How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to be more formal than residential HVAC jobs. They require a deeper understanding of the equipment and are required to work during specific working hours.
The comfort of a comfortable indoor environment leads to more productive employees. Unmanaged or old HVAC systems can lead to distractions because of uncomfortable temperatures and a humid environment.
Single Split System
There are a variety of commercial HVAC system options available for your building such as single split systems, multi-split, VRF or VAV systems, and district cooling systems. When deciding which system is ideal for your company, it’s important to consider the size of your building, energy efficiency needs, climate and sustainability goals. Working with a professional provider like Jack Lehr can help you choose the best system for your company.
Single-split systems are ideal for smaller or isolated rooms. It is comprised of an air conditioner, evaporator coil, and furnace which work together to remove cool and warm air, which is then circulated through ductwork throughout the property. These systems are generally less expensive than central HVAC systems.
This type of system has one disadvantage it can only heat or cool only one room. If you wish to cool or heat multiple rooms, you’ll need to select a different option. Multi-split systems are a great solution for larger properties because it lets you connect up to nine indoor air handlers using just one outdoor unit.
These systems utilize heat pumps to transfer heat from warm to cooler zones, which saves energy. These systems are also perfect for large retail spaces or offices with multiple tenants because they can provide individual temperature control in each area of the building.
It is possible to install one single-split system in your home. However, you may find that multi-split systems will be more cost-effective over the long term due to their increased efficiency in energy and flexibility. They are also simpler to maintain, and they can react faster to temperature changes than single-split units. They are also more flexible because they can be used to cool or heat your property, depending on the season. You can create a comfortable and sustainable living space with them all year long.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems are available in a variety of different designs. The layout and design of the building will determine which system is ideal for your business. Also, you should consider the size of your building, the number and location of rooms. The climate of your area is also a factor to consider. Systems like heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems adapt well to different climates.
Single split systems are the most common for smaller offices and commercial buildings. These are ductless HVAC systems with air conditioning units and furnaces that operate independently. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser by refrigerant tubes. Both units are controlled by a thermostat. Single split systems are affordable to install and are ideal for smaller offices and spaces. They’re also simple to maintain, and if one of them stops working for any reason, it won’t affect 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. Indoor units can be mounted on the wall, placed on the floor, or concealed in the ceiling to give an appearance that is more discrete. These systems are great for medium-sized business because they can regulate the temperature throughout a space using individualized controls.
A multi-split system consumes less energy than a traditional forced-air system due to the fact that sensors built into the system detect minor environmental changes and make minor adjustments. This lets the system perform at a much greater energy efficiency than a traditional forced-air system while still providing optimal comfort for the occupants.
A VRV or VRF is a different alternative for larger businesses. This system provides heating and cooling via a series indoor air handlers that are connected to a single or multiple outdoor units by refrigerant tubes. These systems are a good fit for midsize businesses, and they are especially efficient for large warehouses because they can cool a space without creating hot spots or burning up energy. They’re also suitable for retail establishments and restaurants because they can be installed in the ceiling or walls, or even in areas that has no ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Commercial VRF/VRV Systems provide unique benefits. While the majority of HVAC systems are in one of two categories – ductless or ducted commercial VRF/VRV provides an exclusive mix. These HVAC systems are at the forefront of technology and make use of inverter compressors create climate zones which can be independently controlled. These systems offer precise temperature control to ensure that each zone is able to meet the requirements of its occupants. This allows for a broad range of temperature settings and the highest efficiency and uptime for the system.
In a commercial VRV/VRF, one outdoor unit is connected to multiple indoor units that can be mounted on walls or ceilings and connected. These indoor air handling units are connected to the outdoor unit via refrigerant pipes. They can be set a reasonable distance away from the outdoor unit in order to allow for flexible design and installation.
The systems utilize a high-efficiency heat pumps cycle that incorporates an electric resistance heating system. The systems also have multiple heat recovery modes, allowing them to repurpose heat that could otherwise be wasted. This is an excellent feature for businesses who need to keep their temperature high and also reduce their carbon footprint.
Contrary to traditional duct systems which typically require an indoor unit for each space they are operated by adjusting the flow of refrigerant to the individual terminal units. When a room is activated via an zoning remote, or a zone controller, the compressor that is closest to that space shuts down and the pressure drops. Then coolant from other compressors is pumped into that space to compensate. This is called volume displacement.
They are popular because they are flexible. They are often used in multifamily houses and offices, shopping malls, and other large buildings with complex floor plans. They are incredibly quiet to run and come with simple controls that anyone can access.
Like all advanced technologies, a VRF/VRV device requires expert installation in order to maximize its reliability and efficiency. A certified technician will be familiar with the system’s forward and backward directions, as well as all of the installation nuances that could affect your new system’s performance and longevity.
Routine Maintenance
Commercial HVAC maintenance can bring additional benefits for business owners, in addition to the prevention of failures and reduction in costs. Maintaining a comfortable and consistent temperature in the office can improve the performance of employees in particular when compared with an icy work environment. Additionally, it can help to prevent productivity loss due to discomfort or a lack of focus.
A commercial HVAC system requires routine checks and tune-ups in order to avoid issues that could impact business operations. A technician will perform various tests and tasks in order to maximize the efficiency of the system and identify hidden issues which could lead to costly and disruptive repairs. By choosing a company with an extensive maintenance checklist, you can make sure that any potential problems are identified early and fixed before they become worse.
During a routine maintenance visit technicians will examine electrical connections, belts and motors. They will also check for signs of wear and tear, and make sure that the thermostats are calibrated properly. Additionally they will clean the evaporator and condenser coils to stop dust and dirt from building up in the system, which can cause blockages and reduced efficiency.
Check and replace regularly air filters on a regular basis and replace them. A blocked filter can impede air flow and can overload the system, resulting in lower energy efficiency and the possibility of equipment failure. Technicians will also clean the ductwork, fan, flue, and plenum pipe to prevent the accumulation.
Technicians will also check the drain pan to make sure it is sloped correctly to keep condensation and water from accumulating. They will also make sure that the moving parts are lubricated so that they can run smoothly.
A regular maintenance schedule for a commercial HVAC system also helps satisfy the terms of a lease agreement. When leasing retail space, landlords and property managers typically require documentation of regular maintenance. Documentation of regular HVAC maintenance shows that the tenant has taken care of the property and is committed to its upkeep.
Whether you have a single split system multiple units or VRV/VRF systems, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure it’s running properly. During routine visits, a knowledgeable and reliable technician will be able to spot and fix minor issues before they escalate into larger and more costly ones.