean HVAC units contribute to better internal hygiene, and this was reflected in our subsequent third-party audit scores. Inspectors noted the improved condition of our ceiling-mounted infrastructure and commended our preventative maintenance approach. Where we once feared regulatory concern, we instead received praise for our proactive measures.
Avoiding a half-million-pound asset replacement gave us the financial breathing room to invest elsewhere in the business. We redirected capital into upgrading automation within our picking and packing lines and launched a logistics optimisation initiative. This wouldn’t have been possible if we had needed to replace our HVAC infrastructure. By acting early, and choosing the right partner, we preserved a core part of our facility and protected our strategic priorities.
The partnership with ACC has since evolved. They are now a recurring fixture in our planned maintenance calendar. We’ve integrated scheduled HVAC cleaning into our wider facilities strategy, with site-wide inspections taking place regularly and cleaning services deployed every six months. This gives us peace of mind that our systems are operating efficiently and that any early signs of degradation can be identified before they escalate into major faults.
This proactive relationship has been key to building resilience in our operations. In a competitive market where service reliability is non-negotiable, even minor interruptions can have ripple effects across the supply chain. Knowing that our HVAC systems are clean, optimised, and professionally maintained allows us to focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and business growth.
Looking back, the initial signs of HVAC inefficiency could have easily been dismissed or delayed. But doing so would have risked the health of our systems, the safety of our inventory, and the strength of our operational reputation. Engaging ACC Commercial Cleaning Ltd at the right time turned a potential crisis into a strategic win.
Their combination of technical expertise, operational flexibility, and genuine commitment to client success has earned them our trust. They’ve proven to be more than just a vendor—they’re a partner. Through this collaboration, we’ve not only safeguarded critical assets but also embedded a culture of preventative maintenance that now underpins our broader business success.
In a facility where infrastructure is the backbone of daily performance, it’s reassuring to know that we have a partner who understands that cleaning is not just about appearance—it’s about efficiency, safety, and long-term business continuity. ACC Commercial Cleaning Ltd helped us futureproof one of our most vital systems, and for that, we are immensely grateful.
