Types of Commercial Air Conditioners

Commercial air conditioning systems keep your business cool all day long. This helps to create a healthy and productive working environment.

When selecting a contractor for commercial AC installation, make sure they are licensed and experienced in working with these kinds of systems. This will ensure they are able to determine the right tonnage for your location.

Packaged AC Units

There are many different HVAC systems available however, one of the most popular for commercial spaces is a packaged AC unit. These kinds of air conditioning units combine cooling and heating into one system making them a fantastic option for commercial spaces that need to reduce space. Also called roof top units, these types of systems are usually found in shopping malls.

In a typical packaged unit, all of the components are contained in an outdoor cabinet that is connected to the building via sheet metal ductwork. During the cooling/heating process the air is pushed through the ductwork and flows through the evaporator coils. The coolant within the evaporator coils absorbs heat in the air, and the blower motor inside the air conditioner pushes that conditioned air into the building. The coolant used is recirculated back through the compressor and evaporator coils so that it can be reused.

The parts of a packaged system are placed outside. This makes them smaller than a split system, and they don’t need an indoor furnace. This type of system is usually more maintenance-friendly because there are no ducts for animals or insects to make nests in, and the parts are less prone to suffering from weather or rust damage.

Packaged units are cheaper to install because they are one unit. They are usually more energy efficient, since they don’t require heating and cool multiple spaces as split systems do.

This system also has the advantage of being constructed in factories in which components aren’t exposed to extreme temperatures. This leads to a higher performance of the unit and lower repair costs.

There are different types of package ACs, including all-electric or gas/electric models. All-electric models are a good option for climates that don’t require being heated, while gas/electric units offer a solution for colder regions. There are even combination units that can be used to heat and cool the same structure, based on the model you choose.

Ductless AC Units

Ductless AC units, which are often referred to as mini-split systems offer a more pleasant cooling experience without the need for air ducts. The system consists of an indoor wall-mounted unit as well as an outdoor compressor and refrigerant tubing to connect the two components. The compressor pulls cool room air through the outdoor unit and pushes it through the indoor air ducting. The system can also be used to heat your home by making use of the same process reversed.

Ductless air conditioners are often an ideal solution for older homes and rooms without ductwork. These systems can also be utilized to cool or heat sunrooms and garages. The system is easily installed by our expert technicians. All they require to do is access to the wall where your indoor unit will be placed, and a suitable place to mount the outdoor unit.

A ductless system can also provide zoned cooling comfort. This means that you can keep your space at a moderate temperature while allowing your guests to maintain their preferred temperature. This type of system also offers greater energy efficiency, as no duct-related air loss is evident. Some brands offer rebates to encourage customers to utilize their new systems.

A multi-zone ductless unit is a different option. It is comprised of a single outdoor compressor that is connected to multiple indoor units. Each unit is located in the location you’d like to cool or warm, and each has its own remote. This configuration allows you to have the flexibility to set the temperature for each zone in your building, making it a popular choice for commercial buildings with multiple areas that require different cooling requirements.

The indoor units each feature air filters that take out pollutants and other allergens from the air, making your workplace an environment that is healthier for clients and employees alike. This is particularly useful in restaurants, where air quality is a major element in the overall experience of customers.

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems

VRF systems provide a cost-effective alternative for commercial spaces. They offer precise temperatures and zoning features for various areas of the building, enabling users to tailor their preferences for comfort and increase productivity. They are also a sustainable solution because they efficiently re-distribute heat.

In VRF systems, the outdoor unit houses a compressor which circulates refrigerant through pipes to indoor units in different zones or rooms. The compressor modulates the speed so that it is in line with the cooling and heating needs of each zone. This avoids unnecessary cycling, which is a waste of energy. The indoor units’ coils for evaporation can be used to heat the room. The system will alter its operation based on the temperature.

Zoning capabilities make VRF systems ideal for offices, hospitals, schools, and other commercial buildings with a diverse array of needs. The capability to simultaneously heat and cool each space reduces energy consumption overall and maintenance costs. The system’s low-noise operation results in a quieter space and more privacy, making it suitable for areas where distractions are a concern.

Efficiency in energy is a major benefit of VRF technology, and it can be seen in the lower utility bills that come with implementing the system. The ability of the system to heat and cooling multiple zones in a single system is also a major source of savings in energy when compared to other HVAC technology.

VRF systems can be used to decrease energy consumption for heating and cooling in existing ductwork that is typically not in good condition or isn’t able to handle newer equipment. The system’s ability to rapidly adapt to changing climate conditions enables it to operate more efficiently than other forms of cooling and heating. This flexibility makes the system an ideal choice for commercial buildings, such as hotels, restaurants and office spaces that alter their occupancy patterns and usage frequently. The system is ideal for large structures that are under construction or renovation because it is easy to retrofit existing ductwork and satisfy specific building requirements. If you’re interested to learn more about the ways that commercial VRF system can improve your workplace, please get in touch with the team at Mission Mechanical. We’d love to discuss this system with you, and help you decide whether it is the right heating/cooling solution for your company.

Chillers

A chiller is an HVAC system that maximizes the capacity of your commercial air conditioner. It chills water and distributes it throughout the room to create a comfortable environment. This is a great option for industrial or large-scale facilities with a need to cool the air and more.

There are two primary types of chillers: water cooled and air cooled. Both use vapor compression or absorption refrigeration to cool liquid refrigerants that is then circulated through various temperatures. Air-cooled chillers have fans that blow air over the evaporator and condenser coils to eliminate heat. They are usually located in a mechanical or basement room that has a large footprint. Water-cooled chillers come with a water box that is connected to an external cooling system, like a tower. These chillers are smaller and have smaller footprints than air-cooled units.

Chillers can also be fitted with boilers, allowing them to heat your home during winter. This is a great method to save energy for buildings that require heating and cooling or for spaces where demand fluctuates seasonally. For instance, it’s much more efficient to draw heat from a boiler than to extract it from the cold air outside.

Maintaining your chiller, just as a packaged unit, will improve its efficiency and reduce the cost of your utility costs. Some key maintenance tasks include cleaning the condenser and evaporator and inspecting and servicing the compressor and oil changes. If you are using water-cooled chillers and your facility has a water treatment system should be in good order to avoid corrosion and scaling.

The kind of chiller you pick depends on the needs of your establishment and your budget. A packaged chiller is the best choice for small businesses and residential areas, whereas industrial chillers or a VRF is a more suitable solution for larger structures with special needs. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical can help you choose the ideal solution for your building.

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