A productive learning environment starts with the right temperature. We install AC in schools and colleges across Northamptonshire — timed for school holidays to minimise disruption.
THS Refrigeration is an established provider of air conditioning installations for schools and colleges across Northamptonshire. We understand the unique demands of educational environments, the need to work around term-time, to minimise disruption to pupils and staff, and to deliver systems that are durable enough to handle the intensity of a school setting.
Air conditioning in schools is no longer a luxury, it is increasingly viewed as essential to a productive learning environment. Research consistently shows that classroom temperatures above 24°C reduce pupil performance, increase disruptive behaviour, and lower staff productivity. With UK summers getting hotter and exam season falling in June and July, the case for school AC has never been stronger.
The impact of classroom temperature on pupil performance is well documented, and the implications for schools are significant.
Research shows that cognitive performance degrades measurably when classroom temperatures exceed 24°C. Tasks involving memory, concentration and problem-solving are particularly affected exactly the skills tested in exams.
Studies link poor temperature management in schools with increased agitation, aggression and disruptive behaviour. Pupils who are hot and uncomfortable are less able to self-regulate, more incidents, more disruption, more teacher stress.
GCSEs and A-levels fall in May, June and July — the hottest part of the UK school year. Schools without AC are asking pupils to sit the most important exams of their lives in rooms that can reach 28–30°C. The impact on outcomes is real and quantifiable.
Teachers in uncomfortable classrooms experience greater fatigue and lower job satisfaction. Schools with controlled environments attract and retain better staff, a significant competitive advantage in a challenging recruitment market.
The temperature above which research shows pupil concentration and performance begins to decline significantly in a classroom environment.
The exam season problem
GCSEs and A-levels run from May to July. Without AC, exam halls and classrooms regularly exceed comfortable temperatures precisely when pupils need to perform at their best. Schools that invest in AC consistently see this as one of the most impactful infrastructure decisions they make.
We understand that schools operate on tight budgets with competing priorities. That's why many of our school clients take a phased approach, installing air conditioning in 2–3 classrooms per year, starting with the rooms that have the greatest need (exam halls, south-facing classrooms, staff rooms).
Over 3–5 years, the school is fully equipped, and because AC units are significantly more energy efficient than gas boilers, the ongoing energy savings help offset the installation cost. Many schools recover their investment within 5 years through reduced energy bills alone.
We work with schools to plan which rooms to prioritise and can provide multi-year installation schedules with fixed pricing, making budget planning straightforward.
Exam halls, south-facing classrooms and staff rooms first the biggest immediate impact for the lowest initial spend.
Year 2: core teaching rooms where disruption has the greatest learning impact, science labs, libraries, key stage classrooms.
Years 3–5: remaining classrooms and support areas. By this point, energy savings are helping offset ongoing costs.
Many Northamptonshire schools recover their total installation cost within 5 years through energy savings compared to gas heating.
We schedule all school installations during half-term breaks, Easter, summer and Christmas holidays, meaning pupils and staff are never disrupted, no classrooms need to be taken out of use, and no lessons are affected.
Our engineers work quickly and efficiently. Most classroom installations complete in a single day, and we're experienced in working within school environments, respecting safeguarding policies, leaving no materials or tools unattended, and fully cleaning up before the school reopens.
Schools are demanding environments — systems that run 190+ days a year in spaces occupied by hundreds of people need to be built to last. Bosch air conditioning units are A+++ energy rated, quiet enough not to distract from lessons, and designed for long-term durability. We're not tied to any single manufacturer, so when we recommend Bosch it's because we genuinely believe it's the best choice for the school environment — not because of a commercial arrangement. Every system we install includes a 5-year guarantee on parts and labour.
We visit during term-time or holidays, walk the site with the facilities manager, assess which rooms to prioritise, and provide a written fixed-price quote suitable for budget approval and procurement processes.
We agree which holiday period to install in, confirm room order, and plan pipework routes to minimise any disruption to ceilings and walls. Multi-year plans provided in writing for schools taking the phased approach.
Engineers arrive during the agreed school holiday. Classrooms are fully installed, systems tested, and everything cleaned up before the school reopens. Most classrooms are complete within a day.
We brief facilities staff on the systems, issue the 5-year Bosch guarantee, and set up annual service plans to keep the units running efficiently and the warranty valid throughout the school's ownership.
"Top-tier service from start to finish. The engineer from THS is hands-down the best in the business. They diagnosed the issue immediately and explained everything clearly. Reliable, fair pricing, and expert workmanship."
"Fantastic service from Kirk and his team — he always provides excellent service. He has been looking after our heating system and fitted our boiler, and has now fitted our heat pumps too. Absolutely brilliant."
"Contacted Kirk to service 2 aircon units. He quoted a price and date and arrived promptly. Kirk spent the time required to thoroughly clean them. Full professional service from start to finish."
THS Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
55 Booth Meadow Court
Northampton
NN3 8AZ