How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to be more formal than residential HVAC jobs. They require a more in-depth understanding of the equipment and typically work within specified business hours.
The comfort of a comfortable indoor environment leads to more productive employees. Old or poorly managed HVAC systems can lead to distractions due to uncomfortable temperatures and a stale environment.
Single Split System
There are a range of commercial HVAC systems that can be found for your building. They include single split systems as well as multi-splits, VAV systems or VRF systems and district cooling systems. It’s important to consider the size of your space and energy efficiency requirements, climate, and your company’s sustainability goals when determining what system is suitable for your business. A professional service provider like Jack Lehr, can help you choose the best system to meet your needs.
Single-split systems are ideal for smaller or isolated rooms. It comprises an air conditioning unit, evaporator coil and furnace which work together to remove cool air and heat, which is then circulated through ductwork that runs throughout the property. They are generally cheaper to install than central HVAC systems.
This kind of system has one major drawback it can only heat or cool a single room. If you want to cool or heat multiple rooms, you’ll have to look for a different solution. Multi-split systems are a great option for larger properties because they allow you to pair nine indoor air handlers to just one outdoor unit.
These systems are equipped with heat pumps that move waste heat from warm areas to cooler ones to help conserve energy. They are also suitable for large offices and multi-tenant retail areas because they can provide individualized temperature control for each part of the building.
Although it is possible to have single-split systems in your home but you may consider multi-split systems is more economical in the long run due to the higher energy efficiency and flexibility they provide. They are also easier to maintain and respond faster to temperature changes than single-split units. They are also more flexible because they can be utilized to heat or cool your property, depending on the season. This means that you can use them to create a comfortable and sustainable living space all year long.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in a variety of types, and deciding which one is best for your business depends on the layout and style of your building. Additionally, you must consider the size of your building, as well as the size and location of rooms. The type of climate in your area is also a factor to consider. Systems such as heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are able to adapt to different climates.
Single split systems are the most commonly used for smaller commercial buildings and offices. These are ductless HVAC systems that feature furnaces and air conditioning units that operate in a separate manner. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser via refrigerant tubes. Both units are controlled by a thermostat. Single split systems can be put in place inexpensively and are ideal for smaller offices and spaces. They’re 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 an improvement over single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units with one outdoor unit making use of advanced inverter technology. The indoor units can be wall-mounted and floor-standing or concealed in the ceiling for a more discreet appearance. These systems are ideal for small-sized businesses since they can help control temperatures throughout the space by utilizing individualized controls.
Multi-split systems use less energy than traditional forced-air systems due to sensors integrated into the system detect small environmental changes and make minor adjustments. This lets the system operate with a higher energy efficiency than a traditional forced-air system and still provide the best comfort for those who use it.
VRV or VRF is a different alternative for larger businesses. This system can provide cooling and heating through the use of a series of indoor air handlers that are connected to a single or multiple outdoor units via refrigerant tubes. These systems are a good option for small-sized businesses, and are particularly efficient in large warehouses, as they are able to cool the space without creating hotspots or wasting energy. These systems are also ideal for restaurant and retail establishments since they can be installed on the ceiling, walls or even in an area with no ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
While the majority of heating and cooling systems are classified into two categories, ducted or ductless, commercial VRF/VRV systems offer an exclusive set of benefits. These HVAC systems are at the forefront of technology and utilize inverter compressors to create climate zones that can be controlled separately. These systems offer precise temperature control, making sure that each zone is able to meet the exact needs of the people living in it. This allows for a wide range of temperature settings, as well as maximum efficiency and system uptime.
In a commercial VRV/VRF the outdoor unit is connected with several indoor units that can be hung on walls or ceilings. These indoor air handling units are connected to the outdoor unit via refrigerant pipes. They can also be located at a distance that is not too far from the outdoor unit, which allows for a flexible design and installation.
These systems employ a high-efficiency heat pumps cycle that incorporates an electric resistance heating system. They also come with multiple modes for heat recovery, allowing them to reuse heat that would otherwise be wasted. This is an excellent option for businesses that need to maintain high temperatures, but also want to reduce their carbon footprint.
These systems work differently than traditional duct systems. Instead of having a dedicated indoor unit per space, they operate by varying refrigerant flow to each terminal unit. When the room is activated by a zoning remote or a zone controller, the compressor that is closest to the area shuts down and its pressure decreases. Coolant from other compressors will be pumped into the space to compensate. This is called volume displacement.
They are popular because they can be adapted. They are typically employed in multifamily homes and offices, shopping malls, and other large structures with complex floor plans. They are incredibly quiet to operate and come with simple controls that anyone can access.
Like all advanced technology, a VRF/VRV requires expert installation to increase its efficiency and reliability. A certified technician will know the system’s forward and backward directions and 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 and energy costs, commercial HVAC maintenance provides other benefits for business owners. The ability to maintain a comfortable and constant temperature in the office can improve the morale of employees and their performance in particular when compared with the cold and chilly workplace. It can also prevent productivity loss due to fatigue or lack of concentration.
To prevent issues that could cause disruption to business operations, commercial HVAC systems require routine inspections and tune ups. Technicians will conduct various tests and tasks in order to optimize the system’s performance and uncover hidden problems that could lead to costly and disruptive repairs. If you choose a company that has an extensive maintenance checklist, you can ensure that any potential issues are detected early and fixed before they get more serious.
When a routine maintenance check-up is scheduled technicians will examine electrical connections, belts and motors. They will also look for any signs of wear or damage, and make sure that thermostats are calibrated properly. They will also clean the evaporator coils as well as the condenser to prevent dirt from accumulating in the system. This could cause blockages and decrease efficiency.
Air filters should be checked and replaced regularly. A blocked filter can impede air flow and can overload the system, resulting in decreased energy efficiency and possible equipment failure. Technicians also clean the ductwork, fan, flue, and plenum pipe to minimize the accumulation of dust.
A technician will also examine the drain pan to ensure it is sloped in a way that will keep condensation and water from building up. They will also lubricate the moving parts to let to run smoothly and efficiently.
A routine maintenance schedule for a commercial HVAC system can also help in ensuring the lease agreement. When leasing retail space, landlords and property managers typically require evidence of regular maintenance. The documentation of regular HVAC maintenance can prove that the tenant is devoted to maintaining the property and will take care of the investment in the property.
Routine maintenance is vital to ensure that your system is operating efficiently, whether it’s one unit, multiple units or VRV/VRF. During routine visits, a skilled and reliable technician will spot and fix minor issues before they become larger and more expensive ones.