Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems help keep your business cool all day long. This helps promote a healthy, productive work environment.
When selecting a contractor for commercial AC installation, make sure they have the proper license and experience in working with these kinds of systems. This will ensure they are able to determine the correct tonnage for your space.
Packaged AC Units
There are many different HVAC systems to pick from among them, but one of the most popular for commercial spaces is a packaged AC unit. These air conditioning systems combine heating and cooling into one unit making them an ideal option for commercial spaces with little space. Also called roof top units, these kinds of systems are often seen in office buildings and shopping malls.
In a typical packaged unit, all components are contained in an outdoor cabinet which connects to the building via sheet metal ductwork. During the cooling/heating process, air flows through the ductwork and passes the evaporator coils. The coolant in the evaporator absorbs the heat of the air and the motor that blows air from the air conditioner circulates this conditioned air through the building. The coolant that is used up is returned to the compressor and evaporator coils so that it can be reused.
Since the parts of a package unit are located outside, they are more compact than a traditional split system and don’t require an indoor furnace. This kind of system can be more maintenance-friendly because there aren’t vents where insects or animals can settle. The components are also less likely to suffer rust or weather damage.
Packaged units are less expensive to set up because they’re one unit. They can also be more energy-efficient, as they do not have the same requirements as the traditional split system which must work to heat and cool multiple rooms.
The system also has the benefit of being built in factories in which components aren’t exposed to extreme temperatures. This means that you get better performance from the unit and lower repair costs.
There are various types of package AC units, including all-electric and gas/electric models. Gas/electric units are an option for regions that are more cold. All-electric models work well in warmer climates where heating is not required. Depending on the model, there are combinations that can be used for both cooling and heating the same structure.
Ductless AC Units
Mini-split AC units, also known as ductless AC units, provide a more comfortable cooling without the need for air ducts. The system consists of an indoor wall-mounted unit and an outdoor compressor and refrigerant tubing which connects the two components. The compressor draws cool air from the outdoor unit, and then pushes it through the indoor air ducting. The system can also be used to heat your home using the same process reversed.
Ductless air conditioning is often the best solution for older homes or rooms without ductwork. They’re also commonly 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. Our technicians can easily install the system. 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 place the outdoor unit.
A ductless system can provide zoned cooling comfort. This means you can keep your home at a moderate temperature while allowing your guests to maintain their preferred temperature. This type of system also offers greater energy efficiency, because no duct-related loss of air is evident. Some brands offer rebates to encourage customers to utilize their new systems.
Another option is to utilize a multi-zone ductless system that has one outdoor compressor connected to multiple indoor units. Each unit is situated in the location you wish to cool or warm, and each comes with its own remote. This setup gives you the flexibility to set the temperature for every zone within your building which makes it a popular option for commercial spaces that have multiple areas that have varying cooling needs.
Each indoor unit comes with air filters to remove allergens and pollutants, resulting in an environment that is healthier for employees and clients. This is particularly useful in restaurants and other eateries where the quality of the air is a crucial aspect of the customer’s overall experience.
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems provide a cost-effective alternative for commercial spaces. They offer precise temperatures and zoning features for different areas of the building, allowing occupants to customize their personal preferences in terms of comfort and productivity. They also deliver energy savings by efficiently dispersing heat, which makes them a green solution throughout the year.
In VRF systems, the outdoor unit contains a compressor which circulates refrigerant by pipes to indoor units in different zones or rooms. The compressor adjusts the speed to be in tune with the cooling and heating needs of each zone. This method avoids unnecessary cycling, which consumes energy. The evaporator coils in the indoor units can be used to provide heating in conjunction with the system adapting its operation according to.
Zoning technology makes VRF systems ideal for offices, hospitals schools, and other commercial buildings that have a wide set of needs. The capability to simultaneously heat and cool each space reduces energy usage and maintenance. The low noise level makes this system ideal for areas that are sensitive to distractions.
Efficiency in energy is a major benefit of VRF technology, and it can be seen in reduced utility bills that come with the installation of the system. The system’s ability for heating and cooling multiple zones in a single system also contributes to significant savings on energy compared to other HVAC technology.
VRF systems can even be used to reduce the energy use to heat and cool existing ductwork, which is often not in good shape or isn’t able 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 preferred choice for office spaces and restaurants, hotels, and other commercial buildings that are frequently changing their usage and occupancy patterns. It’s also ideal for large buildings going through renovations or construction because it is easy to retrofit existing ductwork to meet specific building requirements. Contact us at Mission Mechanical if you want to learn more about the ways a VRF commercial system can enhance your space. We are happy to discuss the system with you and assist you in deciding if it is the ideal heating or 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 chills water and distributes it throughout the space to create a relaxing environment. This is a great solution for industrial and large-scale facilities with a need to cool the air and more.
There are two chillers, water-cooled and air-cooled. Both utilize vapor compression or absorption refrigeration to cool liquid refrigerants, which is then circulated through various temperatures. Air-cooled chillers are equipped with fans that move air over the condenser and evaporator coils to take out heat. They have a large footprint and are typically situated in a mechanical room on the roof or in basements. Water-cooled chillers have a water box which is connected to an external cooling system, like a tower. These chillers are smaller and have smaller footprints than air-cooled units.
Chillers can also be equipped with boilers, which allows them to heat your house in winter. This is an efficient method to reduce energy consumption in a building that needs both cooling and heating or for areas that have seasonal demand fluctuations. It’s more efficient to obtain heat from a heating system rather than to get it from the outside air.
Maintaining your chiller like a packaged unit, can improve its efficiency and reduce the cost of your utility bills. The most important maintenance tasks include cleaning the condenser and evaporator, inspecting and servicing the compressor, and performing regular oil changes. If you use water-cooled chillers or water treatment system, your facility’s water treatment system should be in good condition to avoid corrosion and scaling.
The kind of chiller you choose will depend on your budget and the needs of your building. A packaged unit may be the best option for small and residential spaces, while a VRF or industrial chiller is a more suitable solution for larger buildings with specific requirements. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical can help you choose the ideal solution for your building.