How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to be more formal than residential HVAC jobs. They require a greater 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. Poorly managed or outdated HVAC systems can lead to distractions through the creation of uncomfortable temperatures and a stuffy environment.
Single Split System
There are a variety of commercial HVAC system options available for your building such as single split systems, multi-split systems, VAV or VRF systems, and district cooling systems. It’s important to consider the size of your space, energy efficiency requirements, climate and your company’s sustainability goals in determining which system is right for your business. Working with a professional provider such as Jack Lehr can help you select the right system for your company.
Single-split systems are great for smaller spaces or individual rooms. It comprises an air conditioner, evaporator coil, and furnace that work together to extract cool and warm air and circulate it through ductwork throughout the property. These systems are usually more affordable to install than central HVAC systems.
The main drawback of this type of system is that it’s limited to a single room If you want to heat and cool multiple areas or buildings, you’ll need to choose an alternative. A multi-split system is a great solution for larger buildings because it allows you to connect up to nine indoor air handlers with just one outdoor unit.
These systems use heat pumps to transfer heat from warm areas to cooler zones, which saves 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.
It is possible to install one-split units in your building. However, you might find that multi-split systems will be more affordable in the long term because of their higher efficiency in energy and flexibility. They are also easier to maintain and react faster to temperature changes than single-split units. They also have more versatility in that they can be used to heat or cooling your home depending on the season. You can create a cozy and sustainable environment with them all year long.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in a variety of types, and deciding the best one for your company is based on the layout and design of your building. The size of your facility, the number of rooms and their location are also important aspects to take into consideration. The climate of your area is another consideration. Systems such as heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are able to adapt to different climates.
Single split systems are most frequent in smaller commercial structures and offices. They are HVAC units with ductless construction that include separate air conditioning units and heaters. Each space has an indoor air handler, which is connected to a condenser unit with refrigerant tubing. Both units are controlled by a thermostat. Single split systems are cheap to set up and are great for smaller offices and spaces. They are also easy to maintain and if for reasons beyond their control, one unit ceases functioning, it won’t affect the others.
Multi-split systems are an improvement over single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit by making use of advanced inverter technology. Indoor units can be erected on the wall, laid on the floor, or concealed in the ceiling to give an elegant appearance. These systems are ideal 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 in the system detect small environmental changes and make small adjustments. This lets the system perform at a much greater energy efficiency than a traditional forced-air system and still provide optimal comfort for occupants.
Another option for larger businesses is a VRV or VRF system, which provides cooling and heating via an array of indoor air handlers linked to one or more outdoor units by refrigerant tubes. These systems are a good option for businesses with a mid-sized size and are particularly effective in large warehouses, since they can cool the space without generating hotspots or burning up energy. They are also ideal for retail and restaurant establishments because they can be put in the ceiling or walls or even in a space without ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Although the majority of HVAC and cooling systems fall into two categories, ductless or ducted commercial VRF/VRV systems provide an exclusive set of benefits. These cutting-edge HVAC systems make use of inverter compressors to create unique climate zones that are independently controlled. These systems offer precise temperature control to ensure that each zone is able to meet its occupant’s needs. This permits a wide range of temperature settings, as well as the highest efficiency and uptime for the system.
In a commercial VRV/VRF system, one outdoor unit is connected to multiple indoor units that can be hung on walls or ceilings and connected. These indoor air handling units connect to the outdoor unit using refrigerant pipes. They can also be placed within a reasonable distance of the outdoor unit, allowing for a flexible design and installation.
These systems utilize the highest efficiency heat pump cycle which incorporates an electric resistance heater. They also come with multiple heat recovery modes, which allow them to repurpose heat that would otherwise be wasted. This is an excellent feature for businesses that need to maintain high temperatures but also want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Unlike traditional duct systems, which often require a dedicated indoor unit for each room, these systems work by adjusting the flow of refrigerant to the individual terminal units. When a room is activated by the zoning remote or zone controller, the compressor closest to the space is shut down and the pressure drops. Then, coolant from other compressors is pumped into the space to compensate. This process is known as volume displacement.
Because these systems are so flexible, they are a popular choice for multifamily offices, homes shopping malls, and other large buildings with complicated floor plans. They are incredibly quiet to operate and have simple controls that anyone can use.
A VRF/VRV requires skilled installation, as with any other advanced technology. This will ensure its reliability and efficiency. A certified technician is familiar with the system inside and out, and will also be aware of the installation details that can determine the performance and endurance of your new system.
Routine Maintenance
In addition to the prevention of breakdowns and reduction in costs for energy, commercial HVAC maintenance also has other benefits to business owners. For instance, keeping a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the office boosts employee productivity and morale, especially when compared to a cold work environment. Additionally, it can stop the loss of productivity due to discomfort or lack of concentration.
To prevent issues that could cause disruption to the business process, commercial HVAC systems require regular checks and tune-ups. A technician will perform various tests and tasks in order to improve the performance of the system and uncover hidden problems which could lead to costly and disruptive repairs. You can ensure that any potential issues are detected early and rectified before they worsen by choosing a service that offers a thorough checklist.
When you visit the maintenance center regularly the technician will examine the unit’s electrical connections, belts, and motor. They will also check for signs of wear or damage. They will also ensure that thermostats are calibrated properly. In addition, they will clean condenser and evaporator coils to prevent dirt and dust from building up within the system, which causes blockages and reduced efficiency.
Check and replace regularly air filters. A blocked air filter can restrict air flow, overwork the system and lead to equipment failure. Technicians will also look over and clean the blower assembly, ductwork the plenum, flue, and fan or vent pipe in order to minimize build-up.
Finally an expert will examine the drain pan and make sure it is properly sloped to avoid condensation or water build-up. They will also grease the moving parts to ensure that they can run smoothly.
A regular maintenance schedule for commercial HVAC system can also help meet the terms of a lease agreement. Landlords and property management companies often require proof of routine maintenance prior to leasing space to retail tenants. Providing documentation of routine HVAC maintenance can prove that the tenant is dedicated to maintaining the property and will take care of the investment of the property.
Whether you have one split system, multiple units or VRV/VRF systems, regular maintenance is vital to ensure that it is operating correctly. During routine maintenance, a trusted and skilled technician will be able to identify and correct minor issues before they grow larger and more costly.