How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to be more formal than residential HVAC jobs. They require a greater understanding of the equipment, and work during designated hours of operation.
Comfortable indoor environments make for more productive employees. Poorly managed or outdated HVAC systems can create distractions through the creation of uncomfortable temperatures and a stuffy conditions.
Single Split System
There are a range of commercial HVAC systems for your building. These include single split systems and multi-splits, VAV systems and VRF systems, as well as district cooling systems. When choosing which HVAC system is ideal for your company it is essential to consider the size of your building, energy efficiency needs and climate goals. Working with a professional service provider, like Jack Lehr, can help you select the ideal system for your needs.
Single-split systems are ideal for smaller spaces or individual rooms. It is comprised of an air conditioner, evaporator coil, and furnace that work together to extract heat and cool air and circulate it through ductwork that runs throughout the property. These systems are generally less expensive than central HVAC systems.
The biggest drawback to this type of system is that it’s limited to one room therefore if you’re looking to heat and cool multiple areas or buildings, you’ll have to select another option. Multi-split systems are a great option for larger buildings as they permit you to pair nine indoor air handlers to just one outdoor unit.
These systems use heat pumps to transfer heat from warm to cooler areas, thereby saving energy. They’re also ideal for large offices and multi-tenant retail areas since they offer individualized temperature control in every area of the building.
You can put in one-split units in your home. However, you may find that multi-split systems will be more affordable in the long-term due to their greater efficiency in energy and flexibility. 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 for heating or cooling your home depending on the season. This means you can use them to create a cozy, sustainable environment all year round.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems are available in a variety of different forms. The design and layout of the structure will determine which one is the best for your company. The size of your facility, the number of rooms, and their location are all important factors to take into account. Another factor to consider is the type of climate you are experiencing in your area. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flows (VRF) are well-suited to various climates.
Single split systems are most frequent in smaller commercial structures and offices. They are ductless HVAC systems with air conditioning units and furnaces that operate independently. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser unit with refrigerant tubing. A thermostat regulates the operation of both units. Single split systems are inexpensive to install and are ideal for offices and smaller spaces. They’re also simple to maintain, and if one of them stops functioning for reasons of any kind, it won’t impact the other units.
The multi-split system builds on the single-split model 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 to give an elegant appearance. These systems are ideal for small-sized businesses because they can control temperature of a room with specific controls.
Multi-split systems use less energy than a traditional forced-air system because built-in sensors detect small environmental fluctuations and make minor adjustments. This allows it to operate at a higher efficiency level than a traditional system, while still delivering the highest level of comfort to the people who use it.
Another option for larger companies is a VRF or VRV system, which offers cooling and heating via an assortment of indoor air handlers connected to one or more outdoor units by refrigerant tubes. These systems can be a good fit for midsize companies, and are especially efficient for large warehouses since they can cool spaces without creating hot spots or using up energy. They are also ideal for retail and restaurant establishments because they can be installed on the ceiling or in the walls or even in spaces without ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Commercial VRF/VRV Systems come with unique advantages. While most HVAC systems are in one of two categories – ducted or ductless - commercial VRF/VRV offers an unique blend. 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 wide range of temperature settings, as well as maximum efficiency and system uptime.
In a commercial VRV/VRF the outdoor unit is connected to several indoor units that can be mounted on ceiling or walls. These indoor air handling systems connect to the outdoor unit via refrigerant pipes. They can also be situated within a reasonable distance of the outdoor unit, allowing for a flexible design and installation.
These systems use the highest efficiency heat pumps cycle that incorporates an electric resistance heating system. These systems have multiple options for heat recovery that allow them to reuse heat that would otherwise be unused. This is a great feature for companies that have to maintain high temperatures, but also want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Unlike traditional duct systems, which typically require an indoor unit for each space they operate by varying the flow of refrigerant through each terminal unit. When a space is activated with an inverter or zoning controller remote the compressor closest to that room is shut down and the pressure decreases. Coolant from other compressors will be pumped into the space to compensate. This is referred to as volume displacement.
Because these systems are flexible they are a popular choice for multifamily homes, office buildings, shopping malls, and other large facilities with complex floor plans. They are incredibly quiet to operate and come with simple controls that anyone can use.
As with all modern technology, a VRF/VRV requires expert installation to increase its reliability and efficiency. A certified technician will know the system backwards and forwards as well as the installation nuances that can make or break the performance of your new system and its longevity.
Routine Maintenance
Commercial HVAC maintenance can bring additional benefits to business owners, in addition to stopping failures and reducing costs. The ability to maintain a comfortable and constant temperature in the office can boost employee morale and performance, especially compared to an uninviting work environment. It can also prevent productivity loss due to fatigue or lack of concentration.
A commercial HVAC system requires routine checks and tune-ups in order to avoid issues that could impact business operations. A skilled technician will perform a wide range of tests and tasks to optimize the system for optimal performance and uncover hidden problems that could lead to expensive and lengthy repairs. You can ensure that any potential issues are detected early and rectified before they worsen by choosing an organization that provides an extensive checklist.
When you visit the maintenance center regularly technicians will check the unit’s electrical connections belts, motor, and electrical connections. They will also look for signs of wear or damage and make sure that thermostats are calibrated properly. In addition they will clean the evaporator and condenser coils to stop dust and dirt from building up in the system, which causes blockages and reduced efficiency.
Regularly check and replace air filters. A clogged air filter can restrict air flow, overwork the system, and lead to equipment failure. The technicians will also clean the ductwork, fan, plenum and flue or vente pipe to prevent accumulation.
Then the technician will check the drain pan and ensure it is properly sloped to avoid water or condensation build-up. They will also lubricate all moving parts to make them operate smoothly and efficiently.
A routine maintenance schedule for a commercial HVAC unit can also help satisfy the conditions and terms of a lease agreement. When leasing retail space landlords and property managers often require evidence of regular maintenance. Documentation of routine HVAC maintenance proves that the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property and is committed to its upkeep.
No matter if you have one split system, multiple units, or a VRV/VRF system, routine maintenance is vital to ensure it’s running properly. During routine maintenance, a trusted and skilled technician will be able to identify and correct minor issues before they become more significant and more costly.