Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems help keep your company cool all day long. This helps promote an efficient, healthy working environment.
If you are searching for a contractor to install commercial AC, ensure that they have the appropriate experience and a valid license. This will ensure they are able to find the correct tonnage for your location.
Packaged AC Units
There are many different HVAC systems available among them, but one of the most popular for commercial spaces is a packaged AC unit. These types of air conditioning units integrate the heating and cooling process in one unit, making them a great alternative for commercial spaces that need to reduce space. Also known as roof top units, these types of systems are typically found in office buildings and shopping malls.
In a standard packaged unit, all of the components are housed in an outdoor cabinet that connects to the building through sheet metal ductwork. In the course of cooling or heating, air enters the ductwork, through which it passes evaporator coils. The coolant in the evaporator sucks up the heat from the air, and the blower motor of the air conditioner pushes this conditioned air in the building. The used coolant can then be recirculated back through the compressor and evaporator to be reused.
Since the components of a packaged unit are all located outdoors, they can be smaller than a conventional split system and don’t require an indoor furnace. This kind of system is usually easier to maintain because there aren’t any ducts for animals or insects to make nests in, and the parts are less likely to suffer from weather or rust damage.
Packaged units are less expensive to set up because they are one unit. They are also usually more energy-efficient, as they don’t have the same needs as the traditional split system which requires efficiently cool and heat multiple rooms.
Another benefit of this system is that it is built in a factory setting and the components aren’t exposed to extreme temperatures. This leads to a better unit performance and lower repair costs.
There are various kinds of package ACs available, including gas/electric models or all-electric models. Gas/electric units are an option for areas that are more cold. All-electric models work best in warmer climates where heating isn’t needed. Depending on the model, there are even combinations that can be used for heating and cooling the same structure.
Ductless AC Units
Ductless AC units, also referred to as mini-split system provide a more comfortable cooling experience without the need for air ducts. The system is made up of an indoor wall-mounted unit, an outdoor compressor and refrigerant tubes that join the two components. The compressor draws cool air from the room, through the outdoor unit and then pushes it back through air ducting inside the. The system can also be used to heat your home making use of the same process reversed.
Ductless air conditioners are often an ideal solution for older homes or spaces that have no existing ductwork. They’re also commonly employed to cool and heat workshops, sunrooms and garages and other spaces which wouldn’t be a good fit for conventional HVAC systems. The system can be installed easily by our professional technicians. All they require to finish the installation is access to the wall where your indoor unit will be installed, and a suitable location to place the outdoor unit.
The use of ductless systems allows for zoned cooling comfort. It allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home while allowing guests to adjust the temperature as they wish. This type of system also offers greater energy efficiency, because no duct-related loss of air is present. Some manufacturers even offer rebates to encourage customers to purchase their new systems.
Another option is a multi-zone ductless system that features one outdoor compressor connected to multiple indoor units. Each unit is situated in the space you’d like to cool or heat, and it is controlled by its own remote. This configuration lets you manage the temperature in every zone of your building. It is a popular option for commercial spaces with numerous zones that have different needs for cooling.
The indoor units all have air filters that remove pollutants and other pollutants from the air, making your workplace more healthy for employees and clients alike. This is particularly beneficial in restaurants and other eateries where the quality of the air is a key element of the overall experience.
Variable Refrigerant flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems provide an energy-efficient option for commercial spaces. They offer precise temperature control and zoning options for different areas of the building, which allows users to tailor their preferences for comfort and increase productivity. They also offer a green solution as they efficiently distribute heat.
In VRF systems, the outdoor unit houses a compressor which circulates refrigerant through pipes to indoor units in various rooms or zones. The compressor regulates the speed so that it is in line with the cooling and heating needs of each area. This avoids unnecessary cycling that wastes energy. The evaporator coils of the indoor units can be used to provide heating and cooling, with the system adjusting its operation accordingly.
VRF systems are perfect for commercial buildings with various needs. This includes hospitals, offices schools, and other commercial structures. The capability to simultaneously heat and cool individual spaces reduces energy consumption and maintenance. The system’s low noise operation contributes to a quieter space and more privacy, making it well suitable for areas where distractions are a concern.
Efficiency in energy is a major benefit of VRF technology and can be seen in the lower utility bills that come when you implement the system. The system’s ability for heating and cooling multiple zones independently can result in significant savings in energy compared to other HVAC technology.
VRF systems can also be used to reduce the energy consumption of ductwork that’s not in good shape or doesn’t have the capacity to accommodate newer equipment. The system is more efficient than other heating and cooling systems due to its ability to quickly adapt to changing weather conditions. This flexibility makes it popular for commercial buildings, like restaurants, hotels and office spaces that change their occupancy patterns and usage frequently. It’s ideal for large buildings undergoing renovations or construction because it is easy to retrofit existing ductwork to satisfy specific building requirements. If you’re interested in learning more about how a commercial VRF system can improve your workplace, please get in touch with the team at Mission Mechanical. We’d be delighted to discuss the system with you and help decide if this is the best heating and cooling solution for your company.
Chillers
A chiller is an HVAC system that maximizes the capacity of your commercial air conditioner. It cools water and spreads it across the space to create a relaxing environment. This is an excellent option for industrial or larger facilities that have a need to cool more than just the air.
There are two primary types of chillers: water cooled and air cooled. Both utilize absorption or vapor compression to cool a refrigerant, which is then cycled through different temperatures. Air cooled chillers have fans that push air over the condenser and evaporator coils to eliminate heat. They are large in size and are typically located in a mechanical room on the roof or in the basement. Water-cooled chillers are equipped with an enclosed water box that connects to an external cooling method like cooling towers. These chillers are often smaller and have a smaller footprint than air-cooled units.
Chillers are also able to be fitted with boilers, allowing them to heat your house during the winter. This is a smart method to reduce energy consumption in a structure that requires both cooling and heating, or for spaces with seasonal fluctuations in demand. It’s more efficient to obtain warmth from a heating system rather than to get it from the outside air.
Maintaining your chiller, just like a packaged unit, can increase its efficiency and lower the cost of your utility costs. Cleaning the condenser, evaporator and compressor, along with inspecting and servicing the compressor chiller are a few of the main maintenance tasks. If you have an air-cooled chiller and your facility has a water treatment system should be in good order to prevent corrosion and scaling.
The type of chiller you choose will depend on your budget and the needs of your building. A packaged unit could be the ideal choice for small businesses and residential spaces, while industrial chillers, such as a VRF, is more suitable for larger buildings with specific requirements. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical will help you choose the best solution for your building.