How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs typically have a more planned schedule than residential jobs. They require a better understanding of the equipment, and work during designated hours of operation.
The comfort of a comfortable indoor space can lead to more productive employees. Unmanaged or old HVAC systems can cause distractions due to uncomfortable temperatures and a stuffy environment.
Single Split System
There are a variety of commercial HVAC system options available for your building, including single split systems, multi-split systems VRF or VAV systems, and district cooling systems. It’s important to consider the size of your building and energy efficiency requirements, climate and your company’s sustainability objectives when determining what system is right for your business. A professional service provider, such as Jack Lehr, can help you select the ideal system for your requirements.
A single-split is a great choice for smaller spaces and individual rooms. It comprises an air conditioner, evaporator coil and furnace which work together to remove heat and cool air that is then circulated through ductwork throughout the building. These systems are usually less expensive to set up than central HVAC systems.
The major drawback with this kind of system is that it’s restricted to just one room, so if you need to cool and heat multiple areas or buildings, you’ll need to select another option. Multi-split systems are an excellent alternative for larger homes because they allow you to pair nine air handlers in the indoor area to only one outdoor unit.
These systems utilize heat pumps to transfer heat from warm to cooler areas, saving energy. They are also suitable for large offices and multi-tenant retail spaces since they offer individualized temperature control in every area of the building.
Although it is possible to have single-split systems in your house however, you might discover that multi-split systems are more cost-effective in the long run due to the higher efficiency in energy and the flexibility they offer. They’re also easier to maintain, and they can react faster to temperature changes than single-split units. They’re also more versatile because they can be used to cool or heat your home based on the season. This means that you can use them to create a comfortable, eco-friendly environment all year.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in many varieties, and the decision of the best one for your company is based on the layout and design of your building. The size of your facility as well as the number of rooms and their location are other important factors to take into account. Another thing to take into consideration is the kind of climate you have in the area you are located in. Systems like heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems can be adapted to different climates.
Single split systems are the most commonly used for smaller commercial buildings and offices. These are HVAC units with ductless construction that include separate air conditioning units and heaters. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser by refrigerant tubes. Both units are controlled by a thermostat. Single split systems are inexpensive to set up and are great for smaller offices and spaces. They are also easy to maintain, and if for some reason one unit stops working, it won’t impact the others.
The multi-split model builds on the single-split design by connecting multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit, using the latest inverter technology. Indoor units can be put on the wall, placed on the floor, or concealed in the ceiling for an appearance that is more discrete. These systems are great for medium-sized companies because they can help control temperatures across the entire space using individual controls.
Multi-split systems consume less energy than traditional forced-air systems since sensors integrated into the system detect small environmental changes and make minimal adjustments. This lets the system perform at a much greater energy efficiency than a traditional forced-air system and still provide optimal comfort for the occupants.
Another option for larger companies is a VRF or VRV system, which offers cooling and heating through an array of indoor air handlers connected to one or more outdoor units using refrigerant tubes. These systems are a good option for small-sized businesses, and are particularly efficient in large warehouses since they are able to cool the space without generating hotspots or burning up energy. They are also ideal for retail establishments and restaurants, as they can be installed in the ceiling or walls, or even in spaces with no existing ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
While most HVAC and cooling systems are classified into two categories, ductless or ducted, commercial VRF/VRV systems offer an unique set of advantages. These HVAC systems are at the forefront of technology and utilize inverter compressors to create climate zones which can be independently controlled. These systems offer precise temperature control to ensure that each zone meets the needs of its occupants. This allows for a wide range of temperature settings and the highest efficiency and uptime for the system.
In a commercial VRV/VRF, one outdoor unit is connected to several indoor units that can be placed on walls or ceilings and be placed together. These indoor air handling units are connected to the outdoor unit through refrigerant pipe. They can also be placed at a distance that is not too far from the outdoor unit, which allows for flexibility in design and installation.
The systems use a high-efficiency heat pump cycle which incorporates an electric resistance heater. These systems have multiple options for heat recovery that allow them to reuse heat that would otherwise go unused. This is an excellent option for businesses that need to maintain high temperatures and also 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 the space is activated by an inverter or zoning control remote the compressor closest to that space is shut down and the pressure decreases. Coolant from other compressors will then be pumped into the room to compensate. This process is known as volume displacement.
Because these systems are flexible they are popular for multifamily homes, office buildings shopping malls, as well as other large buildings with complicated floor plans. They are incredibly quiet to run and have simple controls that anyone can access.
Like all advanced technologies, a VRF/VRV device requires expert installation to maximize its reliability and efficiency. A certified technician is familiar with the system from top to bottom, and is also aware of the installation nuances which can make or break the performance and endurance of your new system.
Routine Maintenance
In addition to stopping breakdowns and reducing energy costs in commercial HVAC maintenance can also bring other benefits to business owners. For instance, maintaining an appropriate and comfortable temperature throughout the office boosts employee productivity and morale, especially when compared to a cold workplace. It also helps to prevent productivity loss due to discomfort or lack of concentration.
A commercial HVAC system requires routine inspections and tune-ups to avoid issues that could affect the operation of your business. A skilled technician will perform a wide range of tests and tasks to optimize the system to ensure optimal performance and uncover hidden issues that may lead to expensive and time-consuming repairs. If you choose a company that has a comprehensive maintenance checklist, you will be able to ensure that any issues are detected early and corrected before they become more serious.
In a routine maintenance visit technicians will check the electrical connections to the unit, belts, and motor. They will also check for indications of wear and damage, and ensure that the thermostats are calibrated correctly. In addition they will clean the evaporator and condenser coils to stop dust and dirt from building up within the system, causing obstructions and decreases in efficiency.
Air filters should be checked and replaced frequently. A clogged 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 to reduce the build-up.
A technician will also examine the drain pan to ensure it is sloped in a way that will stop condensation or water from building up. They will also make sure that the moving parts are lubricated so that they run smoothly.
A schedule of routine maintenance for a commercial HVAC unit can also assist in ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of a lease contract. Before leasing retail space, landlords and property managers usually require evidence of regular maintenance. Documentation of routine HVAC maintenance can prove that the tenant is committed to upkeep and will take care of the investment in the property.
No matter if you have a single split system multiple units, or a VRV/VRF system, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that it is operating correctly. During routine visits, a knowledgeable and reliable technician will identify and fix small problems before they escalate into larger and more costly ones.