How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to be more formal than residential HVAC jobs. They require a better understanding of the equipment, and are required to work during specific hours of operation.
A comfortable indoor environment can lead to more productive employees. Unmanaged or old HVAC systems can cause distractions because of uncomfortable temperatures and a stale atmosphere.
Single Split System
There are a variety of commercial HVAC options for your building including single split systems, multi-split systems, VAV or VRF systems, as well as district cooling systems. It is essential to consider the size of your building, energy efficiency requirements, climate and your company’s sustainability objectives when determining what system is suitable for your business. Engaging a professional service provider, such as Jack Lehr, can help you select the ideal system to meet your needs.
A single-split system is an excellent choice for smaller spaces and individual rooms. It is comprised of an air conditioner and evaporator coil which work together to eliminate the heat and cool the air. The air is then circulated throughout the building through ductwork. These systems are usually cheaper than central HVAC systems.
This type of system has one disadvantage it is able to only heat or cool one room. If you wish 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, as they allow you to connect nine indoor air handlers with only one outdoor unit.
These systems have heat pumps that transfer heat from hot zones to cooler areas in order to help conserve energy. These systems are ideal for large offices or multi-tenant retail space because they provide individual temperature control in each area of the building.
While it’s possible to install single-split systems in your building however, you might find that installing multi-split systems is more cost-effective in the long run due to the higher efficiency in energy and the flexibility they offer. They can also be easier to maintain and are able to respond faster than single-split systems in response to changing temperatures. They are also more flexible because they can be used to heat or cool your property, depending on the season. This means you can create a comfortable, sustainable living space all year long.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems are available in a variety of varieties, and the decision of which one is best for your business depends on the layout and design of your building. Also, take into consideration the size of your building, the size and location of rooms. The climate of the area you are in is another factor to consider. Systems like heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are able to adapt to different climates.
Single split systems are used in smaller commercial buildings and offices. These are HVAC units without ducts that come with separate air conditioning units and heaters. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler, which is connected to a condenser unit that has refrigerant tubing. A thermostat is the sole control for both units. Single split systems can be installed at a low cost and are great for offices and smaller areas. They are also easy to maintain, and in the event that one of the units stops working for reasons of any kind, it won’t impact the other units.
Multi-split systems are a step up from single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit making use of advanced inverter technology. The indoor units can be mounted on walls and floor-standing or concealed in the ceiling to create a more discrete appearance. These systems are great for small-sized businesses because they can regulate the temperature of the space with specific controls.
A multi-split system uses less energy than a traditional forced-air system due to the fact that built-in sensors detect small environmental changes and make minor adjustments. This allows the system to operate at a much higher energy efficiency than a traditional forced-air system while still providing optimal comfort for the occupants.
A VRF or VRV is a different alternative for larger businesses. This system provides cooling and heating through an indoor air handler system that are connected to one or more outdoor units via refrigerant tubes. These systems are a good choice for mid-sized businesses and they’re especially efficient in large warehouses, since they are able to cool the space without generating hotspots or burning up energy. These systems are also great for restaurants and retail stores as they can be mounted on the ceiling, walls or even 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 offer an exclusive set of benefits. These HVAC systems are up-to-date and utilize inverter compressors to create climate zones that can be controlled independently. These systems provide precise temperature control to ensure that each zone is able to meet the needs of its occupants. This allows for a broad range of temperature settings, as well as maximum efficiency and system uptime.
In the commercial VRV/VRF system one outdoor unit is connected to multiple indoor units that can be placed on walls or ceilings and then grouped together. These indoor air handling units connect to the outdoor unit using refrigerant piping. They can also be placed a reasonable distance from the outdoor unit, allowing for flexibility in design and installation.
These systems utilize high-efficiency heat pump cycles that incorporates an electric resistance heater. They also come with multiple heat recovery modes, which allow them to reuse heat that could otherwise be wasted. This is a great feature for companies that have to keep their temperatures high, but also need to reduce their carbon footprint.
Unlike traditional duct systems, which typically require an indoor unit for each space, these systems work by adjusting the flow of refrigerant through the individual terminal units. When a room is activated via an zoning remote, or a zone controller, the compressor nearest the space is shut down and its pressure decreases. Coolant from other compressors will then be pumped into the space to compensate. This is called volume displacement.
Because these systems are so flexible they are popular for multifamily offices, homes shopping malls, as well as other large buildings with complicated floor plans. They are extremely quiet to run and have simple controls that anyone can access.
As with all modern technologies, a VRF/VRV system requires expert installation to maximize its reliability and effectiveness. A certified technician is familiar with the system inside and out, and is also aware of the details of installation that could make or break the performance and endurance of your new system.
Routine Maintenance
In addition to stopping breakdowns and reducing energy consumption, commercial HVAC maintenance can also bring additional benefits for business owners. Maintaining a comfortable and consistent temperature in the office can boost employee morale and performance in particular when compared with the cold and chilly workplace. It also helps to prevent productivity loss due to discomfort or a lack of concentration.
A commercial HVAC system requires routine inspections and tune-ups to prevent problems that could disrupt the business. A skilled technician will carry out various tests and tasks to optimize the system to ensure optimal performance and to uncover problems that could result in costly and lengthy repairs. You can ensure that any potential issues are identified early and fixed before they become worse by selecting a service that offers a thorough checklist.
In a routine maintenance visit the technician will check the electrical connections, belts and motors. They will also check for indications of wear and damage, and ensure that the thermostats are calibrated correctly. Additionally, they will clean condenser and evaporator coils in order to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating within the system, which causes obstructions and lower efficiency.
Air filters need to be checked and replaced regularly. A blocked air filter can restrict air flow, overwork the system and cause 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 correctly to prevent water or condensation from accumulating. They will also lubricate the moving parts to let them run smoothly and efficiently.
A regular maintenance schedule for a commercial HVAC system also helps satisfy the terms of a lease agreement. When leasing retail space landlords and property managers usually require evidence of regular maintenance. The documentation of routine 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 is operating correctly, whether you own one unit, multiple units, or a VRV/VRF. When it comes to routine maintenance, a reliable and skilled technician will spot and correct minor issues before they grow larger and cost more.