How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC roles tend to have a more organized schedule than residential ones. They require a greater understanding of the equipment and work during designated working hours.
A comfortable indoor environment can result in more productive employees. Old or unmanaged HVAC systems can cause distractions due to uncomfortable temperatures and a stuffy atmosphere.
Single Split System
There are a range of commercial HVAC systems for your building. These include single split systems, multi-splits, VAV systems and VRF systems and district cooling systems. It’s important to consider the size of your building, energy efficiency requirements, climate, and your company’s sustainability objectives in determining which system is right for your business. A professional service such as Jack Lehr can help you select the right system for your company.
A single-split system is a great option for smaller spaces and individual rooms. It comprises an air conditioner, evaporator coil and furnace which work together to remove heat and cool air and circulate it through ductwork throughout the building. They are typically less expensive than central HVAC systems.
The biggest drawback to this type of system is that it’s restricted to a single room therefore if you’re looking to heat and cool multiple areas or buildings, you’ll need to opt for another option. Multi-split systems are an excellent alternative for larger homes because they allow you to pair nine air handlers in the indoor area to only one outdoor unit.
These systems have heat pumps that transfer waste heat from warm areas to cooler areas to conserve energy. They’re also great for large offices and multi-tenant retail areas because they provide individual temperature control for each part of the building.
It is possible to install one single-split system in your home. However, you might find that multi-split systems will be more cost-effective over the long run due to their greater energy efficiency and flexibility. They are also easier to maintain and are able to respond quicker than single-split systems in response to changing temperatures. They also offer more flexibility and can be used for heating or cooling your property depending on the season. This means that you can use them to create a comfortable, sustainable living space all year long.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems are available in a variety of forms, and deciding the best one for your company is based on the layout and style of your building. Also, you should consider the size of your building, the number and location of rooms. Another thing to take into consideration is the kind of climate you have in your area. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) are well-suited to different climates.
Single split systems are most popular for smaller commercial buildings and offices. These are ductless HVAC systems that feature furnaces and air conditioning units that operate independently. Each space has an indoor air handler connected to a condenser unit that has refrigerant tubing. A thermostat is the sole control for both units. Single split systems are affordable to set up and are great for smaller offices and spaces. They are also simple to maintain, and if for some reason one unit stops working, it won’t affect the other units.
The multi-split system builds on the single-split model by connecting multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit, using the latest inverter technology. Indoor units can be put on the wall, set on the floor, or concealed in the ceiling to create a a more discrete appearance. These systems are great for small-sized businesses because they can control the temperature of a room with individualized controls.
A multi-split system uses less energy than a traditional forced-air system due to the fact that sensors built into the system detect minor environmental changes and make small adjustments. This allows it to operate at a greater energy efficiency level than a traditional system, but still delivering optimal comfort to occupants.
Another option for larger enterprises is a VRF or VRV system that provides cooling and heating via an array of indoor air handlers that are connected to one or more outdoor units using refrigerant tubes. These systems are a good option for businesses with a mid-sized size and they’re especially efficient in large warehouses since they are able to cool the space without creating hotspots or using up energy. These systems are also suitable for restaurants and retail stores as they can be mounted in the ceiling, on walls, or in an area that does not have ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
While most HVAC and cooling systems fall into two categories, ducted or ductless commercial VRF/VRV systems have an exclusive set of benefits. These advanced HVAC systems use inverter technology compressors to create individual climate zones that can be independently controlled. These systems offer precise temperature control to ensure that each zone meets the needs of its occupants. This allows for a wide range of temperatures, and 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 mounted on walls or ceilings. These indoor air handling systems are connected to the outdoor unit through refrigerant pipes. They can also be situated a reasonable distance from the outdoor unit, which allows for flexibility in design and installation.
The systems use a high-efficiency heat pump cycle that uses an integral backup electric resistance heater. They have a variety of heat recovery options, which allows them to reuse heat that would otherwise go unused. This is a great feature for companies that have to keep their temperatures high, but also need to reduce their carbon footprint.
These systems operate differently than traditional duct systems. Instead of having an indoor unit that is dedicated to each space, they operate by varying refrigerant flow to each terminal unit. When a room is activated via a zoning remote or a zone controller, the compressor nearest the area shuts down and the pressure drops. Coolant from other compressors will be pumped into the space to compensate. This is known as volume displacement.
Because these systems are flexible, they are popular for multifamily offices, homes, shopping malls, and other large structures with complex floor plans. They are extremely quiet and come with controls that anyone can operate.
A VRF/VRV requires skilled installation, as is the case with any other advanced technology. This will increase its reliability and efficiency. A certified technician knows the system from top to bottom and will also know all the installation details that can make or break the performance and endurance of your new system.
Routine Maintenance
In addition to preventing breakdowns and reducing energy consumption in commercial HVAC maintenance also has other benefits for business owners. Maintaining a comfortable and consistent temperature in the office can boost the performance of employees particularly when compared to the cold and chilly workplace. In addition, it helps prevent the loss of productivity due to discomfort or a lack of concentration.
A commercial HVAC system requires routine inspections and tune-ups to prevent issues that could affect the operation of your business. A skilled technician will perform various tests and tasks to optimize the system for optimal performance and to uncover issues that could result in costly and lengthy repairs. You can ensure that any potential problems are detected early and corrected before they get worse by selecting a service that offers a comprehensive checklist.
When you visit the maintenance center regularly the technician will examine the electrical connections to the unit, belts, and motor. They will also check for signs of wear or damage, and ensure that thermostats are calibrated correctly. Additionally, they will clean condenser and evaporator coils to stop dust and dirt from accumulating within the system, which can cause obstructions and decreases in efficiency.
Air filters should be checked and replaced frequently. A blocked air filter can hinder air flow, overload the system and lead to equipment failure. Technicians will also clean the ductwork, fan, flue, and plenum pipe in order to reduce accumulation.
Technicians will also check the drain pan to make sure it is sloped in a way that will stop condensation or water from accumulating. They will also lubricate the moving parts so that they operate smoothly.
A schedule of routine maintenance for commercial HVAC unit can also assist in ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of a lease contract. Landlords and property management companies often require proof of regular maintenance prior to leasing space to retail tenants. Documentation of regular HVAC maintenance can prove that the tenant is committed to upkeep and will take care of the property’s investment.
No matter if you have one split system, multiple units, or VRV/VRF systems, regular maintenance is necessary to keep it operating properly. During routine maintenance, a reliable and skilled technician will be able to identify and fix minor problems before they become more significant and cost more.