Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems help keep your company cool all day long. This creates an effective and healthy working environment.
If you are looking for an installer for commercial AC ensure they have the appropriate experience and license. This will ensure that they are able to determine the correct tonnage for your space.
Packaged AC Units
There are many HVAC systems available, but a packaged AC system is the most popular. These air conditioning systems combine heating and cooling into one unit, making them an excellent option for commercial buildings with limited space. Also known as roof top units, these kinds of systems are often seen in office buildings and shopping malls.
In a typical packaged unit, all of the components are housed in an outdoor cabinet that connects to the building with sheet metal ductwork. When the unit is cooling or heating process, the air is pushed through the ductwork, through which it is able to pass through evaporator coils. The coolant inside the evaporator absorbs the heat from the air, and the motor that blows the air in the air conditioner circulates this conditioned air into the building. The coolant used is recirculated back through the compressor and evaporator coils so it can be reused.
The components of a packaged system are placed outside. This makes them smaller than a split system, and they don’t need an indoor furnace. This kind of system can be easier to maintain since there aren’t any ducts where animals or insects can nest. The components are also less prone to rust or weather damage.
Packaged units are cheaper to set up because they’re one unit. They can also be more energy efficient since they do not have the same requirements as the traditional split system which requires heat and cool multiple rooms.
Another benefit of this system is that it is constructed in a factory environment and the components are not subjected to extreme temperatures. This results in a higher performance of the unit and lower repair costs.
There are various types of package AC units that include gas/electric and all-electric models. All-electric models are an excellent option for climates that don’t need to be heated, while gas/electric units offer a solution for colder climates. There are also combination units that can be used to both heat and cool the same building, depending on the model selected.
Ductless AC Units
Ductless AC units, also referred to as mini-split system provide a more comfortable cooling experience without the need for air ducts. The system consists of an indoor wall mounted unit with an outdoor compressor as well as refrigerant tubes connecting the two components. The compressor draws cool air from the outdoor unit, and then pushes it through the interior air ducting. The system can also be used to heat your home using the same process reversed.
Ductless air conditioners are often an ideal solution for older homes or spaces which don’t have ductwork. They can also be used to cool or heat garages and sunrooms. Our technicians are able to install the system. The only thing they need to set up the system is access to the wall where your indoor unit will be mounted, and a suitable place to place the outdoor unit.
A ductless system can also provide zoned cooling comfort. It allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature in your space while guests are able to alter the temperature as they wish. This kind of system also offers greater energy efficiency, as no duct-related air loss is evident. Some manufacturers even offer rebates to encourage customers to use their new systems.
A multi-zone ductless unit is another option. It is made up of a single outdoor compressor that is connected to a number of indoor units. Each unit is situated in the location you’d like to cool or warm, and each has its own remote. This setup lets you control the temperature in each zone of your building. It is a popular option for commercial spaces that have multiple zones with different demands for cooling.
The indoor units all have air filters that eliminate pollutants and other pollutants from the air, making your place an environment that is healthier for both customers and employees. This is especially useful in restaurants and other eateries where the quality of the air is a key aspect of the customer’s overall experience.
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems are a cost-effective solution for various commercial spaces. They offer precise temperature control and zoning capabilities for various areas of the building, which allows occupants to customize their comfort preferences and improve productivity. They also help save energy by efficiently distributing heat, which makes them a sustainable solution throughout the year.
In VRF systems the outdoor unit is equipped with a compressor which circulates refrigerant by pipes to indoor units in various zones or room. The compressor modulates the speed to be in tune with the heating and cooling needs of each zone. This stops unnecessary cycles that waste energy. The evaporator coils inside the indoor units can also be used to provide heating, again with the system adjusting its operation accordingly.
Zoning capability makes VRF systems ideal for offices, hospitals, schools, and other commercial buildings with a diverse set of needs. The capability to simultaneously heat and cool individual spaces reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs. The quiet operation makes this system ideal for spaces where distractions are a concern.
Energy efficiency is a key benefit of VRF technology, and this can be seen in lower utility bills that come with the installation of the system. Additionally, the system’s capability to cool and heat multiple zones separately contributes to substantial energy savings when compared to other HVAC systems.
VRF systems can be used to decrease energy consumption for heating and cooling in existing ductwork that is typically not in good condition or does not have the capacity to handle the latest equipment. The system’s ability to rapidly adapt to changing conditions in the climate allows it to function more efficiently than other kinds of heating and cooling. This flexibility makes it a preferred option for offices as well as restaurants, hotels and other commercial buildings which frequently change their uses and occupying patterns. It’s ideal for large buildings going through renovations or construction because it is easy to retrofit existing ductwork and meet the specific requirements of the building. Contact the team at Mission Mechanical if you want to learn more about the ways that the VRF commercial system can improve your space. We’d be delighted to discuss the system with you and assist you to determine if it is the best heating and cooling solution for your company.
Chillers
A chiller is a specific type of HVAC system that increases the capacity of your commercial air conditioner. It works by cooling water and distributing it throughout your space, reducing the ambient air temperature and creating a relaxing space. This is an excellent option for industrial and large-scale facilities that need to cool the air and more.
There are two types of chillers: air cooled and water cooled. Both use absorption or vapor compression to cool liquid refrigerants which is then circulated through various temperatures. Air cooled chillers have fans that push air over the evaporator and condenser coils to remove excess heat. They are big in footprint and are typically situated in a mechanical room on the roof or in a basement. Water-cooled chillers come with a water box that connects to an external cooling method like cooling towers. They are typically smaller and have a smaller footprint than air cooled units.
Chillers are also able to be fitted with boilers, which allows them to heat your space in winter. This is an efficient way to conserve energy in a structure that requires both heating and cooling, or for areas that have seasonal fluctuations in demand. It’s more efficient to get warmth from a heating system than to draw it from outside air.
Maintaining your chiller, just like a packaged unit will increase its efficiency and lower the cost of your utility bills. Cleaning the evaporator, condenser and compressor, along with checking and servicing the compressed chiller are a few of the key maintenance tasks. If you are using water-cooled chillers and your facility has a water treatment system must be in good order to avoid corrosion and scaling.
The type of chiller that you select will be based on your budget and the requirements of your building. A packaged unit could be the ideal choice for small-sized businesses and residential areas, whereas industrial chillers, such as a VRF, is a more suitable solution for larger buildings with specific needs. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical can help you find the best solution for your building.