How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs are generally more organized than residential HVAC jobs. They require a deeper understanding of the equipment, and are required to work during specific business hours.
The comfort of a comfortable indoor environment leads to more productive employees. Unmanaged or outdated HVAC systems can create distractions through the creation of uncomfortable temperatures and a stale atmosphere.
Single Split System
There are a variety of commercial HVAC systems available for your building. These include single split systems, multi-splits, VAV systems or VRF systems, as well as district cooling systems. When deciding which one is ideal for your company it is essential to take into account the size of your building, energy efficiency needs as well as climate and sustainability goals. A professional service such as Jack Lehr can help you select the right system for your business.
Single-split systems are great for smaller spaces or even individual 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 around the property through ductwork. These systems are typically cheaper to install than central HVAC systems.
The major drawback with this type of system is that it’s restricted to one room If you want to cool and heat multiple areas or buildings, you’ll have to choose an alternative. Multi-split systems are an excellent option for larger properties, as they allow you to pair nine indoor air handlers to only one outdoor unit.
These systems make use of heat pumps to transfer heat from warm areas to cooler areas, saving energy. These systems are ideal for large office spaces or multi-tenant retail spaces because they can provide individual temperature control for each area of the building.
While it’s possible to have single-split systems in your building but you may find that installing multi-split systems are more cost-effective in the long run due to the higher efficiency in energy and the flexibility they offer. They are also easier to maintain and respond quicker to temperature fluctuations than single-split units. They are also more flexible because they can be used to heat or cool your home, based on the season. This means you can use them to create a comfortable, sustainable living space all year long.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems are available in a variety of varieties, and the decision of the best one for your business is contingent on the layout and design of your building. The size of your facility, the number of rooms and their location are other important factors to consider. Another thing to take into consideration is the type of climate that you can expect in your area. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) are well-suited to different climates.
Single split systems are common in smaller commercial buildings and offices. These are ductless HVAC systems that feature furnaces and air conditioning units that operate separately. Each space has an indoor air handler connected to a condenser unit with refrigerant tubing. Both units are controlled by thermostats. Single split systems are affordable to install and ideal for offices and smaller spaces. They are also easy to maintain, and if for some reason one unit stops functioning, it won’t affect the other units.
The multi-split model builds on the single-split model by connecting multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit with the latest inverter technology. 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 great for medium-sized businesses since they can control temperature throughout a space using individualized controls.
Multi-split systems use less energy than traditional forced-air systems since sensors integrated into the system detect small environmental changes and make minor adjustments. This allows it to operate at a higher energy efficiency than a traditional system, but still delivering optimal comfort to occupants.
A VRV or VRF is another option for larger companies. This system provides cooling and heating through an indoor air handler system which are connected to one or multiple outdoor units by refrigerant tubes. These systems are a good option for small-sized businesses, and they’re especially efficient in large warehouses, since they cool the space without creating hotspots and burning up energy. They’re also suitable for retail and restaurant establishments, as they can be installed in the ceiling or walls, or even in spaces with no existing ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
While the majority of HVAC and cooling systems are classified into two categories, ducted or ductless commercial VRF/VRV systems provide a unique blend of benefits. These HVAC systems are at the forefront of technology and make use of inverter compressors create climate zones that can be controlled independently. These systems provide precise temperature control, making sure that each zone meets the exact needs of the people living in it. This allows for a broad range of temperature settings as well as the highest efficiency and uptime for the system.
In the commercial VRV/VRF system one outdoor unit is connected to multiple indoor units that can be placed on walls or ceilings and placed together. These indoor air handling units connect to the outdoor unit through refrigerant pipe. They can also be placed a reasonable distance from the outdoor unit, allowing for flexibility in design and installation.
These systems employ the highest efficiency heat pumps cycle, which is backed by an electric resistance heating system. These systems come with a variety of options for heat recovery, which allows them to reuse heat that would otherwise go unutilized. This is a fantastic feature for businesses who need to keep their temperature high and also reduce their carbon footprint.
In contrast to traditional duct systems, which often require a dedicated indoor unit for each space, these systems are operated by adjusting the flow of refrigerant between each terminal unit. When a space is activated with a zoning controller or inverter remote the compressor closest to the room shuts off and its pressure decreases. Coolant from other compressors will be pumped into the room to compensate. This is called volume displacement.
Because these systems are so flexible, they are an ideal choice for multifamily homes, office buildings shopping malls, and other large buildings with complicated floor plans. They are incredibly quiet to operate and have simple controls that anyone can use.
As with all modern technologies, a VRF/VRV system requires expert installation to increase its efficiency and reliability. A certified technician is familiar with the system inside and out, and will also be aware of the installation nuances which can affect the performance and endurance of your new system.
Routine Maintenance
Commercial HVAC maintenance provides other benefits to business owners, in addition to the prevention of failures and reduction in costs. A comfortable and consistent temperature in the office can improve the morale of employees and their performance, especially compared to the cold and chilly workplace. It can also help prevent productivity loss due to fatigue or lack of focus.
To avoid problems that may disrupt the business process commercial HVAC systems require regular inspections and tune ups. A technician will perform various tests and tasks to optimize the system’s performance and identify hidden issues which could lead to costly and time-consuming repairs. You can ensure that any potential problems are identified early and fixed before they worsen by choosing a service that offers an extensive checklist.
In a routine maintenance visit the technician will examine the electrical connections to the unit belts, motor, and electrical connections. They will also look for indications of wear and damage and ensure that the thermostats are calibrated correctly. In addition they will clean the evaporator and condenser coils to stop dust and dirt from building up in the system, which can cause obstructions and lower efficiency.
Air filters must be inspected and replaced frequently. A clogged filter restricts air flow and overworks the system, resulting in lower energy efficiency and the possibility of equipment failure. Technicians also clean the ductwork, fan plenum and flue or vente pipe in order to reduce the accumulation.
Finally an expert will examine the drain pan and ensure it is sloped correctly to avoid water or condensation build-up. They will also make sure that the moving parts are lubricated so that they can run smoothly.
A routine maintenance schedule for commercial HVAC system also helps satisfy the lease agreement. Property management companies and landlords often require proof of regular maintenance prior to leasing space to retail tenants. Documentation of routine HVAC maintenance shows that the tenant has taken care of the property and is committed to its upkeep.
Whether you have one split system, multiple units or a VRV/VRF system, regular maintenance is essential to ensure that it is operating correctly. During regular visits, an experienced and reliable technician will be able to spot and fix minor issues before they become larger and more costly ones.