How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs typically have a more planned schedule than residential ones. They require a deeper understanding of the equipment, and are required to work during specific business hours.
Comfortable indoor environments lead to more productive employees. Unmanaged or old HVAC systems can create distractions due to uncomfortable temperatures and a humid atmosphere.
Single Split System
There are a variety of commercial HVAC systems that can be found for your building. They include single split systems and multi-splits, VAV systems and VRF systems, as well as district cooling systems. It is important to take into consideration the size of your building, energy efficiency requirements, climate and your company’s sustainability objectives in determining which system is best for your business. Working with a professional service provider, such as Jack Lehr, can help you select the ideal system to meet your needs.
A single-split system is a great choice for smaller spaces and individual rooms. It is comprised of an air conditioner, evaporator coil, and furnace which work together to remove heat and cool air that is then circulated through ductwork that runs throughout the property. They are generally less expensive to set up than central HVAC systems.
The major drawback with this kind of system is that it’s limited to just one room, so if you need to heat and cool multiple areas or buildings, you’ll have to choose another option. Multi-split systems are a great solution for larger buildings because it allows you to pair up to nine indoor air handlers to just one outdoor unit.
These systems are equipped with heat pumps that transfer heat from hot areas to cooler ones to save energy. They’re also great for large offices and multi-tenant retail spaces because they provide individual temperature control in every area of the building.
You can install one single-split system in your home. However, you may find that multi-split systems will be more affordable in the long run because of their higher energy efficiency and flexibility. They’re also easier to maintain, and they can react faster to temperature changes than single-split units. They also offer more flexibility in that they can be used for heating or cooling your property depending on the season. You can create a cozy and sustainable living space with them all year.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in many forms, and deciding the best one for your business is contingent on the layout and design of your building. Also, take into consideration the size of your building, the size and location of rooms. Another thing to take into consideration is the kind of climate you have in your region. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) are well suited to different climates.
Single split systems are most used in smaller commercial buildings and offices. These are ductless HVAC systems that include air conditioning units and furnaces that operate separately. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser through refrigerant tubes. Both units are controlled by thermostats. Single split systems can be set up inexpensively and are ideal for offices and smaller areas. They are also easy to maintain and if for some reason one unit stops functioning, it won’t affect the other units.
Multi-split systems are a step up from single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units with a single outdoor unit by making use of advanced inverter technology. The indoor units can be wall-mounted and floor-standing or concealed in the ceiling for a more discrete appearance. These systems are perfect for medium-sized businesses because they allow for the control of temperatures throughout a space with specific controls.
A multi-split system uses less energy than a traditional forced-air system because built-in sensors detect small environmental changes and make small adjustments. This allows the system to operate with a higher energy efficiency than a traditional forced-air system while still providing the best comfort for those who use it.
Another option for larger companies is a VRF or VRV system that provides cooling and heating via an assortment of indoor air handlers connected to outdoor units by refrigerant tubes. These systems are a good fit for midsize businesses, and they’re particularly efficient for warehouses with large spaces because they are able to cool spaces without creating hot spots or burning up energy. They’re also suitable for retail establishments and restaurants because they can be put in the ceiling or walls, or even in a space that has no ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
While most HVAC and cooling systems fall into two categories, ductless or ducted, commercial VRF/VRV systems offer a unique blend of benefits. These HVAC systems are up-to-date and make use of inverter compressors create climate zones that can be controlled separately. These systems offer precise temperature control, making sure that each zone is able to meet the exact requirements of the people who live there. This allows for a broad range of temperature settings and maximum efficiency and system uptime.
In a commercial VRV/VRF an outdoor unit is connected with several indoor units that can be mounted on walls or ceilings. These indoor air handling units are connected to the outdoor unit via refrigerant piping. They can be placed a reasonable distance away from the outdoor unit to permit a flexible design and installation.
The systems utilize the highest efficiency heat pumps cycle with an integral backup electric resistance heating system. The systems also have multiple heat recovery modes, which allow them to reuse heat that would otherwise be wasted. This is a great feature for businesses who need to maintain high temperatures however, they also want to reduce their carbon footprint.
They operate differently from traditional duct systems. Instead of having an indoor unit for each space, they function by varying refrigerant flow to each terminal unit. When the space is activated by an inverter or zoning control remote, the compressor closest to the room is shut down and the pressure decreases. Coolant from other compressors will then be pumped into the space to compensate. This is called volume displacement.
Because these systems are so flexible, they are a popular choice for multifamily offices, homes, shopping malls, and other large structures with complex floor plans. They are incredibly quiet to operate and come with simple controls that anyone can access.
As with all modern technologies, a VRF/VRV system requires expert installation to maximize its reliability and effectiveness. A certified technician knows the system inside and out, and is also aware of the details of installation that could make or break the performance and endurance 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 within the office can enhance the morale of employees and their performance particularly when compared to an icy work environment. It also helps to prevent productivity loss due to discomfort or lack of concentration.
A commercial HVAC system requires regular checks and tune-ups in order to avoid issues that could impact business operations. Technicians perform a variety of tests and tasks in order to maximize the efficiency of the system and identify hidden issues which could lead to costly and disruptive repairs. You can make sure that any issues are detected early and rectified before they become worse by selecting a service that offers a comprehensive checklist.
In a routine maintenance visit, the technician will inspect the electrical connections, belts, and motors. They will also look for signs of wear or damage and ensure that thermostats are calibrated correctly. Additionally they will clean the condenser and evaporator coils to prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system, which causes obstructions and lower efficiency.
Regularly check and replace air filters. A clogged air filter can restrict air flow, overwork the system, and lead to equipment failure. Technicians will also examine and clean the blower assembly, ductwork, plenum, fan and flue or vent pipe in order to minimize the build-up.
Finally an expert will examine the drain pan and make sure it is sloped properly to avoid water or condensation build-up. They will also lubricate all moving parts to help to run smoothly and efficiently.
A routine maintenance plan for a commercial HVAC system also helps satisfy the lease agreement. Before leasing retail space landlords and property managers usually require evidence of regular maintenance. Documentation of regular HVAC maintenance shows that the tenant will maintain the property and is committed to its upkeep.
If you own a single split system, multiple units, or a VRV/VRF system, routine maintenance is necessary to ensure that it is operating correctly. During routine visits, a skilled and reliable technician will spot and fix minor issues before they escalate into larger and more costly ones.