Commercial HVAC systems regulate a building’s temperature and provide fresh air to dilute odors, dust, and other pollutants. Keeping your building’s HVAC system running at full capacity requires a well-designed and maintained system.
Most commercial systems are installed on the roof because they’re usually larger than residential units. That helps save space and prevents noise pollution from interrupting workflow. Read https://comfortprosheatandair.com/ to learn more.
While commercial HVAC systems are a significant investment for building owners, they’re important to keeping staff and clients comfortable. Unlike residential air conditioners that must be sized appropriately for each home, commercial HVAC systems are built to handle multiple rooms and people simultaneously. However, there are many different types of commercial HVAC systems to consider.
The two main commercial HVAC options are split systems and packaged units. Both operate through ductwork but have slightly different approaches to heating and cooling. A split system has two indoor and outdoor cabinets. The outdoor cabinet houses the compressor and fan, and the indoor cabinet is either a heat pump or an air conditioner.
Commercial split systems are often used for small businesses and shops as they provide air conditioning and heat, so a separate heating unit isn’t required. They’re also less expensive than a rooftop HVAC unit and are more versatile since they can be installed on walls and ceilings.
In a single split system, an air compressor pulls warm air from the room through a refrigerant line and cools it before blowing it into the space. The cooled air is then circulated through the building’s ducts. A single split system typically has one evaporator coil and a single compressor but can be upgraded to include more than one if there’s more than one room that needs heating and cooling.
A multi-split system can be added for larger commercial spaces or buildings with multiple rooms. That allows for independent heating and cooling management of individual rooms without increasing energy consumption. This system also allows adding a third and even fourth evaporator coil to increase the capacity of one compressor.
Both systems can be connected to a central control panel for comprehensive oversight and monitoring. That will allow the building engineer or facility manager to see what is happening in each room of the business at any given time through a graphical interface. It is also possible to add a BMS (Building Management System) to the system for complete integration and control.
You have many options when looking for a commercial HVAC system to serve your business. You can opt for a split system or a packaged system. Both have their pros and cons.
A packaged system provides both cooling and heating in a single cabinet unit. These systems can be installed on the ground level or in a crawl space, or they can be located on the roof. Having the entire system located outdoors saves valuable indoor space for other purposes. It also reduces noise levels since the noisiest components (compressor and fans) are kept outside where they can’t be heard inside the building.
Because a commercial packaged system has all its parts in one cabinet, it’s easier for technicians to service. That allows you to keep your maintenance costs down and can help avoid costly repairs in the future. Another advantage of the all-in-one design is that it’s more energy efficient than a split system. Depending on the model, an HVAC package system may have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating between 13 and 18.
When choosing the best commercial HVAC for your needs, consider the size of your business, the climate conditions where you live or work, and your budget. An experienced HVAC contractor can recommend the best solution for your particular situation. We can provide a recommendation tailored to your specific requirements.
VRF or VRV systems are a great alternative to traditional HVAC setups in commercial spaces. These systems are often more energy-efficient and can provide comfort to multiple areas easily. They also can be more customizable in cooling structures and are ideal for various applications.
Essentially, a VRF system comprises an outdoor unit, several indoor units (often referred to as fan coils), and refrigerant piping that runs from one outdoor to the other. These are then connected by a network of Refnet joints and communication wiring, forming an internal closed loop. The system is then controlled by a thermostat just like any other HVAC system, and can operate in three different modes: Cooling Only, Heat Pump, and Fan & Dry.
The main benefit of a VRF system is the fact that it can operate without the need for ducts. That saves on space and can drastically increase efficiency and prevent energy losses caused by ductwork. Additionally, since the indoor air handlers can be mounted above or below ceiling tiles, they are a great option for retrofitting existing buildings.
These systems are designed to eliminate many large distribution fans, ducts, and water pumps used in other systems. That can free up space and significantly cut installation and operation costs. That means a shorter ROI and more sustainable energy benefits for the building owner.
In addition, these systems are designed to be more environmentally friendly than traditional HVAC options, with less of a carbon footprint. That is achieved by utilizing a heat pump to transfer heat to other rooms rather than burning fuel. That can help businesses reduce their energy bills, as well as their carbon footprints.
There is a growing demand for VRF systems in the US. As a result, manufacturers are increasing production and supply. That is leading to lowered costs and increased contractor familiarity with the technology. That is important, as a knowledgeable partner can help navigate the changing market and identify the best solution for the project.
Commercial HVAC systems are designed to balance comfort with efficiency. Carrier offers a range of solutions that meet the needs of businesses, including VWV and split systems, chillers, and heat pumps. They are ideal for office buildings and small apartment complexes.
A light commercial HVAC system uses smaller equipment and is configured to handle more loads than residential systems. These systems typically use indoor and outdoor units to cool a space, with the ability to control each of them individually. They also include various energy-efficient features like motion sensors and zoning that can save power by controlling the climate only in occupied spaces.
Many commercial structures have more people during the day than a typical home, so there is a higher demand for air conditioning and heating. This type of facility also cannot open windows in the event of a heat wave or bad weather, making efficient heating and cooling essential to keeping these businesses operating.
While some contractors think that they must invest in new equipment or obtain additional certifications and licenses to offer services for light commercial HVAC, this is often not the case. For example, suppose a residential contractor offers to install a water-source heat pump for an air conditioning unit in a condominium building. That commercial system can be covered under their existing licensing and certifications.
The key to providing services for light commercial HVAC is understanding the different needs of these facilities and their occupants. For example, the delicate commercial HVAC equipment for a convenience store or strip mall store may have a lower BTU rating than that of a warehouse or manufacturing facility. That can make a significant difference in energy costs for the business.
That also requires the contractor to understand the different cooling requirements of each area in a building and plan accordingly. For example, a large room with lots of manufacturing equipment might need more cooling than a meeting room for an attorney’s office.
A good light commercial HVAC contractor can help customers find the right balance of comfort and cost to keep their businesses operating. They should be willing to go the extra mile for their clients, which includes offering after-hours service and signing maintenance contracts. That can help a contractor build a solid client base that keeps them busy throughout the year and provides a steady income stream.