How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to have a more structured schedule than residential ones. They require a better understanding of the equipment, and work during designated business 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 and multi-splits as well as VAV systems or VRF systems, as well as district cooling systems. It’s important to consider the dimensions of your space and energy efficiency requirements, climate, and your company’s sustainability goals when deciding which HVAC system is suitable for your business. A professional service like Jack Lehr can help you choose the best system for your company.
A single-split is a great option for smaller and for rooms that are not a single room. 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 around the property through ductwork. These systems are typically more affordable to install than central HVAC systems.
This kind of system comes with one major drawback: it can only heat or cool a single room. If you wish to cool or heat multiple rooms, you’ll have to choose another option. A multi-split system is ideal for larger properties because it allows you to connect up to nine indoor air handlers to just one outdoor unit.
These systems use heat pumps to transfer heat from warm to cooler areas, saving energy. These systems are also perfect for large office spaces or multi-tenant retail spaces since they offer individual temperature control for every area of the building.
While it’s possible to install a single-split system installed in your building but you may consider a multi-split system is more efficient in the long term because of the increased efficiency in energy and the flexibility they offer. They are also easier to maintain, and they can respond faster to temperature changes than single-split units. They are also more versatile in that they can be used to heat or cooling your home based 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 structure will determine which one is ideal for your business. Additionally, you must consider the size of your building, the size and location of rooms. The type of climate in your area is another consideration. Systems like heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are able to adapt to various climates.
Single split systems are the most popular for smaller offices and commercial buildings. They are ductless HVAC systems that include furnaces and air conditioning units that operate in a separate manner. Each space has an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser unit with refrigerant tubing. Both units are controlled by a thermostat. Single split systems are affordable to set up and are great for offices and smaller spaces. They are also easy to maintain and in the event that one of them stops functioning for any reason, it doesn’t affect the other units.
Multi-split systems are a step up from single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit by using the latest inverter technology. 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 ideal for medium-sized businesses since they can control the temperature of the space with individual controls.
Multi-split systems use less energy than traditional forced-air systems since sensors built into the system are able to detect small environmental changes and make minimal adjustments. This allows the system to operate with a higher energy efficiency than a traditional forced-air system, while ensuring the best comfort for those who use it.
Another option for larger enterprises is a VRF or VRV system, which offers cooling and heating through an array of indoor air handlers linked to one or more outdoor units via refrigerant tubes. These systems can be a good fit for midsize businesses, and they are particularly efficient for warehouses with large spaces because they can cool the space without creating hot spots or using up energy. These systems are also ideal for restaurants and retail stores since they can be installed in the ceiling, walls or in an area without ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
While most heating and cooling systems are classified into two categories, ducted or ductless commercial VRF/VRV systems have an exclusive set of benefits. These HVAC systems are up-to-date and make use of inverter compressors create climate zones that can be controlled separately. These systems offer precise temperature control to ensure that each zone meets the requirements of its occupants. This allows for a wide range of temperature settings and also the highest energy efficiency and system uptime.
In the commercial VRV/VRF system one outdoor unit is connected to a number of indoor units that can be mounted on walls or ceilings and connected. These indoor air handling systems are connected to the outdoor unit using refrigerant pipes. They can also be situated at a distance that is not too far from the outdoor unit, which allows for an adaptable design and installation.
The systems utilize a high-efficiency heat pumps cycle that incorporates an electric resistance heating system. The systems also have multiple modes for heat recovery, allowing them to repurpose heat that would otherwise be wasted. This is a great feature for businesses who need to keep their temperature high and also reduce their carbon footprint.
Contrary to traditional duct systems which usually require a separate indoor unit for each space, these systems are operated by varying the flow of refrigerant through individual terminal units. When a room is activated via a zoning remote or a zone controller, the compressor that is closest to the area shuts down and its 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 flexible, they are popular for multifamily offices, homes, shopping malls, and other large buildings with complicated floor plans. They are incredibly quiet to run, and they have simple controls that anyone can access.
Like all advanced technology, a VRF/VRV requires expert installation in order to maximize its reliability and effectiveness. A certified technician will be familiar with the system’s back and forward directions and the installation nuances that could affect the performance of your new system and its longevity.
Routine Maintenance
Commercial HVAC maintenance can bring additional benefits to business owners, apart from the prevention of failures and reduction in costs. For example, keeping a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the office boosts the performance of employees and boosts morale, particularly when compared with a cold work environment. In addition, it can stop the loss of productivity due to discomfort or a lack of focus.
To avoid problems that may cause disruption to the operation of a business, commercial HVAC systems require routine inspections and tune ups. A skilled technician can perform various tests and tasks to optimize the system to ensure optimal performance and to uncover issues that could cause costly and disruptive repairs. You can make sure that any potential issues are detected early and rectified before they worsen by choosing a service that offers a thorough checklist.
When a routine maintenance check-up is scheduled, the technician will inspect electrical connections, belts and motors. They will also check for signs of wear or damage. They will also make sure that thermostats are calibrated correctly. In addition they will clean the condenser and evaporator coils in order to stop dust and dirt from building up within the system, which can cause obstructions and lower efficiency.
Regularly check and replace air filters regularly and replace them. A blocked air filter could limit air flow, cause overwork to the system, and lead to equipment failure. Technicians also clean the ductwork, fan flue, and plenum pipe to prevent the accumulation.
In the end the technician will check the drain pan to ensure it is sloped correctly to avoid condensation or water build-up. They will also grease the moving parts to ensure that they operate smoothly.
A routine maintenance plan for commercial HVAC system can also help in ensuring the lease agreement. Property management companies and landlords often require proof of routine maintenance prior to leasing space to retail tenants. Documentation of routine HVAC maintenance shows that the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property and is committed to its upkeep.
If you own a single split system, multiple units, or VRV/VRF systems, regular maintenance is essential to ensure it’s running properly. During routine visits, an experienced and reliable technician will be able to spot and fix small problems before they become larger and more expensive ones.