How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to have a more organized schedule than residential jobs. They require a better understanding of the equipment and work during designated working hours.
The comfort of a comfortable indoor environment leads to more productive employees. Old or unmanaged HVAC systems can cause distractions due to uncomfortable temperatures and a stale atmosphere.
Single Split System
There are many commercial HVAC systems available for your building including single split systems, multi-split, VRF or VAV systems, and district cooling systems. When choosing which HVAC system is the best one for your business, it’s important to consider the size of your building, its energy efficiency requirements as well as climate and sustainability goals. A professional service like Jack Lehr can help you select the right system for your company.
Single-split systems are great for smaller or isolated rooms. It consists of an air conditioner, evaporator coil, and furnace that work together to extract cool air and heat and circulate it through ductwork throughout the building. These systems are generally less expensive than central HVAC systems.
This type of system has one major drawback it is that it is able to only heat or cool one room. If you want to cool or heat several rooms, you will need to choose another option. Multi-split systems are an excellent option for larger properties as they permit you to pair nine air handlers in the indoor area to only one outdoor unit.
These systems feature heat pumps that transfer heat from warmer areas to cooler ones to save energy. They’re also great for large office spaces and multi-tenant retail space because they provide individual temperature control in every area of the building.
Although it is possible to have one-split systems installed in your building, you may consider multi-split systems are more economical in the long run due to the greater energy efficiency and flexibility they offer. They’re also simpler to maintain and can respond quicker than single-split systems to changing temperatures. They also have more versatility, as they can be used to heat or cooling your home based on the season. You can create a relaxing and sustainable living space with them all year.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in a variety of varieties, and the decision of which one is best for your business depends on the layout and design of your building. Also, you should consider the size of your building, the number and location of rooms. Another aspect to consider is the type of climate you are experiencing in your region. Systems like heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are able to adapt to different climates.
Single split systems are most common in smaller commercial buildings and offices. They are ductless HVAC units that have separate air conditioning units as well as heaters. Each space has an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser unit with refrigerant tubing. A thermostat is the sole control for both units. Single split systems are inexpensive to install and ideal for offices and smaller spaces. They are also simple to maintain and if some reason one unit stops functioning, it won’t affect the other units.
Multi-split systems are an improvement over single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units with an outdoor unit using advanced inverter technologies. The indoor units can be mounted on walls and floor-standing or concealed in the ceiling to create an elegant and discreet appearance. These systems are perfect for small-sized businesses since they can help control temperatures throughout a space with individual controls.
Multi-split systems use less energy than traditional forced-air systems since sensors built into the system detect small environmental changes and make minimal adjustments. This lets the system perform at a much greater energy efficiency than a conventional forced-air system and still provide optimal comfort for occupants.
Another option for larger enterprises is a VRV or VRF system that provides heating and cooling through an assortment of indoor air handlers linked to one or more outdoor units by refrigerant tubes. These systems are a great choice for mid-sized businesses and are particularly effective in large warehouses since they cool the space without creating hotspots and wasting energy. These systems are also great for restaurant and retail establishments as they can be mounted in the ceiling, walls or in an area without ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Commercial VRF/VRV Systems provide unique advantages. While most HVAC and cooling systems fall into one of two categories – ducted or ductless commercial VRF/VRV provides a unique mix. These advanced HVAC systems utilize inverter technology compressors to create unique climate zones that are independently controlled. These systems offer precise temperature control, ensuring that each zone is able to meet the exact requirements of the people who live there. This permits a range of temperature settings, and the highest efficiency in energy and system uptime.
In the commercial VRV/VRF system one outdoor unit is connected to a number of indoor units that can be placed on ceilings or walls and then grouped together. These indoor air handling systems connect to the outdoor unit through refrigerant pipes. They can be placed some distance away from the outdoor unit to permit a flexible design and installation.
These systems use a high-efficiency heat pump cycle with an integral backup electric resistance heating system. These systems come with a variety of heat recovery options, which allows them to reuse heat that would otherwise be unused. This is a fantastic option for businesses that want to maintain high temperatures however, they also need to reduce their carbon footprint.
Contrary to traditional duct systems which usually require a separate indoor unit for each room they operate by varying the flow of refrigerant through each terminal unit. When the room is activated by the zoning remote or zone controller, the compressor nearest the area shuts down and its pressure drops. Coolant from other compressors will then be pumped into the room to compensate. This process is known as volume displacement.
These systems are popular because they can be adapted. They are commonly used in multifamily houses shops, offices, and other large structures with complex floor plans. They are extremely quiet to run and have simple controls that anyone can use.
A VRF/VRV requires expert installation, as with any advanced technology. This will maximize its reliability and efficiency. A certified technician is familiar with the system from top to bottom, and is also aware of the details of installation that could determine the performance and durability of your new system.
Routine Maintenance
Commercial HVAC maintenance offers additional benefits to business owners, in addition to preventing failures and reducing costs. Maintaining a comfortable and consistent temperature in the office can improve the performance of employees particularly when compared to an icy work environment. It can also help prevent productivity loss due to fatigue or lack of focus.
To avoid issues that could disrupt business operations, commercial HVAC systems require routine inspections and tune ups. A skilled technician will perform various tests and tasks to optimize the system to ensure optimal performance and discover hidden issues that may cause costly and lengthy repairs. If you choose a company that has a comprehensive maintenance checklist, you will be able to ensure that any problems are identified early and addressed before they get more serious.
In a routine maintenance visit, a technician will inspect the unit’s electrical connections as well as belts and motor. They will also look for signs of wear or damage and make sure that thermostats are calibrated properly. They will also clean the evaporator coils as well as the condenser to prevent dirt from building up in the system. This could cause blockages and reduce efficiency.
Regularly check and replace air filters regularly and replace them. A blocked filter can impede air flow and overloads the system, resulting in reduced energy efficiency and possibly equipment failure. The technicians will also clean the ductwork, fan, plenum and flue or vente pipe to prevent the accumulation of dust.
Technicians will also check the drain pan to ensure it is sloped correctly to keep condensation and water from building up. They will also grease all moving parts to make to run smoothly and efficiently.
A routine maintenance schedule for commercial HVAC unit can also help satisfy the conditions of a lease agreement. Landlords and property management companies often require proof of routine maintenance before leasing out space to retail tenants. Documentation of routine HVAC maintenance proves that the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property and is committed to its maintenance.
No matter if you have a single split system, multiple units, or a VRV/VRF system, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that it is operating correctly. During regular visits, a skilled and reliable technician will spot and address small issues before they become larger and more expensive ones.