How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to be more structured than residential HVAC jobs. They require a greater understanding of the equipment, and work during specified working hours.
The comfort of a comfortable indoor space can lead to more productive employees. Unmanaged or outdated HVAC systems can create distractions by creating uncomfortable temperatures and a stale atmosphere.
Single Split System
There are many commercial HVAC systems available for your building. These include single split systems and multi-splits, VAV systems and VRF systems, as well as district cooling systems. It is important to take into consideration the size of your building, energy efficiency requirements, climate, and your company’s sustainability goals when determining what system is suitable for your business. Engaging a professional service provider like Jack Lehr, can help you select the right system for your needs.
A single-split is a great option for smaller spaces and individual rooms. It is comprised of an air conditioner and evaporator coil that work together to remove the heat and cool the air. The air is then circulated throughout the property via ductwork. They are generally more affordable to install than central HVAC systems.
This kind of system has one disadvantage: it is able to only heat or cool a single room. If you’re looking to cool or heat multiple rooms, you will need to look for a different solution. Multi-split systems are ideal for larger properties since it allows you to connect up to nine indoor air handlers with just one outdoor unit.
These systems use heat pumps to transfer heat from warm areas to cooler areas, thereby saving energy. They are also suitable for large offices and multi-tenant retail spaces because they can provide individualized temperature control in each area of the building.
You can put in one-split units in your building. However, you may find the multi-split systems to be more affordable in the long run due to their increased energy efficiency and flexibility. They’re also easier to maintain and respond faster to temperature changes than single-split units. They’re also more versatile because they can be used to heat or cool your property, depending on the season. This means you can create a comfortable, sustainable environment all year round.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems are available in a variety of types, and deciding which one is best for your business depends 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 consider. The climate of your area is also a factor to consider. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) are ideally suited to different climates.
Single split systems are most popular for smaller commercial buildings and offices. These are ductless HVAC systems with air conditioning units and furnaces that operate separately. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser through refrigerant tubes. Both units are controlled by a thermostat. Single split systems can be set up inexpensively and are ideal for smaller offices and areas. They’re also easy to maintain, and in the event that one unit ceases working for any reason, it doesn’t impact the other units.
The multi-split system is built on the single-split design by connecting multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit, using the latest inverter technology. The indoor units can be mounted on walls and floor-standing or concealed in the ceiling to create an elegant and discreet appearance. These systems are ideal for medium-sized businesses since they can control the temperature of the space with individualized controls.
A multi-split system consumes less energy than a traditional forced-air system because built-in sensors detect small environmental changes and make small adjustments. This lets the system operate at a much higher energy efficiency than a conventional forced-air system, while ensuring optimal comfort for the occupants.
Another option for larger enterprises is a VRV or VRF system that provides heating and cooling through an assortment of indoor air handlers that are connected to outdoor units via refrigerant tubes. These systems can be suitable for mid-sized businesses, and they are particularly efficient for warehouses with large spaces because they are able to cool the space without creating hot spots or burning up energy. They’re also suitable for retail and restaurant establishments because they can be positioned in the ceiling or walls, or even in areas without ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
While the majority of HVAC and cooling systems are classified into two categories, ducted or ductless commercial VRF/VRV systems have an exclusive set of benefits. These cutting-edge HVAC systems utilize inverter technology compressors to create distinct climate zones that are independently controlled. These systems offer precise temperature control to ensure that each zone meets its occupant’s needs. This allows for a wide range of temperature settings, as well as the highest efficiency and uptime for the system.
In a commercial VRV/VRF system, one outdoor unit is connected to a number of indoor units that can be hung on ceilings or walls and then grouped together. These indoor air handling systems connect to the outdoor unit using refrigerant pipes. They can be set some distance away from the outdoor unit to allow for flexible design and installation.
The systems utilize the highest efficiency heat pumps cycle, which is backed by an electric resistance heating system. The systems also have a variety of heat recovery modes, which allow them to repurpose heat that would otherwise be wasted. This is a great feature for businesses that need to maintain high temperatures but also want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Contrary to traditional duct systems which often require a dedicated indoor unit for each room They operate by varying the flow of refrigerant to individual terminal units. When an area is activated using a zoning controller or inverter remote, the compressor closest to that room shuts off and its pressure decreases. Then, coolant from other compressors is pumped into the space to compensate. This is called volume displacement.
Because these systems are flexible, they are popular for multifamily homes, office buildings shopping malls, as well as other large structures with complex floor plans. They are extremely quiet to run, and they have simple controls that anyone can use.
A VRF/VRV needs expert installation, as is the case with any other advanced technology. This will maximize its efficiency and reliability. A certified technician knows the system from top to bottom, and will also be aware of the installation details that can make or break the performance and endurance of your new system.
Routine Maintenance
In addition to preventing breakdowns and reducing costs for energy, commercial HVAC maintenance also has other benefits to business owners. For example, keeping an even and comfortable temperature throughout the office boosts employee performance and morale, particularly when compared to a chilly work environment. Additionally, it can stop the loss of productivity due to discomfort or lack of concentration.
A commercial HVAC system requires regular inspections and tune-ups to prevent issues that could affect business operations. A skilled technician can perform various tests and tasks to optimize the system for optimal performance and to uncover problems that could lead to expensive and lengthy repairs. By selecting a firm that has a thorough maintenance checklist, you will be able to ensure that any problems are identified early and fixed before they get worse.
When you visit the maintenance center regularly technicians will check the unit’s electrical connections, belts, and motor. They will also look for indications of wear and damage and make sure that the thermostats are calibrated correctly. Additionally, they will clean condenser and evaporator coils to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating within the system, which can cause blockages and reduced efficiency.
Make sure to regularly check and replace air filters. A clogged filter restricts air flow and overloads the system, leading to reduced energy efficiency and possibly equipment failure. The technicians will also clean the ductwork, fan the flue, and plenum pipe to minimize the accumulation.
A technician will also examine the drain pan to ensure it is sloped in a way that will keep condensation and water from building up. They will also grease the moving parts to ensure that they operate smoothly.
A routine maintenance plan for commercial HVAC system also helps satisfy the terms of a lease agreement. Landlords and property management companies often require proof of regular maintenance prior to leasing out space to retail tenants. Documentation of regular HVAC maintenance proves that the tenant will maintain the property and is committed to its maintenance.
Routine maintenance is vital to ensure that your system is operating properly, whether you have one unit, multiple units or a VRV/VRF. When you perform routine maintenance, a trustworthy and skilled technician will be able to identify and address minor issues before they become more significant and more expensive.