Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems keep your company cool throughout the day. This can help create an efficient, healthy work environment.
When choosing a contractor for commercial AC installation, ensure that they have the proper license and experience in working on these types of systems. This will guarantee that they will find the correct tonnage for your area.
Packaged AC Units
There are a variety of HVAC systems available, but one of the most commonly used for commercial spaces is a packaged AC unit. These air conditioning systems combine cooling and heating into one unit which makes them a great option for commercial buildings with little space. Also called roof top units, these types of systems are often seen in office buildings and shopping malls.
In a standard packaged unit, all components are housed in an outdoor cabinet that connects to the building with sheet metal ductwork. When the cooling or heating process is in progress, the air enters through the ductwork and flows through the evaporator coils. The coolant inside the evaporator coils sucks up the heat in the air, and the blower motor inside the air conditioner then pushes that conditioned air into the building. The coolant used is returned to the compressor and evaporator coils so that it can be reused.
Since the parts of a packaged unit are all housed outside, they are more compact than a traditional split system, and don’t require an indoor furnace. This type of system is typically more maintenance-friendly because there aren’t any ducts to allow insects or animals to build nests in, and the components are less likely to suffer from rust or other weather damage.
Since they’re a single unit they can be less expensive to set up than split systems. They are also usually more energy efficient, since they do not have the same requirements as traditional split systems that has to provide cooling and heating to multiple rooms.
The system also has the advantage of being constructed in an industrial facility, where components are not exposed to extreme temperatures. This leads to more efficient unit and lower repair costs.
There are a variety of package AC units which include gas/electric and all-electric models. Gas/electric units are an alternative for those who live in areas that are warmer. All-electric models are ideal in warmer climates where heating isn’t required. There are also combinations units that can be used to both heat and cool the same structure, based on the model you choose.
Ductless AC Units
Ductless AC units, which are also known as mini-split systems 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 that join the two components. The compressor pulls cool air from the outdoor unit and pushes it through the indoor air ducting. The system can also be used to heat your home by using the same method reversed.
Ductless air conditioners are usually a better solution for older homes and rooms which don’t have ductwork. They are also used to heat and cool sunrooms, garages, workshops, and other rooms which wouldn’t be a good fit for traditional HVAC solutions. The system can be installed easily by our professional technicians. All they require to do is access to the wall where your indoor unit is placed, and a suitable place to mount the outdoor unit.
The use of ductless systems allows for zoned cooling comfort. You can keep an ideal temperature in your space while guests are able to alter the temperature according to their preferences. This type of system also has a higher energy efficiency because no duct-related loss of air is evident. Some brands offer rebates to encourage customers to utilize their new systems.
Another option is a multi-zone ductless system that has one outdoor compressor connected to multiple indoor units. Each unit resides in the space you’d like to cool or heat, and is controlled by its own remote. This configuration lets you manage the temperature in every area of your building. It is a popular choice for commercial spaces with many different zones with varying needs for cooling.
Each indoor unit comes with air filters that eliminate allergens and pollutants, resulting in a healthier space for your employees and clients. This is especially useful in restaurants and other eateries, where the quality of the air is an important component of the customer’s overall experience.
Variable Refrigerant flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems are a cost-effective solution for commercial spaces of all kinds. They provide precise temperature control and zoning options for different areas of the building, enabling users to tailor their personal preferences in terms of comfort and productivity. They also provide a green solution because they efficiently re-distribute heat.
In VRF systems, the outdoor unit houses a compressor which circulates refrigerant through pipes to indoor units located in different zones or rooms. The compressor adjusts the speed to match precisely with the heating and cooling needs of each area. This prevents unnecessary cycling that wastes energy. The indoor units’ coils for evaporation can be used to heat the room. In addition, the system will adjust its operation according to the temperature.
VRF systems are perfect for commercial buildings that have a variety of requirements. This includes hospitals, offices as well as schools and other commercial structures. The ability to simultaneously heat and cool the individual rooms reduces energy use and maintenance. The quiet operation makes the system ideal for spaces that are sensitive to distractions.
The VRF system is renowned for its energy efficiency, which is seen by the lower costs for utilities. Additionally, the system’s ability to heat and cool several zones in a single unit can result in significant energy savings compared to other HVAC technologies.
VRF systems can also be used to cut down on the amount of energy used in ductwork that is not in good shape or does not have the capacity to accommodate modern equipment. The system’s ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions in the climate makes it operate more efficiently than other types of heating and cooling. This flexibility makes it a popular option for commercial buildings such as restaurants, hotels and office spaces that change their occupancy patterns and usage frequently. The system is ideal for large buildings undergoing renovations or construction, as it’s easy to retrofit existing ductwork to meet specific building requirements. Contact us at Mission Mechanical if you want to know more about the ways that the VRF commercial system can benefit your space. We’d love to discuss this system with you, and help you decide whether it is the ideal heating or cooling solution for your business.
Chillers
A chiller is an HVAC system that can increase your commercial air conditioner’s capacity. It chills water and spreads it across the space to create a relaxing environment. This is an excellent option for industrial and large-scale installations that need to cool more than just the air.
There are two types of chillers – air cooled and cooled by water. Both utilize absorption or compression of vapor to cool a refrigerant, which is then cycled through different temperatures. The chillers that are air-cooled use fans to blow air over the coils of the condenser or evaporator to take out heat. They are large in size and are usually located in an area for mechanical cooling on the roof or in the basement. Water-cooled chillers have 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 are also available with boilers that can be used to heat your room in winter. This is a great way to save energy in a building that requires both cooling and heating or for areas that have seasonal fluctuations in demand. It’s more efficient to obtain warmth from a heating system rather than to take it from the outside air.
Maintaining your chiller, just as a packaged unit, will increase its efficiency and lower your utility bills. The most important maintenance tasks include cleaning the condenser and evaporator and checking and servicing the compressor, and performing regular oil changes. If you use a chiller that is water-cooled or water-cooled, the water treatment system inside your facility must be in good shape to avoid corrosion and scaling.
The type of chiller you choose will depend on your budget and the needs of your building. A packaged unit is the best option for small businesses or homes. However a VRF chiller or industrial chiller may be a better solution for larger structures. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical can help you determine the best solution for your building.
