Some managers worry about it being too cold, but do they all think about the implications of it becoming too hot? If the temperature drops below 16 C then, staff are entitled to leave, and customers aren't going to feel like hanging around long enough to buy anything. If it's too hot the staff may stay, but they won't be working efficiently and customers are not going to be comfortable enough to loiter for long.

Fixed installations are expensive, there's no denying that. For anything like a serious installation, you are going to have to expect to be paying towards 2000 including fitting – and that's probably just for one small room!

The trouble is, has the cost of the heat been considered? Everyone has a cool, air conditioned server room for their computers, because they know overheating causes computers problems. Why do so many people neglect to remember that overheating causes people problems!

It need not be an expensive exercise to cool a room down, and in the middle of a hot summer – the benefits can be felt instantly. If it's a small room, with a suitable window for exhausting the hot air – you can purchase a portable air conditioner of 12,000 BTU for as little as 200.

Of course for larger areas, the industrial portable air conditioners such as the MCM range might be more appropriate – and they are more expensive. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy the benefits though – instead of paying over a thousand pounds for an MCM 230 Industrial Portable Air Conditioner – consider hiring one, the standard weekly rate may be 100 per week, but most hire centres who stock them will discount this heavily if you sign up for a six week hire, maybe even as little as 60 per week.

Comfortable customers stay longer, customers who stay longer are more likely to spend more. Comfortable staff are more efficient, they get more work done and are less likely to take short-cuts which could risk impacting your business.

Even if you have fixed air conditioning installed. It's worth knowing a local hire company who has them so you can get instant cover when your main system breaks down.

For detailedinformation on buying mobile air conditioners, please visit the Air Conditioning Store which has specifications, prices and advice on sizing.. This article, Keeping your customers and staff cool is released under a creative commons attribution license.