How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs typically have a more structured schedule than jobs for residential workers. They require a greater understanding of the equipment, and are required to work during specific working hours.
Comfortable indoor environments lead to more productive employees. Unmanaged or old HVAC systems can cause distractions because of uncomfortable temperatures and a stuffy atmosphere.
Single Split System
There are numerous commercial HVAC systems available for your building including single split systems, multi-split, VRF or VAV systems, as well as district cooling systems. It’s important to consider the dimensions of your building as well as the energy efficiency requirements, climate, and the sustainability goals of your company when determining what system is right for your business. A professional service like Jack Lehr can help you choose the best system for your company.
Single-split systems work well for smaller spaces or even individual rooms. It consists of an air conditioning unit, evaporator coil and furnace that work together to extract cool air and heat and circulate it through ductwork throughout the building. These systems are usually cheaper to install than central HVAC systems.
This kind of system has one disadvantage it can only cool or heat a single room. If you want to cool or heat several rooms, you’ll need to look for a different solution. Multi-split systems are a great option for larger properties as they permit you to pair nine indoor air handlers with only one outdoor unit.
These systems feature heat pumps that move waste heat from warmer areas to cooler ones to save energy. They’re also great for large office spaces and multi-tenant retail space because they can provide individualized temperature control in every area of the building.
While it’s possible to have a single-split system installed in your home however, you might find that installing multi-split systems are more economical in the long run due to the greater efficiency in energy and the flexibility they provide. They are also easier to maintain, and they can respond quicker to temperature fluctuations than single-split units. They’re also more flexible since they can be utilized to heat or cool your property, depending on the season. You can create a comfortable and sustainable environment with them all year.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems are available in a variety of forms, and deciding the best one for your business is contingent on the layout and style of your building. Also, you should consider the size of your building, the room size and the location. Another aspect to consider is the kind of climate you are experiencing in your area. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) are well-suited to different climates.
Single split systems are most commonly used for smaller offices and commercial buildings. These are ductless HVAC systems that include air conditioning units and furnaces that operate separately. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser unit that has refrigerant tubing. A thermostat controls the operation of both units. Single split systems are inexpensive to install and are ideal for offices and smaller spaces. They are also simple to maintain, and if for reasons beyond their control, one unit ceases working, it won’t affect the other units.
Multi-split systems are an improvement over single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units to an outdoor unit using advanced inverter technologies. The indoor units can be wall-mounted or floor-standing, or hidden within the ceiling for a more discrete appearance. These systems are perfect for medium-sized businesses since they can control the temperature of a room with individual controls.
Multi-split systems use less energy than traditional forced-air systems because sensors built into the system are able to detect small environmental changes and make small adjustments. This enables it to operate at a higher energy efficiency than a traditional system, while still delivering the highest level of comfort to the people who use it.
VRV or VRF is a different alternative for larger businesses. This system provides heating and cooling via the use of a series of indoor air handlers that are connected to one or more outdoor units by refrigerant tubes. These systems are a good fit for midsize companies, and are particularly effective for warehouses that are large since they can cool spaces without creating hot spots or using up energy. These systems are also ideal for retail and restaurant locations as they can be mounted in the ceiling, on walls, or in an area with no ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
While most HVAC and cooling systems are classified into two categories, ducted or ductless commercial VRF/VRV systems provide an unique set of advantages. These advanced HVAC systems utilize inverter technology compressors to create distinct climate zones that can be independently controlled. These systems provide precise temperature control to ensure that each zone meets the requirements of its occupants. This allows for a broad range of temperature settings and the highest efficiency and uptime for the system.
In the commercial VRV/VRF system one outdoor unit is connected to a number of indoor units that can be mounted on walls or ceilings and placed together. These indoor air handling units are connected to the outdoor unit via refrigerant piping. They can also be situated at a distance that is not too far from the outdoor unit, which allows for an adaptable design and installation.
These systems use a high-efficiency heat pumps cycle that incorporates an electric resistance heating system. These systems have multiple heat recovery options that allow them to reuse heat that would otherwise be unused. This is an excellent option for businesses that need to keep their temperature high, but also want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Unlike traditional duct systems, which usually require a separate indoor unit for each space They are operated by varying the flow of refrigerant between individual terminal units. When the room is activated by an zoning remote, or a zone controller, the compressor closest to that space shuts down and its pressure decreases. Then, coolant from other compressors is pumped into that space to compensate. This process is known as volume displacement.
These systems are popular because they are able to be used in a variety of ways. They are typically employed in multifamily homes, offices, shopping malls and other buildings with complicated floor plans. They are incredibly quiet to operate and come with simple controls that anyone can use.
Like all advanced technology, a VRF/VRV requires expert installation to maximize its efficiency and reliability. A certified technician will know the system’s forward and backward directions as well as all of the installation nuances that can affect the performance of your new system and its longevity.
Routine Maintenance
In addition to stopping breakdowns and reducing energy consumption, commercial HVAC maintenance provides other benefits for business owners. For example, keeping an appropriate and comfortable temperature throughout the office can improve employee productivity and morale, particularly when compared with a cold workplace. It also helps to prevent productivity loss due to discomfort or a lack of concentration.
To avoid problems that may disrupt business operations, commercial HVAC systems require routine inspections and tune ups. A skilled technician can perform many tests and tasks to optimize the system to ensure optimal performance and to uncover issues that could result in costly and disruptive repairs. You can make sure that any potential issues are detected early and corrected before they worsen by choosing a company that offers an extensive checklist.
When you visit the maintenance center regularly, a technician will inspect the electrical connections of the unit belts, motor, and electrical connections. They will also look for indications of wear and damage and make sure that the thermostats are calibrated correctly. They will also clean the evaporator coils and condenser in order to prevent dirt from building up in the system. This can cause blockages and decrease efficiency.
Make sure to regularly check and replace air filters on a regular basis and replace them. A blocked air filter could limit air flow, cause overwork to the system, and lead to equipment failure. Technicians will also inspect and clean the blower assembly, ductwork the fan, plenum or vent pipe to minimize build-up.
Finally, a technician will inspect the drain pan to ensure it is properly sloped to avoid condensation or water build-up. They will also grease the moving parts to let them operate smoothly and efficiently.
A schedule of routine maintenance for commercial HVAC unit will also help in meeting the conditions of a lease agreement. Before leasing retail space, landlords and property managers often require evidence of regular maintenance. Documentation of regular HVAC maintenance proves that the tenant will maintain the property and is committed to its maintenance.
No matter if you have a single split system multiple units, or a VRV/VRF system, routine maintenance is essential to keep it operating properly. During regular visits, an experienced and reliable technician will identify and address small issues before they turn into bigger and more costly ones.