- What’s the difference between buying and renting?
Buying or renting a cooler is not dissimilar to buying or renting a photocopier or telephone system. In the long run you expect that buying would be a bit cheaper, but if you rent you don’t need to worry when the boiler (or cooler) packs in, or any of the other administrative hassles that go along with maintenance – someone else will take care of that for you. With any purchase where there is the opportunity to buy or rent, you need to consider initial costs and ongoing costs before making your decision. Water coolers are no different. The good thing about mains fed water coolers is that whether you choose to buy or rent, either way the price is fixed throughout the term. Mains fed water cooler have a distinct advantage over bottled water units as you no longer have to worry about ordering, purchasing and storing the rather large water bottles. One thing you will need to bear in mind is that our rental packages come complete with servicing & filter changes at no extra cost. Should you wish to purchase a cooler from us then you will need to consider the extra cost of either ad hoc or regular servicing. Whichever option you choose, you can be assured that your equipment will be left in our safe hands.
- Should I choose a desktop or free-standing water cooler?
Free-standing water coolers have always been the traditional choice and probably remain the ideal solution if you have sufficient space. Being that little bit bigger they tend to become a focal point and therefore engender the age old “water cooler chat”. Desktop versions were devised in response to those with smaller space. They are ideal for the home (e.g. sitting on a kitchen work surface) or any other situation where space is limited. They tend to be a little cheaper but on the downside the water cooling capacity (litres per hour) is usually smaller. If you go with a desktop bottled cooler (as opposed to a plumbed-in cooler) then the bottles will be smaller, meaning you have to change them more frequently.
- Should I choose a bottled or plumbed-in water cooler?
You will, no doubt, be familiar with the “traditional” water coolers with the blue coloured water bottle on top. These are referred to as “bottle-fed” or simply “bottled” water coolers. You may be less aware that it is possible to get coolers that source their water from your mains supply instead of bottles. In addition to cooling your water, they also filter it – providing great tasting water. This type of cooler is usually described as a “plumbed-in” or “mains-fed” water cooler. Within the industry they are sometimes referred to as POU coolers (point of use). Both types of cooler are suitable for most environments including offices, schools and universities.
- So what’s the next step then?
We can provide a quotation via email but it’s always best to call us to arrange a no obligation site survey. This small investment of your time will ensure that your quote includes any installation costs. More importantly should you decide to proceed, we will know exactly what to expect on the installation day ensuring a smooth changeover. Please feel free to call us on 01925 235140 or click here to make an online enquiry.
- I don’t need the hassle, how much time will it take to organise the changeover?
You simply need to check your agreement with your supplier, talk to us and we will arrange the installation within 5 working days. Each cooler takes approx. 1hr 30mins to install. Our engineers are trained to cause the least disruption to your working day and we shouldn’t even need to turn off your water supply.
- So you promise a good service then, how do you prove that?
The best way of proving this is to write it into our T&C’s to you. That way, you have complete peace of mind. We always attend call outs on the same day (if you log the call before 10am) and we are more than willing to discuss other important SLA’s with you, just ask.
- Why is my current supplier charging me a ‘WEEE Levvy’ or ‘Environmental Charge’ on my rented machines?
We are very passionate about the answer to this question and there’s a dedicated page here to explain our position on WEEE charges. Read more here.
- I didn’t know my bottled provider also did mains fed coolers, why haven’t they told me?
That’s a good one. Once they realise you are about to leave, many bottled providers offer mains fed coolers as a last gasp attempt to keep your custom. Many choose not to let you know because selling you the bottled water is very, very profitable for them. Be careful here as some bottled water cooler companies tend to service their most profitable customers first. As a mains customer, you will obviously still make them a profit, but they are often more intent on making more money from delivering yet more bottled water.
- How much am I likely to save if I switch over to Mains Fed?
We suspected you’d want to know that. That depends on how much water you currently purchase. A general rule of thumb would be if each cooler is using 3-4 bottles per month, you’re better off with mains fed. Most clients use far more than 3 bottles per cooler per month. An average cost saving is 35%. We have saved companies 70% in the past.
- Our staff have complained about the taste of our mains water
It’s probably the chlorine in your water. We install a 1 micron taste filter hidden inside the unit, this removes the chlorine and helps provide odourless, colourless, clear, chilled great tasting water.
- Will I be charged for the twice yearly maintenance and sanitisation?
No, If you choose to rent your coolers from us, it’s all included in the rental price.
- Our water coolers are sited in the middle of our office and we don’t want to move them
You shouldn’t need to move your coolers. We use non intrusive micro-bore tubing. Our tubing is a little thicker than the lead on your computer mouse. Our tubing carries the water straight to your cooler from the nearest mains water source. Sometimes this can be over 30 metres away, or even on the floor above. We will be happy to complete a no obligation site survey, just ask. We also guarantee that no piping is visible upon completion.
- What’s the difference between buying and renting?
- Should I choose a desktop or free-standing water cooler?
- Should I choose a bottled or plumbed-in water cooler?
- So what’s the next step then?
- I don’t need the hassle, how much time will it take to organise the changeover?
- So you promise a good service then, how do you prove that?
- Why is my current supplier charging me a ‘WEEE Levvy’ or ‘Environmental Charge’ on my rented machines?
- I didn’t know my bottled provider also did mains fed coolers, why haven’t they told me?
- How much am I likely to save if I switch over to Mains Fed?
- Our staff have complained about the taste of our mains water
- Will I be charged for the twice yearly maintenance and sanitisation?
- Our water coolers are sited in the middle of our office and we don’t want to move them