How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs typically have a more structured schedule than residential ones. They require a better understanding of the equipment and work during designated working hours.
Comfortable indoor environments make for more productive employees. Inefficient or unmanaged HVAC systems can lead to distractions through the creation of uncomfortable temperatures and a stale environment.
Single Split System
There are numerous commercial HVAC system options available for your building such as single split systems, multi-split systems, VRF or VAV systems, as well as district cooling systems. When deciding which one is ideal for your company it is important to consider the size of your building, energy efficiency requirements, climate and sustainability goals. Working with a professional provider like Jack Lehr can help you select the right system for your business.
A single-split is a great choice for smaller spaces and individual rooms. It is comprised of an air conditioner and an evaporator coil which work together to eliminate the heat and cool the air. The air is then circulated throughout the building via ductwork. These systems are usually cheaper to install than central HVAC systems.
This kind of system has one major drawback it is that it is able to only heat or cool a single room. If you’re looking to cool or heat multiple rooms, you’ll need to choose another option. Multi-split systems are an excellent alternative for larger homes as they permit you to connect nine indoor air handlers to only one outdoor unit.
These systems feature heat pumps that move waste heat from warm areas to cooler ones to help conserve energy. These systems are also ideal for large office spaces or multi-tenant retail spaces because they can provide individual temperature control in each area of the building.
While it’s possible to have one-split systems installed in your house, you may consider a multi-split system is more efficient in the long term due to the higher energy efficiency and flexibility they provide. They can also be easier to maintain and are able to respond quicker than single-split systems to changes in temperatures. They are also more flexible because they can be utilized to heat or cool your property, depending on the season. You can create a comfortable and sustainable environment with them all year round.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come 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 also important factors to take into account. The climate of your area is another consideration. Systems like heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems adapt well to different climates.
Single split systems are the most common for smaller offices and commercial buildings. These are ductless HVAC systems that feature furnaces and air conditioning units that operate independently. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser unit with refrigerant tubing. A thermostat is the sole control for both units. Single split systems can be set up at a low cost and are great for offices and smaller areas. They are also easy to maintain and if for any reason, one unit stops working, it won’t impact the other units.
Multi-split systems are an improvement over single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit by using advanced inverter technologies. Indoor units can be put on the wall, laid on the floor or hidden in the ceiling to give an appearance that is more discrete. These systems are great for medium-sized companies because they can control temperature throughout the space by utilizing individualized controls.
A multi-split system consumes less energy than a traditional forced-air system due to the fact that sensors built into the system detect minor environmental fluctuations and make minor adjustments. This allows the system to operate at a much higher energy efficiency than a traditional forced-air system, while ensuring optimal comfort for the occupants.
Another option for larger businesses is a VRF or VRV system, which offers cooling and heating via an array of indoor air handlers connected to outdoor units using refrigerant tubes. These systems are a great option for businesses with a mid-sized size and are particularly efficient in large warehouses, since they can cool the space without generating hotspots or wasting energy. These systems are also great for restaurants and retail stores since they can be installed in the ceiling, on walls or in an area without ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Although the majority of heating and cooling systems fall into two categories, ducted or ductless commercial VRF/VRV systems have an exclusive set of benefits. These HVAC systems are cutting-edge and utilize inverter compressors to create climate zones that can be controlled separately. These systems provide precise temperature control to ensure that each zone is able to meet the requirements of its occupants. This allows for a variety of temperature settings, and the highest energy efficiency and system uptime.
In the commercial VRV/VRF system one outdoor unit is connected to several indoor units that can be placed on walls or ceilings and be placed together. These indoor air handling systems are connected to the outdoor unit through refrigerant pipes. They can be installed a reasonable distance away from the outdoor unit in order to permit a flexible design and installation.
These systems employ a high-efficiency heat pump cycle, which is backed by an electric resistance heating system. These systems have multiple options for heat recovery, which allows them to reuse heat that would otherwise be unused. This is a fantastic option for businesses that need to maintain high temperatures however, they also want to reduce their carbon footprint.
These systems work differently than traditional duct systems. Instead of having an indoor unit for each space, they function by varying the flow of refrigerant to each terminal unit. When the space is activated by a zoning controller or inverter remote, the compressor closest to the room is shut off and its pressure decreases. Then coolant from other compressors is pumped into that space to compensate. This is known as volume displacement.
Because these systems are so flexible, they are an ideal choice for multifamily homes, office buildings, shopping malls, and other large facilities with complex floor plans. They are extremely quiet to operate and have simple controls that anyone can access.
A VRF/VRV requires skilled installation, as with any other advanced technology. This will ensure its efficiency and reliability. A certified technician will know the system’s forward and backward directions and all of the installation nuances that can make or break the performance of your new system and its longevity.
Routine Maintenance
In addition to stopping breakdowns and reducing energy consumption, commercial HVAC maintenance also has other benefits to business owners. For instance, maintaining a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the office can improve employee performance and morale, particularly when compared with a cold workplace. It also helps to prevent productivity loss due to fatigue or lack of focus.
To prevent issues that could disrupt the business process, commercial HVAC systems require regular inspections and tune-ups. A skilled technician can perform many tests and tasks to optimize the system to ensure optimal performance and to uncover issues that could cause costly and time-consuming repairs. By selecting a firm that has a comprehensive maintenance checklist, you can ensure that any problems are identified early and corrected before they get more serious.
During a regular maintenance visit the technician will examine the electrical connections to the unit as well as belts and motor. They will also look for indications of wear and tear, and make sure that the thermostats are calibrated correctly. Additionally, they will clean evaporator and condenser coils to prevent dust and dirt from building up within the system, causing blockages and reduced efficiency.
Air filters need to be checked and replaced on a regular basis. A blocked filter hinders air flow and overloads the system, leading to lower energy efficiency and the possibility of equipment failure. Technicians will also examine and clean the blower assembly, ductwork the plenum, flue, and fan or vent pipe in order to minimize build-up.
In the end an expert will examine the drain pan to ensure it is sloped properly 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 before leasing out space to retail tenants. Documentation of regular HVAC maintenance can prove that the tenant is dedicated to maintaining the property and will take care of the investment of the property.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your system operates correctly, whether you own a single unit, multiple units, or a VRV/VRF. During routine visits, a knowledgeable and reliable technician will identify and fix minor issues before they become larger and more expensive ones.