How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to be more organized than residential HVAC jobs. They require a more in-depth understanding of the equipment and typically work within specified business hours.
Comfortable indoor environments lead to more productive employees. Unmanaged or old HVAC systems can lead to distractions due to uncomfortable temperatures and a humid atmosphere.
Single Split System
There are numerous commercial HVAC systems available for your building, including single split systems, multi-split, VRF and VAV systems, as well as district cooling systems. It is important to take into consideration the dimensions of your building, energy efficiency requirements, climate and your company’s sustainability objectives when deciding which HVAC system is best for your business. Working with a professional provider like Jack Lehr can help you choose the best system for your business.
A single-split system is an excellent option for smaller and for rooms that are not a single room. It is made up of an air conditioner and an evaporator coil which work together to eliminate the heat and cool the air. The air is then circulated throughout the property via ductwork. They are typically more affordable than central HVAC systems.
The main drawback of this type of system is that it’s limited to one room, so if you need to cool and heat multiple areas or buildings, you’ll need to choose a different option. Multi-split systems are a great option for larger properties, as they allow you to connect nine air handlers in the indoor area to only one outdoor unit.
These systems utilize heat pumps to transfer heat from warm areas to cooler areas, thereby saving energy. They’re also ideal for large office spaces and multi-tenant retail space since they offer individualized temperature control for each part of the building.
While it’s possible to install a single-split system installed in your home but you may consider a multi-split system is more cost-effective in the long run due to the greater energy efficiency and flexibility they offer. They can also be easier to maintain and are able to respond quicker than single-split systems to changes in temperatures. They are also more versatile in that they can be used for heating or cooling your home based on the season. This means you can create a comfortable and sustainable environment all year round.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in a variety of varieties, and the decision of which system is right for your business depends on the layout and style of your building. The size of your facility as well as the number of rooms and their location are all important aspects to take into consideration. Another factor to consider is the kind of climate you are experiencing in your region. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flows (VRF) are well-suited to various climates.
Single split systems are the most popular for smaller commercial buildings and offices. These are ductless HVAC units that feature furnaces and air conditioning units that operate independently. Each space has an indoor air handler connected to a condenser unit equipped with refrigerant tubing. A thermostat controls the operation of both units. Single split systems can be installed inexpensively and are ideal for smaller offices and spaces. They are also easy to maintain and if one unit ceases functioning for any reason, it doesn’t affect the other units.
Multi-split systems are a step up from single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units with one outdoor unit using the latest inverter technology. The indoor units can be wall-mounted and floor-standing or concealed in the ceiling for an elegant and discreet appearance. These systems are perfect for small-sized businesses since they allow for the control of temperatures across the entire space using specific controls.
Multi-split systems use less energy than traditional forced-air systems because built-in sensors detect small environmental changes and make minor adjustments. This enables it to operate at a greater energy efficiency than a traditional system, but still delivering optimal comfort to occupants.
Another option for larger companies is a VRF or VRV system, which offers heating and cooling through a series of indoor air handlers connected to one or more outdoor units by refrigerant tubes. These systems are a good choice for mid-sized businesses and are particularly efficient in large warehouses, as they cool the space without generating hotspots or burning up energy. They are also ideal for retail and restaurant establishments since they can be installed in the ceiling or on walls or even in areas that has no ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Commercial VRF/VRV Systems provide an exclusive set of advantages. While most HVAC and cooling systems fall into one of two categories – ducted or ductless commercial VRF/VRV provides an unique blend. These HVAC systems are at the forefront of technology and make use of inverter compressors create climate zones that can be controlled separately. These systems provide precise temperature control to ensure that each zone meets the needs of its occupants. This allows for a wide range of temperature settings, as well as the highest efficiency and uptime for the system.
In the commercial VRV/VRF system one outdoor unit is connected to multiple indoor units that can be mounted on ceilings or walls and connected. These indoor air handling systems are connected to the outdoor unit using refrigerant pipes. They can be set at a distance from the outdoor unit in order to allow for flexible design and installation.
These systems employ a high-efficiency heat pumps cycle with an integral backup electric resistance heating system. These systems come with a variety of heat recovery options, which allows them to reuse heat that would otherwise go unused. This is a great option for businesses that need to maintain high temperatures, but also want to reduce their carbon footprint.
These systems operate differently than traditional duct systems. Instead of requiring an indoor unit that is dedicated to each space, they operate by varying refrigerant flow to each terminal unit. When a room is activated via the zoning remote or zone controller, the compressor closest to the area shuts down and its pressure drops. Coolant from other compressors will then be pumped into the room to compensate. This is referred to as volume displacement.
Because these systems are so flexible they are popular for multifamily homes, office buildings, shopping malls, and other large buildings with complicated floor plans. They are extremely quiet and have controls that anyone can operate.
Like all advanced technologies, a VRF/VRV system requires expert installation in order to maximize its reliability and effectiveness. A certified technician knows the system from top to bottom and will also know all the installation nuances which can determine the performance and durability of your new system.
Routine Maintenance
Commercial HVAC maintenance offers other benefits to business owners, apart from stopping failures and reducing costs. The ability to maintain a comfortable and constant temperature within the office can enhance employee morale and performance, especially compared to the cold and chilly workplace. It can also help prevent productivity loss due to discomfort or a lack of concentration.
A commercial HVAC system requires routine checks and tune-ups in order to avoid issues that could impact the business. A skilled technician will perform a wide range of tests and tasks to optimize the system for optimal performance and discover hidden problems that could lead to expensive and disruptive repairs. By choosing a company with an extensive maintenance checklist, you will be able to make sure that any potential issues are detected early and addressed before they get any more serious.
During a regular maintenance visit the technician will examine the electrical connections of the unit as well as belts and motor. They will also look for signs of wear or damage, and make sure that thermostats are calibrated properly. In addition, they will clean condenser and evaporator coils to stop dust and dirt from building up in the system, which causes blockages and reduced efficiency.
Air filters must be inspected and replaced regularly. A blocked filter can impede air flow and overworks the system, resulting in reduced energy efficiency and possibly equipment failure. Technicians also clean the ductwork, fan flue, and plenum pipe to minimize the accumulation of dust.
A technician will also examine the drain pan to ensure it is sloped properly to prevent water or condensation from accumulating. They will also lubricate the moving parts so that they operate smoothly.
A routine maintenance schedule for a commercial HVAC unit can also assist in ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of a lease agreement. Property management companies and landlords typically require proof of routine maintenance prior to leasing space to retail tenants. Providing documentation of regular HVAC maintenance can prove that the tenant is committed to upkeep and will take care of the investment of the property.
Whether you have a single split system, multiple units or a VRV/VRF system, regular maintenance is essential to ensure that it is operating correctly. During regular visits, a skilled and reliable technician will spot and address small issues before they turn into bigger and more costly ones.