How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to have a more planned schedule than residential jobs. They require a more in-depth knowledge of the equipment and typically work within designated working hours.
Comfortable indoor environments make for more productive employees. Inefficient or unmanaged HVAC systems can cause distractions through the creation of uncomfortable temperatures and a humid atmosphere.
Single Split System
There are a variety of commercial HVAC system options available for your building such as single split systems, multi-split systems, VRF and VAV systems, and district cooling systems. It’s important to consider the dimensions of your building as well as the energy efficiency requirements, climate, and your company’s sustainability goals when deciding which HVAC system is best for your business. Engaging a professional service provider, such as Jack Lehr, can help you select the right system for your needs.
Single-split systems work well for smaller or isolated rooms. It is comprised of an air conditioner and an evaporator coil that work together to remove the heat and cool the air. The air is then circulated throughout the building via ductwork. They are generally less expensive to set up than central HVAC systems.
This type of system has one disadvantage it is that it can only cool or heat one room. If you’re looking to cool or heat multiple rooms, you will need to look for a different solution. A multi-split system is a great solution for larger properties because it lets you connect up to nine indoor air handlers to only one outdoor unit.
These systems feature heat pumps that transfer waste heat from warm areas to cooler ones to conserve energy. They are also suitable for large offices and multi-tenant retail areas since they offer individualized temperature control for each part of the building.
While it’s possible to install single-split systems in your building but you may discover that a multi-split system is more efficient in the long term due to the greater efficiency in energy and the flexibility they provide. They’re also simpler to maintain and can respond faster than single-split systems in response to changing temperatures. They are also more flexible because they can be used to cool or heat your home based on the season. You can create a comfortable and sustainable environment with them all year round.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in many forms, and deciding which system is right for your business is contingent on the layout and design of your building. The size of your facility and the number of rooms and their location are also important factors to take into account. The climate of your area is also a factor to consider. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) are ideally suited to different climates.
Single split systems are most used in smaller commercial buildings and offices. They are HVAC units with ductless construction that include separate air conditioning units as well as heaters. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser unit that has refrigerant tubing. A thermostat regulates the operation of both units. Single split systems can be installed inexpensively and are ideal for smaller offices and areas. They are also simple to maintain and if any reason, one unit stops working, it won’t impact the others.
Multi-split systems are an improvement over single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units with a single outdoor unit by using advanced inverter technologies. The indoor units can be wall-mounted or floor-standing, or hidden within the ceiling to create an elegant and discreet appearance. These systems are perfect for small-sized businesses since they can control temperature across the entire space using individual controls.
A multi-split system consumes less energy than a traditional forced-air system because sensors built into the system detect minor environmental changes and make minor adjustments. This allows the system to operate with a higher energy efficiency than a conventional forced-air system and still provide the best comfort for those who use it.
A VRV or VRF is another option for larger businesses. The system offers heating and cooling via the use of a series of indoor air handlers that are connected to a single or multiple outdoor units by refrigerant tubes. These systems are a good fit for midsize companies, and are particularly efficient for warehouses with large spaces because they can cool a space without creating hot spots or wasting energy. They are also ideal for retail and restaurant establishments because they can be put in the ceiling or walls or even in a space without ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Commercial VRF/VRV Systems come with unique advantages. While most HVAC and cooling systems are classified into two categories – ductless or ducted commercial VRF/VRV provides an unique blend. These advanced HVAC systems utilize inverter technology compressors to create distinct climate zones that are independently controlled. These systems offer precise temperature control, ensuring that each zone is able to meet the specific requirements of the people who live there. This allows for a broad range of temperature settings and maximum efficiency and system uptime.
In the commercial VRV/VRF system one outdoor unit is connected to several indoor units that can be placed on walls or ceilings and placed together. These indoor air handling systems connect to the outdoor unit using refrigerant pipes. They can be set some distance away from the outdoor unit to permit a flexible design and installation.
These systems employ a high-efficiency heat pumps cycle that incorporates an electric resistance heating system. The systems also have multiple modes for heat recovery, allowing them to repurpose heat that could otherwise be wasted. This is an excellent feature for companies that have to keep their temperatures high, however, they also need to reduce their carbon footprint.
These systems operate differently than traditional duct systems. Instead of having an indoor unit for each space, they function by varying the flow of refrigerant to each terminal unit. When a room is activated via a zoning remote or a zone controller, the compressor nearest that space shuts down and its pressure drops. Coolant from other compressors will be pumped into the space to compensate. This is referred to as volume displacement.
These systems are popular because they can be adapted. They are commonly used in multifamily houses and offices, shopping malls, and other large structures with elaborate floor plans. They are extremely quiet and have controls that anyone can use.
A VRF/VRV requires skilled installation, as with any advanced technology. This will maximize the reliability and effectiveness of the system. A certified technician knows the system from top to bottom and is also aware of the details of installation that could affect the performance and longevity of your new system.
Routine Maintenance
Commercial HVAC maintenance can bring other benefits to business owners, aside from stopping failures and reducing costs. For instance, keeping an even and comfortable temperature throughout the office improves employee productivity and morale, especially when compared to a chilly workplace. In addition, it can help to prevent productivity loss due to discomfort or a lack of focus.
A commercial HVAC system requires routine inspections and tune-ups to avoid issues that could affect business operations. A skilled technician will carry out a wide range of tests and tasks to optimize the system to ensure optimal performance and to uncover problems that could cause costly and disruptive repairs. You can ensure that any potential problems are detected early and corrected before they become worse by selecting a company that offers a comprehensive checklist.
In a routine maintenance visit the technician will examine the unit’s electrical connections belts, motor, and electrical connections. They will also check for signs of wear and damage, and ensure that the thermostats are calibrated correctly. They will also clean the evaporator coils and condenser in order to prevent dirt from accumulating in the system. This could cause blockages and reduce efficiency.
Air filters must be inspected and replaced frequently. A blocked air filter could hinder air flow, overload the system, and lead to equipment failure. Technicians will also inspect and clean the blower assembly, ductwork plenum, fan and flue or vent pipe in order to minimize build-up.
Technicians will also check the drain pan to ensure it is sloped in a way that will stop condensation or water from building up. They will also grease all moving parts to help to run smoothly and efficiently.
A schedule of routine maintenance for commercial HVAC unit will also help in meeting the conditions of a lease contract. Before leasing retail space, landlords and property managers usually require documentation of regular maintenance. The documentation of routine HVAC maintenance can show that the tenant is dedicated to maintaining the property and will take care of the investment in the property.
No matter if you have a single split system multiple units or a VRV/VRF system, regular maintenance is vital to keep it operating properly. During regular visits, an experienced and reliable technician will identify and fix minor issues before they escalate into larger and more costly ones.