Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems are designed to keep your business cool throughout the day. This promotes an efficient, healthy work environment.
When choosing a contractor to do commercial AC installation, make sure they are licensed and skilled in working on these types of systems. This will ensure that they are able to determine the correct quantity for your space.
Packaged AC Units
There are a variety of HVAC systems to choose from however a packaged AC system is the most well-known. These air conditioning systems integrate cooling and heating into one unit, making them an excellent option for commercial buildings with little space. These systems, also known as roof-top units, are commonly found in office buildings and malls.
In a standard packaged unit, all components are housed in an outdoor cabinet that connects to the building with sheet metal ductwork. When the unit is cooling or heating, air enters the ductwork through which it passes evaporator coils. The coolant in the evaporator sucks up the heat from the air, and the blower motor of the air conditioner pushes this conditioned air into the building. The coolant used is returned to the compressor and evaporator coils so it can be reused.
Since the components of a packaged unit are all stored outside, they are smaller than a conventional split system and don’t need an indoor furnace. This type of system can be easier to maintain since there aren’t any vents in which insects or animals can nest. The components are also less likely to suffer weather-related damage or rust.
Packaged units are cheaper to install since they are one unit. They can also be more energy efficient since they don’t have the same requirements as a traditional split system that must work to provide cooling and heating to multiple rooms.
This system also has the benefit of being constructed in a factory, where components are not exposed to extreme temperatures. This leads to a better unit performance and lower repair costs.
There are a variety of package ACs available, including all-electric or gas/electric models. All-electric models are an excellent option for areas with warmer temperatures that don’t need to be heated, while gas/electric units provide an option for colder climates. Based on the model, there are even combinations that can be used for cooling and heating the same structure.
Ductless AC Units
Mini-split AC units, also known as ductless AC units, offer more comfortable cooling experience without the need for air ducts. The system comprises an indoor wall-mounted unit, an outdoor compressor, and refrigerant tubing which connects the two components. The compressor pulls cool air through the outdoor unit before pushing it through the inside air ducting. The system can also be used for heating by using the same method in reverse to transfer heat from the outdoor unit into your home.
Ductless air conditioners are often an ideal solution for older homes or spaces that have no existing ductwork. They are also used to cool and heat workshops, sunrooms and garages and other spaces which wouldn’t be a good fit for a more traditional HVAC solution. The system can be installed easily by our skilled technicians. The only thing they need to install the system is access to the wall that your indoor unit will be mounted, and a suitable place to put the outside unit.
A ductless system can provide zoned cooling comfort. It allows you to maintain an ideal temperature in your space while allowing guests to adjust the temperature according to their preferences. This type of system provides greater energy efficiency since no loss of air through ducts is present. Some manufacturers even offer rebates to encourage customers to purchase their new systems.
Another option is to use a multi-zone ductless system that has one outdoor compressor connected to multiple indoor units. Each unit is situated in the space that you wish to cool or heat, and is controlled by its own remote. This setup allows you to control the temperature in each zone of your building. It is a popular choice for commercial spaces that have numerous zones that have different needs for cooling.
Each indoor unit is equipped with air filters that eliminate allergens and pollutants, resulting in an environment that is healthier for your employees and clients. This is particularly beneficial in restaurants and other eateries, where the quality of the air is a crucial component of the customer’s overall experience.
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems are an energy-efficient solution for a variety of commercial spaces. They provide precise temperature control and zoning options for various areas of the building, allowing users to tailor their comfort preferences and improve productivity. They also offer energy savings by efficiently redistributing heat, which makes them a sustainable solution all the year.
In VRF systems, the outdoor unit has an compressor that circulates refrigerant through pipes to indoor units within different rooms or zones. The compressor regulates the speed to be in tune to the heating and cooling needs of each zone. This method prevents unnecessary cycling, which wastes energy. The coils for evaporation can be used for heating. Again, the system will adjust its operation according to the temperature.
Zoning capabilities make VRF systems ideal for offices, hospitals schools, and other commercial buildings that have a wide set of needs. The ability to simultaneously cool and heat the individual rooms reduces energy use and maintenance. Low noise operation makes the system ideal for spaces where distractions are a concern.
The VRF system is renowned for its energy efficiency, which is seen by the lower costs for utilities. The system’s ability for heating and cooling multiple zones independently is also a major source of savings in energy when compared to other HVAC technologies.
VRF systems also have the ability to reduce the amount of energy used in ductwork that’s not in good condition or has the capacity to handle newer equipment. The system is more efficient than other heating and cooling systems because it is able to swiftly adapt to changing weather conditions. This flexibility makes it a popular option for offices and restaurants, hotels and other commercial buildings that frequently change their use and occupying patterns. The system is also ideal for large buildings that are under construction or renovation, as it’s easy to retrofit existing ductwork to meet specific building requirements. Contact the team at Mission Mechanical if you want to know more about how the VRF commercial system can benefit your space. We’ll be happy to discuss the system with you and help determine if it is the best heating and cooling solution for your business.
Chillers
A chiller is a specific type of HVAC system that maximizes the capacity of your commercial air conditioner. It operates by cooling water and distributing it throughout your space, reducing the ambient temperature and creating a pleasant environment. This is a great option for industrial or larger facilities that have a need to cool more than the air.
There are two main types of chillers: water cooled and air cooled. Both use absorption or vapor compression to cool a liquid refrigerant that then cycles through different temperatures. Air-cooled chillers are equipped with fans that blow air over the condenser and evaporator coils to take out heat. They are big in footprint and are usually located in a mechanical room on the roof or in a basement. Water-cooled chillers have a water box that is connected to an external cooling system such as a tower. These chillers are smaller and have smaller footprints than air-cooled units.
Chillers are also available with boilers that can be used to heat your home in the winter. This is a great method to conserve energy in buildings that require cooling and heating, or for spaces where demand fluctuates seasonally. For instance, it’s more efficient to draw heat from the boiler than to extract it from the cold air outside.
Maintaining your chiller as a packaged unit, will improve its efficiency and reduce the cost of your utility bills. Cleaning the condenser, evaporator and compressor, along with inspecting and servicing the compressor, are some of the most important maintenance tasks. If you have a water-cooled chiller or water treatment system, your facility’s water treatment system must be in good working order to prevent corrosion and scaling.
The type of chiller you select will be based on your budget and the requirements of your building. A packaged chiller is the ideal choice for small businesses or residential spaces. However, a VRF chiller or industrial chiller might be a better solution for larger buildings. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical can help you choose the ideal solution for your building.