How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to be more structured than residential HVAC jobs. They require a deeper understanding of the equipment and are required to work during specific working hours.
Comfortable indoor environments make for more productive employees. Old or poorly managed HVAC systems can create distractions because of uncomfortable temperatures and a stale atmosphere.
Single Split System
There are many commercial HVAC system options available for your building including single split systems, multi-split, VAV or VRF systems, and district cooling systems. It is important to take into consideration the dimensions of your building, energy efficiency requirements, climate, and the sustainability goals of your company when determining what system is suitable for your business. A professional service such as Jack Lehr can help you determine the best system for your company.
Single-split systems are ideal for smaller spaces or even individual rooms. It is comprised of an air conditioner and evaporator coil that work together to remove the heat and cool the air. The air is then circulated throughout the property through ductwork. These systems are generally cheaper than central HVAC systems.
This kind of system comes with one major drawback: it can only cool or heat one room. If you want to cool or heat several rooms, you’ll have to choose another option. Multi-split systems are a great alternative for larger homes as they permit you to connect nine indoor air handlers to just one outdoor unit.
These systems are equipped with heat pumps that move waste heat from warmer zones to cooler areas in order to help conserve energy. They’re also ideal for large offices and multi-tenant retail spaces because they provide individual temperature control for each part of the building.
You can install one single-split system in your home. However, you may find the multi-split systems to be more affordable in the long-term due to their increased efficiency in energy and flexibility. They are also simpler to maintain, and can respond faster to temperature changes than single-split units. They also offer more flexibility, as they can be used for heating or cooling your home based on the season. You can create a comfortable and sustainable environment with them all year.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems are available in a variety of different designs. The layout and design of the structure will determine which one is the best for your company. Also, take into consideration the size of your building, as well as the size and location of rooms. Another thing to take into consideration is the type of climate that you can expect in your area. Systems such as heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are able to adapt to different climates.
Single split systems are most common in smaller commercial buildings and offices. These are ductless HVAC units that feature air conditioning units and furnaces that operate separately. Each space has an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser unit that has refrigerant tubing. A thermostat regulates the operation of both units. Single split systems are affordable to install and ideal for smaller offices and spaces. They are also easy to maintain, and if for any reason, one unit stops working, it won’t affect the other units.
The multi-split system builds on the single-split system by connecting multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit with the latest inverter technology. Indoor units can be put on the wall, laid on the floor or hidden in the ceiling for an elegant appearance. These systems are great for small-sized businesses because they can regulate the temperature throughout a space using individual controls.
Multi-split systems use less energy than a traditional forced-air system because sensors in the system can 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, while ensuring optimal comfort for the occupants.
Another option for larger enterprises is a VRF or VRV system, which offers heating and cooling through an array of indoor air handlers connected to one or more outdoor units via refrigerant tubes. These systems can be suitable for mid-sized businesses, and they are especially efficient for large warehouses since they can cool the space without creating hot spots or using up energy. These systems are also ideal for restaurants and retail stores because they can be positioned in the ceiling, walls, or in an area without ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Commercial VRF/VRV Systems offer an exclusive set of benefits. While most heating and cooling system are classified into two categories – ducted or ductless commercial VRF/VRV provides an unique blend. These cutting-edge HVAC systems utilize inverter technology compressors to create unique climate zones that are independently controlled. These systems provide precise temperature control to ensure that each zone is able to meet the requirements of its occupants. This permits a range of temperatures, as well as maximum energy efficiency and system uptime.
In a commercial VRV/VRF system, one outdoor unit is connected to a number of indoor units that can be hung on ceilings or walls and then connected. These indoor air handling units connect to the outdoor unit via refrigerant pipe. They can be installed at a distance from the outdoor unit to allow for a more flexible design and installation.
These systems use a high-efficiency heat pumps cycle that incorporates an electric resistance heating system. They also come with multiple heat recovery modes, which allow them to repurpose heat that could otherwise be wasted. This is a great feature for businesses who need to maintain high temperatures and also reduce their carbon footprint.
They operate differently from traditional duct systems. Instead of requiring an indoor unit for each space, they function by varying refrigerant flow to each terminal unit. When a space is activated with an inverter or zoning control remote the compressor closest to that space shuts off and its pressure decreases. Then coolant from other compressors is pumped into that space to compensate. This process is known as volume displacement.
They are popular because they can be adapted. They are commonly employed in multifamily homes, offices, shopping malls and other large structures with complicated floor plans. They are extremely quiet and come with controls that anyone can operate.
As with all advanced technologies, a VRF/VRV device requires expert installation in order to maximize its reliability and effectiveness. A certified technician will be familiar with the system’s forward and backward directions and the installation nuances that can affect the performance of your new system and its longevity.
Routine Maintenance
Commercial HVAC maintenance offers additional benefits to business owners, apart from preventing failures and reducing costs. For instance, keeping an even and comfortable temperature throughout the office can improve the performance of employees and boosts morale, particularly when compared with a cold work environment. In addition, it helps help to prevent productivity loss due to discomfort or a lack of focus.
A commercial HVAC system requires routine checks and tune-ups in order to avoid issues that could affect the operation of your business. A skilled technician can perform a wide range of tests and tasks to optimize the system for optimal performance and to uncover issues that could lead to expensive and time-consuming repairs. If you choose a company that has a thorough maintenance checklist, you can ensure that any potential issues are detected early and addressed before they get more serious.
In a routine maintenance visit the technician will examine the electrical connections of the unit belts, motor, and electrical connections. They will also check for signs of wear or damage, and ensure that thermostats are calibrated correctly. They will also clean the evaporator coils as well as the condenser to prevent dirt from building up in the system. This could cause blockages and decrease efficiency.
Air filters need to 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 the flue, and plenum pipe to prevent the accumulation of dust.
Finally the technician will check the drain pan and ensure it is properly sloped to avoid water or condensation build-up. They will also lubricate the moving parts to let to run smoothly and efficiently.
A schedule of routine maintenance for a commercial HVAC unit will also help in meeting the conditions and terms of a lease contract. Property management companies and landlords typically require proof of routine maintenance prior to leasing out space to retail tenants. Providing documentation of routine HVAC maintenance can prove that the tenant is committed to upkeep and will take care of the property’s investment.
Whether you have a single split system, multiple units or VRV/VRF systems, regular maintenance is essential to ensure it’s running properly. When it comes to routine maintenance, a trustworthy and experienced technician will identify and fix minor problems before they grow larger and cost more.