How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to be more organized than residential HVAC jobs. They require a greater knowledge of the equipment and typically work within designated working hours.
Comfortable indoor environments lead to more productive employees. Poorly managed or outdated HVAC systems can lead to distractions due to uncomfortable temperatures and a humid environment.
Single Split System
There are a variety of commercial HVAC systems that can be found for your building. These include single split systems as well as multi-splits, VAV systems or VRF systems and district cooling systems. It is essential to consider the dimensions of your building as well as the energy efficiency requirements, climate and your company’s sustainability goals when determining what system is suitable for your business. Working with a professional provider such as Jack Lehr can help you choose the best system for your company.
A single-split system is an excellent option for smaller and individual rooms. It comprises an air conditioning unit, evaporator coil and furnace which work together to remove cool and warm air and circulate it through ductwork throughout the property. They are typically cheaper than central HVAC systems.
The major drawback with this kind of system is that it’s restricted to one room, so if you need to heat and cool multiple areas or buildings, you’ll need to opt for an alternative. Multi-split systems are a great solution for larger homes since it allows you to connect up to nine indoor air handlers with only one outdoor unit.
These systems are equipped with heat pumps that transfer waste heat from hot zones to cooler areas in order to help conserve energy. They are also suitable for large office spaces and multi-tenant retail space because they can provide individualized temperature control in every area of the building.
While it’s possible to have a single-split system installed in your house however, you might find that installing a multi-split system is more economical in the long run because of the increased energy efficiency and flexibility they offer. They can also be easier to maintain and are able to respond quicker than single-split systems to changes in temperatures. They’re also more versatile because they can be utilized to heat or cool your home, based on the season. You can create a cozy and sustainable space all year round.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems are available in a variety of different forms. The design and layout of the building will determine which type of system is the best for your company. The size of your facility as well as the number of rooms and their location are all important aspects to take into consideration. Another factor to consider is the type of climate that you can expect in your area. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) are well-suited to various climates.
Single split systems are frequent in smaller commercial structures and offices. These are HVAC units without ducts that come with separate air conditioning units and heaters. Each space has an indoor air handler, which is connected to a condenser unit with refrigerant tubing. A thermostat is the sole control for both units. Single split systems can be installed at a low cost and are great for smaller offices and areas. They are also simple to maintain, and in the event that one of the units stops working for any reason, it won’t impact the other units.
The multi-split system builds on the single-split model by connecting multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit using advanced inverter technology. Indoor units can be put on the wall, placed on the floor, or concealed in the ceiling to give an elegant appearance. These systems are ideal for small-sized businesses because they can regulate the temperature throughout a space using individualized controls.
A multi-split system uses less energy than a traditional forced-air system due to the fact that sensors in the system can detect small environmental changes and make small adjustments. This lets it operate at a higher efficiency than a conventional system, but still delivering the best comfort for the occupants.
Another option for larger businesses is a VRV or VRF system that provides cooling and heating through a series of indoor air handlers linked to one or more outdoor units using refrigerant tubes. These systems are suitable for mid-sized companies, and are especially efficient for large warehouses because they are able to cool the space without creating hot spots or wasting energy. They are also ideal for retail establishments and restaurants because they can be positioned in the ceiling or on walls, or even in spaces that has no ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Although the majority of HVAC and cooling systems are classified into two categories, ductless or ducted commercial VRF/VRV systems have an exclusive set of benefits. These HVAC systems are cutting-edge and use inverter compressors to create climate zones that can be controlled separately. These systems offer precise temperature control to ensure that each zone is able to meet the needs of its occupants. This allows for a variety of temperatures, and also the highest efficiency in energy and system uptime.
In a commercial VRV/VRF, the outdoor unit is connected with several indoor units which can be hung on walls or ceilings. These indoor air handling systems are connected to the outdoor unit using refrigerant pipes. They can be set at a distance from the outdoor unit in order to allow for a more flexible design and installation.
These systems employ the highest efficiency heat pumps cycle with an integral backup electric resistance heating system. They also come with multiple modes for heat recovery, allowing them to repurpose heat that could otherwise be wasted. This is an excellent option for businesses that need to maintain high temperatures and also reduce their carbon footprint.
Unlike traditional duct systems, which typically require an indoor unit for each room they operate by varying the flow of refrigerant between each terminal unit. When the space is activated by an inverter or zoning controller remote, the compressor closest to the room is shut down and the pressure decreases. Then, coolant from other compressors is pumped into that space to compensate. This is called volume displacement.
These systems are popular because they are able to be used in a variety of ways. They are often used in multifamily homes, offices, shopping malls and other large buildings with complex floor plans. They are extremely quiet and have controls that anyone can use.
As with all advanced technology, a VRF/VRV requires expert installation to increase its efficiency and reliability. A certified technician will know the system’s forward and backward directions, as well as the nuances of installation that could affect your new system’s performance and longevity.
Routine Maintenance
Commercial HVAC maintenance can bring additional benefits for business owners, apart from stopping failures and reducing costs. Maintaining a comfortable and consistent temperature within the office can enhance employee morale and performance particularly when compared to an icy work environment. Additionally, it can help to prevent productivity loss due to discomfort or lack of focus.
To avoid problems that may disrupt the operation of a business, commercial HVAC systems require routine inspections and tune ups. A technician will perform various tests and tasks in order to maximize the efficiency of the system and uncover hidden problems that could result in costly and disruptive repairs. You can ensure that any issues are identified early and fixed before they become worse by selecting a service that offers an extensive checklist.
When a routine maintenance check-up is scheduled the technician will check the electrical connections, belts and motors. They will also look for any signs of wear or damage, and check that thermostats are calibrated correctly. Additionally they will clean the condenser and evaporator coils in order to prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system, which causes obstructions and lower efficiency.
Regularly check and replace air filters regularly and replace them. A blocked air filter could restrict air flow, overwork the system and lead to equipment failure. Technicians will also clean the ductwork, fan, flue, and plenum pipe in order to reduce the accumulation.
Then the technician will check the drain pan and ensure it is sloped properly to avoid condensation or water build-up. They will also grease all moving parts to help them run smoothly and efficiently.
A regular maintenance schedule for commercial HVAC system also helps satisfy the lease agreement. Landlords and property management companies typically require proof of routine maintenance prior to leasing space to retail tenants. Documentation of regular HVAC maintenance shows that the tenant will maintain the property and is committed to its upkeep.
Routine maintenance is crucial to ensure that your system functions properly, whether you have one unit, multiple units or VRV/VRF. During routine visits, a knowledgeable and reliable technician will be able to spot and fix minor issues before they turn into bigger and more expensive ones.