Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems keep your company cool all day long. This helps to create an effective and healthy workplace.
When choosing a contractor for commercial AC installation, make sure they have the proper license and experience in working with these kinds of systems. This will ensure that they can find the right quantity for your space.
Packaged AC Units
There are a variety of HVAC systems that are available however a packaged AC system is the most common. These air conditioning systems integrate cooling and heating into one unit, making them an excellent option for commercial buildings with little space. These systems, also referred to as roof-top units, are typically seen in office buildings and malls.
In a typical packaged system, all the components are contained within an outdoor cabinet that is connected to the building via sheet metal ductwork. In the process of cooling or heating, the air enters through the ductwork and moves over the evaporator coils. The coolant inside of the evaporator coils absorbs the heat that is in the air and the blower motor inside the air conditioner releases the conditioned air back into the building. The coolant that is used up can be recirculated back through the evaporator and compressor to reuse it.
The components of a packaged system are located outside. This makes them smaller than a split-system, and they don’t require an indoor furnace. This kind of system can be easier to maintain since there aren’t any vents where insects or animals could nest. The components are also less prone to corrosion or weather damage.
Since they’re one unit they can be less expensive to set up than split systems. They are typically more energy efficient since they don’t require heating and cool multiple spaces like a split system.
The system also benefits of being built in a factory in which the components are not exposed to extreme temperatures. This leads to higher performance of the unit and lower repair costs.
There are different types of package ACs, including gas/electric or all-electric models. All-electric models are an excellent option for climates that don’t require being heated, while gas/electric units provide an option for colder regions. Depending on the model, there are even combinations that can be used for cooling and heating the same building.
Ductless AC Units
Mini-split AC units, also known as ductless AC units, offer more comfortable cooling without the use of air ducts. The system consists of an indoor wall mounted unit, an outdoor compressor and refrigerant tubes that connect the two components. The compressor pulls cool air from the outdoor unit, and then pushes it through the inside air ducting. The system can also be used to heat, using the same process in reverse to transfer heat from the outdoor unit and into your home.
Ductless air conditioning is usually the best option for older homes or spaces without ductwork. They’re also commonly employed to cool and heat garages, sunrooms, workshops and other spaces that wouldn’t benefit from conventional HVAC systems. The system is easily installed by our expert technicians. All they require to do is access to the wall on which your indoor unit will be placed, and a suitable location to place the outdoor unit.
A ductless system allows for zoned cooling comfort. This means that you can keep your home at a comfortable temperature while guests can remain at their preferred setting. This kind of system also offers greater energy efficiency, since no loss of air through ducts is present. Some brands offer incentives to encourage customers to purchase their new systems.
A multi-zone ductless system is an alternative option. It is made up of an outdoor compressor that is connected to multiple indoor units. Each unit is situated in the space that you’d like to cool or heat, and is controlled by its own remote. This configuration gives you the option of setting the temperature for each zone in your building, making it an ideal choice for commercial spaces with numerous areas that require different cooling requirements.
The indoor units each feature air filters that remove pollutants and other allergens from the air. making your place more healthy for employees and clients alike. This is particularly beneficial in restaurants and other eateries, where the quality of the air is a crucial element of the 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, allowing users to tailor their comfort preferences and improve productivity. They also offer energy savings by efficiently distributing heat, making them a green solution throughout the year.
In VRF systems the outdoor unit houses a compressor that circulates refrigerant through pipes to indoor units located in various rooms or zones. The compressor regulates its speed in order to precisely match the heating and cooling demands of each zone. This avoids unnecessary cycles that consume energy. The evaporator coils in the indoor units can also be used to provide heat in conjunction with the system adjusting its operation according to.
VRF systems are ideal for commercial buildings that have a variety of requirements. This includes offices, hospitals as well as schools and other commercial structures. The capability to simultaneously heat and cool the individual rooms reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs. The system’s quiet operation creates a more peaceful environment and improved security, making it suited for environments where distractions are a concern.
The VRF system is known for its energy efficiency, which is observed in the lower utility bills. The ability of the system to heat and cooling multiple zones in a single system is also a major source of savings in energy compared to other HVAC technologies.
VRF systems can also be used to decrease energy consumption for heating and cooling in existing ductwork that is typically not in good shape or does not have the capacity to handle the latest equipment. The system’s ability to quickly adapt to changing climate conditions enables it to operate more efficiently than other kinds of cooling and heating. This flexibility makes it a preferred option for offices and restaurants, hotels and other commercial buildings that frequently change their use and occupying patterns. It’s also ideal for large buildings undergoing renovations or construction, as it’s easy to retrofit existing ductwork to meet specific building requirements. Contact the team at Mission Mechanical if you want to learn more about the ways a VRF commercial system can enhance your space. We’d love to discuss this system with you and assist you in deciding if it is the right heating/cooling solution for your company.
Chillers
A chiller is an HVAC system that increases your commercial air conditioner’s capacity. It chills water and spreads it across the space to create a relaxing environment. This is a great solution for industrial and large-scale installations that need to cool more than the air.
There are two primary chillers: air cooled and water cooled. Both use absorption or vapor compression to cool a refrigerant that 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 typically located in a mechanical or basement room with a huge footprint. Water-cooled chillers come with an water box that is connected to an external cooling system like a tower. These chillers are often smaller and have a lower footprint than air-cooled units.
Chillers can also be fitted with boilers, allowing them to heat your space in winter. This is a great method to reduce energy consumption for buildings that need both cooling and heating or areas where the demand for energy fluctuates during the seasons. It’s more efficient to get the heat from a heating unit than to take it from the outside air.
Maintaining your chiller, just like a packaged unit will improve its efficiency and reduce your utility bills. Cleaning the evaporator, condenser and compressor, along with inspecting and servicing the compressor, are some of the main maintenance tasks. If you are using a water-cooled chiller or water treatment system, your facility’s water treatment system should be in good condition to prevent scaling and corrosion.
The kind of chiller you choose depends on the requirements of your building and your budget. A packaged unit could be the best option for small-sized businesses and residential spaces, while industrial chillers, such as a VRF, is a more suitable solution for larger structures with special requirements. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical can help you determine the best solution for your building.