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 greater knowledge of the equipment, and generally work within specific business hours.
Comfortable indoor environments lead to more productive employees. Poorly managed or outdated HVAC systems can cause distractions due to uncomfortable temperatures and a humid conditions.
Single Split System
There are numerous commercial HVAC system options available for your building, including single split systems, multi-split systems VRF or VAV systems, as well as district cooling systems. It is important to take into consideration the size of your building as well as the energy efficiency requirements, climate and your company’s sustainability objectives in determining which system is right for your business. Working with a professional provider like Jack Lehr can help you choose the best system for your business.
Single-split systems work well for smaller spaces or even individual rooms. It comprises an air conditioning unit, evaporator coil and furnace that work together to extract cool and warm air that is then circulated through ductwork that runs throughout the property. They are generally cheaper to install than central HVAC systems.
This type of system has one major drawback: it is able to only cool or heat one room. If you want to cool or heat multiple rooms, you’ll need to look for a different solution. Multi-split systems are ideal for larger buildings because it allows you to connect up to nine indoor air handlers with just one outdoor unit.
These systems use heat pumps to transfer heat from warm to cooler areas, thereby saving energy. They are also suitable 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-split units in your building. However, you may discover that multi-split systems can be more cost-effective over the long-term because of their higher efficiency in energy and flexibility. They are also simpler to maintain and respond quicker to temperature fluctuations than single-split units. They also offer more flexibility and can be used for heating or cooling your home depending on the season. This means that you can use them to create a comfortable, sustainable living space all year long.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems are available in many different designs. The layout and design of the building will determine which type of system is ideal for your business. The size of your facility as well as the number of rooms, and their location are other important factors to consider. Another thing to take into consideration is the kind of climate that you can expect in the area you are located in. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flows (VRF) are ideally suited to different climates.
Single split systems are most frequent in smaller commercial structures and offices. They are ductless HVAC systems with furnaces and air conditioning units that operate in a separate manner. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser unit equipped with refrigerant tubing. A thermostat controls the operation of both units. Single split systems are affordable to install and ideal for smaller offices and spaces. They are also simple to maintain and if some reason one unit stops functioning, it won’t affect the others.
Multi-split systems are an improvement over single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit by using advanced inverter technologies. Indoor units can be erected on the wall, laid on the floor or hidden in the ceiling to create a a more discrete appearance. These systems are perfect for medium-sized business because they can control the temperature throughout a space using individualized controls.
Multi-split systems use less energy than traditional forced-air systems because sensors in the system can detect small environmental fluctuations and make minor adjustments. This lets it operate at a higher efficiency than a conventional system, yet still providing optimal comfort to occupants.
A VRF or VRV is another option for larger businesses. This system can provide heating and cooling via a series indoor air handlers which are connected to one or more outdoor units through 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 creating hotspots and wasting energy. These systems are also ideal for retail and restaurant locations as they can be mounted in the ceiling, walls or even in an area that does not have ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
While most HVAC and cooling systems fall into two categories, ductless or ducted, commercial VRF/VRV systems offer a unique blend of benefits. These HVAC systems are up-to-date and make use of inverter compressors create climate zones that can be controlled separately. These systems offer precise temperature control, which ensures that each zone meets the exact requirements of its occupants. This allows for a variety of temperatures, and also the highest efficiency and uptime for the system.
In a commercial VRV/VRF the outdoor unit is connected to several indoor units that can be mounted on the walls or ceilings. These indoor air handling systems connect to the outdoor unit via refrigerant pipes. They can also be placed at a distance that is not too far from the outdoor unit, allowing for flexibility in design and installation.
These systems employ the highest efficiency heat pumps cycle that incorporates an electric resistance heating system. These systems have multiple heat recovery options which allow them to reuse heat that would otherwise be unused. This is a great feature for businesses who need to maintain high temperature however, they also want to reduce their carbon footprint.
These systems work differently than traditional duct systems. Instead of having an indoor unit for each space, they operate by varying refrigerant flow to each terminal unit. When a room is activated via an zoning remote, or a zone controller, the compressor nearest the space is shut down and its pressure drops. Then, coolant from other compressors is pumped into that space to compensate. This process is known as volume displacement.
Because these systems are so flexible they are an ideal choice for multifamily offices, homes, shopping malls, and other large facilities with complex floor plans. They are extremely quiet to run, and they have simple controls that anyone can use.
Like all advanced technologies, a VRF/VRV system requires expert installation to maximize its reliability and efficiency. A certified technician will know the system backwards and forwards, as well as all of the installation nuances that can affect the system’s performance and longevity.
Routine Maintenance
In addition to preventing breakdowns and reducing energy consumption in commercial HVAC maintenance also has additional benefits for business owners. The ability to maintain a comfortable and constant temperature within the office can enhance the morale of employees and their performance in particular when compared with the cold and chilly workplace. It also helps to prevent productivity loss due to discomfort or lack of concentration.
To avoid problems that may disrupt the business process, commercial HVAC systems require regular checks and tune-ups. A skilled technician can perform various tests and tasks to optimize the system to ensure optimal performance and uncover hidden issues that could result in costly and lengthy repairs. If you choose a company that has a thorough maintenance checklist, you will be able to make sure that any potential issues are caught early and addressed before they become worse.
During a regular maintenance visit technicians will check the electrical connections to the unit as well as belts and motor. They will also check for signs of wear and tear, and make sure that the thermostats are calibrated correctly. Additionally, they will clean evaporator and condenser coils to stop dust and dirt from accumulating in the system, which can cause obstructions and decreases in efficiency.
Air filters must be inspected and replaced frequently. A clogged filter restricts air flow and overworks the system, leading to decreased energy efficiency and possible equipment failure. The technicians will also clean the ductwork, fan plenum and flue or vente pipe in order to reduce accumulation.
Finally, a technician will inspect the drain pan and make sure it is sloped correctly to prevent condensation or water build-up. They will also grease all moving parts to help them run smoothly and efficiently.
A routine maintenance schedule for commercial HVAC unit can also help satisfy the terms and conditions of a lease contract. Landlords and property management companies often require proof of regular maintenance prior to leasing space to retail tenants. Documentation of regular HVAC maintenance shows that the tenant will maintain the property and is committed to its maintenance.
Routine maintenance is crucial to ensure that your system is operating correctly, whether you own one unit, several units, or VRV/VRF. During regular visits, a skilled and reliable technician will spot and address small issues before they escalate into larger and more expensive ones.