How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs are generally more formal than residential HVAC jobs. They require a greater understanding of the equipment and typically work within specified working hours.
Comfortable indoor environments make for more productive employees. Old or unmanaged HVAC systems can cause distractions due to uncomfortable temperatures and a stale environment.
Single Split System
There are many commercial HVAC systems for your building. They include single split systems as well as multi-splits, VAV systems or VRF systems as well as district cooling systems. It is essential to consider the dimensions of your space, energy efficiency requirements, climate and your company’s sustainability goals in determining which 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 system 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 building via ductwork. They are typically more affordable than central HVAC systems.
The main drawback of this type of system is that it’s restricted to just one room therefore if you’re looking to cool and heat multiple areas or buildings, you’ll need to opt for an alternative. Multi-split systems are a great alternative for larger homes, as they allow you to pair nine indoor air handlers to only one outdoor unit.
These systems are equipped with heat pumps that move waste heat from warm areas to cooler areas to help conserve energy. These systems are also ideal for large office spaces or multi-tenant retail spaces since they offer individual temperature control in each area of the building.
Although it is possible to have single-split systems in your house but you may consider multi-split systems is more efficient in the long term due to the greater energy efficiency and flexibility they provide. They’re also simpler to maintain and are able to respond faster than single-split systems to changes in temperatures. They also have more versatility in that they can be used for heating or cooling your home depending on the season. This means you can create a cozy, sustainable environment all year round.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in a variety of forms, and deciding which system is right for your company is based on the layout and style of your building. Additionally, you must consider the size of your building, the size and location of rooms. Another thing to take into consideration is the type of climate you are experiencing in the area you are located in. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flows (VRF) are well-suited to different climates.
Single split systems are the most popular for smaller commercial buildings and offices. They are HVAC units with ductless construction that include separate air conditioning units as well as heaters. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser unit with refrigerant tubing. Both units are controlled by thermostats. Single split systems are inexpensive to install and are ideal for offices and smaller spaces. They are also easy to maintain, and if for any reason, one unit stops working, it won’t affect the others.
The multi-split system is built on the single-split system by connecting multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit using advanced inverter technology. Indoor units can be erected on the wall, laid on the floor, or concealed in the ceiling for a more discrete appearance. These systems are ideal for medium-sized businesses since they can control temperature throughout a space using specific controls.
Multi-split systems use less energy than traditional forced-air systems because sensors built into the system detect small 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 another option for larger companies. This system can provide cooling and heating through a series indoor air handlers which are connected to a single or multiple outdoor units by refrigerant tubes. These systems can be suitable for mid-sized companies, and are particularly effective for warehouses that are large because they can cool spaces without creating hot spots or using up energy. These systems are also suitable for restaurant and retail establishments as they can be mounted in the ceiling, walls, or in an area that does not have ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
While most HVAC and cooling systems are divided into two categories: ducted or ductless commercial VRF/VRV systems provide an exclusive set of benefits. These HVAC systems are cutting-edge and utilize inverter compressors to create climate zones that can be controlled separately. These systems offer precise temperature control to ensure that each zone is able to meet the needs of its occupants. This permits a range of temperatures, and also the highest efficiency and uptime for the system.
In a commercial VRV/VRF, an outdoor unit is connected to several indoor units that can be hung on ceiling or walls. These indoor air handling units connect to the outdoor unit using refrigerant pipes. They can be placed at a distance from the outdoor unit in order to allow for a more flexible design and installation.
The systems use high-efficiency heat pump cycles that uses an integral backup electric resistance heater. These systems have multiple options for heat recovery, which allows them to reuse heat that would otherwise go unused. This is an excellent feature for companies that have to maintain high temperatures, but also need to reduce their carbon footprint.
They operate differently from traditional duct systems. Instead of having a dedicated indoor unit per space, they function by varying refrigerant flow to each terminal unit. When the space is activated by a zoning controller or inverter remote the compressor closest to that room is shut off and its pressure decreases. Coolant from other compressors will be pumped into the room to compensate. This is known as volume displacement.
Because these systems are flexible they are an ideal choice for multifamily offices, homes shopping malls, as well as other large facilities with complex floor plans. They are extremely quiet to operate, and they have simple controls that anyone can access.
Like all advanced technologies, a VRF/VRV device requires expert installation to increase its efficiency and reliability. A certified technician will know the system’s forward and backward directions and all of the installation nuances that can make or break the performance of your new system and its longevity.
Routine Maintenance
In addition to stopping breakdowns and reducing energy consumption and energy costs, commercial HVAC maintenance provides additional benefits for business owners. For instance, maintaining a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the office improves employee productivity and morale, particularly when compared to a cold work environment. Additionally, it can prevent the loss of productivity due to discomfort or a lack of concentration.
A commercial HVAC system requires routine inspections and tune-ups to avoid issues that could impact the operation of your business. A skilled technician will carry out various tests and tasks to optimize the system for optimal performance and uncover hidden problems that could cause costly and disruptive repairs. You can make sure that any potential issues are detected early and rectified before they get worse by selecting a service that offers an extensive checklist.
During a regular maintenance visit technicians will check the electrical connections of the unit, belts, and motor. They will also look for signs of wear or damage. They will also ensure that thermostats are calibrated properly. In addition they will clean the condenser and evaporator coils in order to prevent dirt and dust from building up in the system, which can cause obstructions and decreases in efficiency.
Regularly check and replace air filters regularly and replace them. A clogged air filter can hinder air flow, overload the system, and lead to equipment failure. The technicians will also clean the ductwork, fan the flue, and plenum pipe in order to reduce accumulation.
In the end the technician will check the drain pan and ensure it is sloped properly to prevent condensation or water build-up. They will also lubricate the moving parts to let to run smoothly and efficiently.
A regular maintenance schedule for commercial HVAC system also helps satisfy the terms of a lease agreement. Landlords and property management companies often require proof of regular maintenance before leasing out space to retail tenants. Documentation of regular HVAC maintenance will prove that the tenant is dedicated to maintaining the property and will take care of the investment of the property.
No matter if you have one split system, multiple units or VRV/VRF systems, regular maintenance is vital to ensure that it is operating correctly. When it comes to routine maintenance, a trusted and skilled technician will be able to identify and address minor issues before they become larger and cost more.