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 generally work within specific business hours.
Comfortable indoor environments make for more productive employees. Unmanaged or outdated HVAC systems can lead to distractions by creating uncomfortable temperatures and a stuffy environment.
Single Split System
There are many commercial HVAC systems available for your building such as single split systems, multi-split, VRF or VAV systems, as well as district cooling systems. It is essential 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. Engaging a professional service provider, such as Jack Lehr, can help you choose the best system to meet your needs.
A single-split is a great option for smaller spaces and for rooms that are not a single room. It is made up of an air conditioner and an evaporator coil that work together to remove the heat and cool the air. The air is then circulated throughout the building through ductwork. These systems are generally more affordable than central HVAC systems.
This type of system has one disadvantage it is able to only cool or heat a single room. If you want to cool or heat multiple rooms, you will need to select a different option. A multi-split system is an ideal solution for larger buildings because it allows you to pair up to nine indoor air handlers to only one outdoor unit.
These systems feature heat pumps that transfer heat from warm areas to cooler ones to help conserve energy. They’re also ideal for large offices and multi-tenant retail spaces since they offer individualized temperature control for each part of the building.
Although it is possible to have one-split systems installed in your building but you may find that installing multi-split systems are more efficient in the long term due to the greater energy efficiency and flexibility they offer. They are also easier to maintain and can respond faster than single-split systems to changes in temperatures. They’re also more flexible since they can be utilized to heat or cool your home based on the season. You can create a cozy and sustainable space all year round.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in many varieties, and the decision of the best one for your business depends on the layout and style of your building. The size of your facility as well as the number of rooms, and their location are other important aspects to take into consideration. The climate of your area is also a factor to consider. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) are ideally suited to different climates.
Single split systems are most popular for smaller commercial buildings and offices. These are ductless HVAC units with air conditioning units and furnaces that operate independently. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler, which is connected to a condenser unit with refrigerant tubing. Both units are controlled by a thermostat. Single split systems are cheap to set up and are great for offices and smaller spaces. They are also easy to maintain and if for some reason one unit stops working, it won’t impact the other units.
Multi-split systems are an improvement on single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit by using the latest inverter technology. The indoor units can be wall-mounted or floor-standing, or hidden within the ceiling for a more discreet appearance. These systems are ideal for medium-sized businesses since they can control temperature throughout a space using individualized controls.
Multi-split systems use less energy than a traditional forced-air system due to the fact that sensors built into the system detect minor environmental fluctuations and make minor adjustments. This lets the system operate at a much higher energy efficiency than a conventional forced-air system and still provide optimal comfort for occupants.
A VRV or VRF is a different alternative for larger businesses. The system offers cooling and heating via a series indoor air handlers which are connected to one or multiple outdoor units through refrigerant tubes. These systems can be a good fit for midsize businesses, and they are particularly effective for warehouses that are large because they can cool the space without creating hot spots or wasting energy. They are also ideal for retail establishments and restaurants since they can be installed in the ceiling or on walls, or even in spaces with no existing ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
While most HVAC and cooling systems fall into two categories, ductless or ducted commercial VRF/VRV systems provide a unique blend of benefits. These HVAC systems are up-to-date and make use of inverter compressors create climate zones which can be independently controlled. These systems offer precise temperature control, making sure that each zone meets the exact needs of the people living in it. This permits a wide range of temperature settings as well as maximum efficiency and system uptime.
In the commercial VRV/VRF system one outdoor unit is connected to several indoor units that can be placed on walls or ceilings and grouped together. These indoor air handling systems are connected to the outdoor unit via refrigerant pipes. They can also be situated a reasonable distance from the outdoor unit, which allows for an adaptable design and installation.
The systems use high-efficiency heat pump cycles that uses an integral backup electric resistance heater. The systems also have a variety of modes for heat recovery, allowing them to reuse heat that would otherwise be wasted. This is a fantastic feature for companies that want to maintain high temperature however, they also want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Unlike traditional duct systems, which typically require an indoor unit for each space They work by varying the flow of refrigerant between individual terminal units. When the room is activated by a zoning remote or a zone controller, the compressor nearest the area shuts down and its pressure decreases. Then, coolant from other compressors is pumped into that space to compensate. This is referred to as volume displacement.
Because these systems are flexible they are popular for multifamily offices, homes, shopping malls, and other large structures with complex floor plans. They are extremely quiet and have controls that anyone can operate.
A VRF/VRV needs expert installation, as with any advanced technology. This will maximize its efficiency and reliability. A certified technician knows the system inside and out, and will also know all the details of installation that could make or break the performance and longevity of your new system.
Routine Maintenance
Commercial HVAC maintenance can bring additional benefits to business owners, apart from the prevention of failures and reduction in costs. For instance, keeping a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the office boosts employee performance and morale, especially when compared to a chilly workplace. It can also help prevent productivity loss due to discomfort or lack of concentration.
To avoid problems that may affect business operations, commercial HVAC systems require routine inspections and tune-ups. A skilled technician will perform many tests and tasks to optimize the system for optimal performance and uncover hidden issues that could cause costly and lengthy repairs. You can ensure that any potential problems are detected early and rectified before they worsen by choosing an organization that provides a thorough checklist.
During a routine maintenance visit the technician will check electrical connections, belts and motors. They will also check for signs of wear or damage, and ensure that thermostats are calibrated properly. They will also clean the evaporator coils as well as the condenser in order to prevent dirt from accumulating within the system. This can cause blockages and reduce efficiency.
Air filters need to be checked and replaced on a regular basis. A blocked air filter can restrict air flow, overwork the system, and lead to equipment failure. Technicians will also look over and clean the blower assembly, ductwork the fan, plenum or vent pipe in order to minimize build-up.
Technicians will also check the drain pan to ensure it is sloped in a way that will keep condensation and water from accumulating. They will also grease all moving parts to make them operate smoothly and efficiently.
A routine maintenance schedule for commercial HVAC system also helps satisfy the lease agreement. Landlords and property management companies often require proof of regular maintenance before leasing out space to retail tenants. Documentation of regular HVAC maintenance shows that the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property and is committed to its upkeep.
Whether you have a single split system, multiple units or a VRV/VRF system, routine maintenance is necessary to ensure it’s running properly. When it comes to routine maintenance, a trusted and skilled technician will spot and fix minor problems before they grow larger and more expensive.