How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to have a more organized schedule than jobs for residential workers. They require a better understanding of the equipment and work during specified working hours.
A comfortable indoor environment can result in more productive employees. Old or poorly managed HVAC systems can cause distractions because of uncomfortable temperatures and a stuffy atmosphere.
Single Split System
There are a variety of commercial HVAC system options available for your building, including single split systems, multi-split, VAV or VRF systems, as well as district cooling systems. When deciding which system is best for your business, it’s important to consider the size of your building, energy efficiency requirements and climate goals. Working with a professional provider such as Jack Lehr can help you determine the best system for your business.
Single-split systems are great for smaller or isolated rooms. It comprises an air conditioning unit, evaporator coil and furnace that work together to remove heat and cool air and circulate it through ductwork throughout the property. They are typically cheaper than central HVAC systems.
This kind of system has one major drawback it is that it is able to only cool or heat one room. If you’re looking to cool or heat multiple rooms, you’ll have to choose another option. Multi-split systems are ideal for larger properties since it allows you to pair up to nine indoor air handlers with just one outdoor unit.
These systems feature heat pumps that move waste heat from warm areas to cooler areas to conserve energy. They’re also great for large office spaces and multi-tenant retail space because they can provide individualized temperature control for each part of the building.
You can put in one single-split system in your building. However, you might find that multi-split systems will be more economical in the long term because of their higher energy efficiency and flexibility. They can also be easier to maintain and can respond quicker than single-split systems to changing temperatures. They also offer more flexibility and can be used for heating or cooling your home based on the season. This means you can create a comfortable, eco-friendly environment all year.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in many varieties, and the decision of which one is best for your business is contingent on the layout and style of your building. Also, you should consider the size of your building, as well as the room size and the location. Another aspect to consider is the kind of climate you have in the area you are located in. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) are well-suited to various climates.
Single split systems are most used in smaller commercial buildings and offices. These are ductless HVAC units that include furnaces and air conditioning units that operate separately. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler connected to a condenser unit equipped with refrigerant tubing. A thermostat is the sole control for both units. Single split systems can be set up inexpensively and are ideal for offices and smaller areas. They are also easy to maintain and in the event that one of them stops functioning for reasons of any kind, it won’t affect the other units.
Multi-split systems are an improvement on single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units with one outdoor unit using the latest inverter technology. Indoor units can be put on the wall, laid on the floor or hidden in the ceiling to give an appearance that is more discrete. These systems are great for medium-sized businesses because they allow for the control of temperatures across the entire space using individualized controls.
Multi-split systems use less energy than traditional forced-air systems due to sensors in the system detect small environmental changes and make minimal adjustments. This lets it operate at a higher efficiency than a traditional system, yet still providing the best comfort for the occupants.
Another option for larger companies is a VRV or VRF system, which offers heating and cooling through an assortment of indoor air handlers linked to one or more outdoor units via refrigerant tubes. These systems can be ideal for mid-sized businesses, and they are particularly efficient for warehouses with large spaces since they can cool a space without creating hot spots or burning up energy. They are also ideal for restaurants and retail locations because they can be installed in the ceiling or walls, or even in a space without ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Commercial VRF/VRV Systems offer an exclusive set of advantages. While the majority of heating and cooling system fall into one of two categories – ducted or ductless commercial VRF/VRV is a unique mix. These modern HVAC systems make use of inverter compressors to create unique climate zones that are independently controlled. These systems provide precise temperature control, ensuring that each zone meets the exact requirements of the people who live there. This allows for a wide range of temperature settings and maximum efficiency and system uptime.
In a commercial VRV/VRF an outdoor unit is connected with several indoor units which can be hung on walls or ceilings. These indoor air handling units connect to the outdoor unit through refrigerant pipe. They can also be situated within a reasonable distance of the outdoor unit, allowing for a flexible design and installation.
The systems utilize the highest efficiency heat pumps cycle, which is backed by an electric resistance heating system. These systems come with a variety of heat recovery options that allow them to reuse heat that would otherwise go unused. This is an excellent option for businesses that need to maintain high temperature however, they also want to reduce their carbon footprint.
These systems operate differently than traditional duct systems. Instead of requiring an indoor unit for each space, they operate by varying the flow of refrigerant to each terminal unit. When a room is activated by a 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 known as volume displacement.
Because these systems are flexible, they are an ideal choice for multifamily offices, homes shopping malls, as well as other large structures with complex floor plans. They are extremely quiet to run and come with simple controls that anyone can access.
Like all advanced technologies, a VRF/VRV system requires expert installation in order to maximize its reliability and effectiveness. A certified technician is familiar with the system from top to bottom and is also aware of the installation details that can affect the performance and durability of your new system.
Routine Maintenance
In addition to preventing breakdowns and reducing energy costs, commercial HVAC maintenance can also bring other benefits to business owners. For example, keeping an appropriate and comfortable temperature throughout the office boosts employee performance and morale, especially when compared to a cold work environment. 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 avoid problems that could disrupt the operation of your business. A technician will perform various tests and tasks to maximize the efficiency of the system and identify hidden issues which could lead to costly and time-consuming repairs. By choosing a company with a comprehensive maintenance checklist, you will be able to ensure that any issues are caught early and addressed before they get any more serious.
In a routine maintenance visit the technician will check electrical connections, belts and motors. They will also look for signs of wear or damage and ensure that thermostats are calibrated properly. They will also clean the evaporator coils and condenser to prevent dirt from building up in the system. This could cause blockages and decrease efficiency.
Air filters must be inspected and replaced on a regular basis. A blocked filter can impede air flow and overloads the system, leading to lower energy efficiency and the possibility of equipment failure. Technicians will also inspect and clean the blower assembly, ductwork the fan, plenum or vent pipe in order to minimize the build-up.
In the end, a technician will inspect the drain pan and make sure it is sloped properly to avoid condensation or water build-up. They will also lubricate the moving parts so that they operate smoothly.
A schedule of routine maintenance for a commercial HVAC unit will also help in meeting the terms and conditions of a lease agreement. Property management companies and landlords often require proof of regular maintenance before leasing out space to retail tenants. Documentation of routine HVAC maintenance proves that the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property and is committed to its maintenance.
If you own a single split system multiple units or VRV/VRF systems, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that it is operating correctly. During regular visits, an experienced and reliable technician will identify and fix minor issues before they become larger and more costly ones.