How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC roles tend to have a more structured schedule than jobs for residential workers. They require a greater understanding of the equipment, and work during designated business hours.
A comfortable indoor environment can lead to more productive employees. Unmanaged or outdated HVAC systems can cause distractions by creating uncomfortable temperatures and a stuffy atmosphere.
Single Split System
There are a range of commercial HVAC systems that can be found for your building. These include single split systems as well as multi-splits as well as VAV systems or VRF systems and district cooling systems. It is important to take into consideration the size of your space and energy efficiency requirements, climate and your company’s sustainability goals in determining which system is suitable for your business. A professional service such as Jack Lehr can help you choose the best system for your business.
Single-split systems are great for smaller or isolated rooms. It is comprised of an air conditioning unit, evaporator coil and furnace that work together to remove cool and warm air, which is then circulated through ductwork throughout the building. These systems are typically cheaper to install than central HVAC systems.
This type of system has one disadvantage it is that it can only heat or cool one room. If you wish to cool or heat multiple rooms, you’ll have to choose another option. Multi-split systems are an excellent option for larger buildings because they allow you to pair nine indoor air handlers with only one outdoor unit.
These systems use heat pumps to transfer heat from warm areas to cooler zones, which saves energy. These systems are also ideal for large office spaces or multi-tenant retail spaces because they can provide individual temperature control in each area of the building.
You can put in one-split units in your building. However, you might discover that multi-split systems can be more economical in the long term due to their greater efficiency in energy and flexibility. They’re also easier to maintain, and they can react faster to temperature changes than single-split units. They’re also more versatile because they can be used to cool or heat your home, based on the season. This means that you can create a comfortable, sustainable environment all year round.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in many types, and deciding the best one for your company is based 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 type of climate in the area you are in is another factor to consider. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) are ideally suited to different climates.
Single split systems are the most popular for smaller commercial buildings and offices. They are ductless HVAC systems that include air conditioning units and furnaces that operate independently. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler which is connected to a condenser by refrigerant tubes. Both units are controlled by thermostats. Single split systems can be set up at a low cost and are great for offices and smaller spaces. They’re also easy to maintain and in the event that one of them stops working for any reason, it doesn’t affect the other units.
Multi-split systems are an improvement on single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units with an outdoor unit using the latest inverter technology. Indoor units can be erected on the wall, set on the floor, or concealed in the ceiling to create a an appearance that is more discrete. These systems are ideal for medium-sized companies because 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 sensors built into the system detect minor environmental fluctuations and make minor adjustments. This lets the system operate with a higher energy efficiency than a traditional forced-air system, while ensuring the best comfort for those who use it.
VRV or VRF is a different alternative for larger businesses. This system can provide cooling and heating through a series indoor air handlers that are connected to a single or multiple outdoor units via refrigerant tubes. These systems are a good choice for mid-sized businesses and are particularly effective in large warehouses, as they can cool the space without generating hotspots or burning up energy. These systems are also great for restaurants and retail stores since they can be installed in the ceiling, on walls or even in an area that does not have ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Although the majority of heating and cooling systems are classified into two categories, ducted or ductless commercial VRF/VRV systems provide an exclusive set of benefits. These cutting-edge HVAC systems use inverter technology compressors to create individual climate zones that can be independently controlled. These systems offer precise temperature control, ensuring that each zone is able to meet the exact needs 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, an outdoor unit is connected with several indoor units that can be mounted on walls or ceilings. These indoor air handling systems are connected to the outdoor unit using refrigerant pipes. They can be installed a reasonable distance away from the outdoor unit to allow for 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 that allow them to reuse heat that would otherwise be unused. This is a great feature for businesses who need to maintain high temperatures, but also want to reduce their carbon footprint.
These systems work differently than traditional duct systems. Instead of having an indoor unit that is dedicated to each space, they operate by varying the flow of refrigerant to each terminal unit. When the room is activated by a zoning remote or a zone controller, the compressor that is closest to the area shuts down and its pressure drops. Then coolant from other compressors is pumped into that space to compensate. This is called volume displacement.
Because these systems are so flexible, they are popular for multifamily offices, homes shopping malls, as well as other large structures with complex floor plans. They are extremely quiet to operate and have simple controls that anyone can utilize.
Like all advanced technologies, a VRF/VRV device requires expert installation to increase its efficiency and reliability. A certified technician understands the system inside and out, and will also be aware of the details of installation that could determine the performance and longevity of your new system.
Routine Maintenance
Commercial HVAC maintenance offers additional benefits to business owners, aside from the prevention of failures and reduction in costs. The ability to maintain a comfortable and constant temperature in the office can boost employee morale and performance, especially compared to an uninviting work environment. In addition, it helps help to prevent productivity loss due to discomfort or a lack of focus.
A commercial HVAC system requires routine inspections and tune-ups to avoid problems that could disrupt the operation of your business. Technicians will conduct various tests and tasks to maximize the efficiency of the system and discover hidden issues that could lead to costly and disruptive repairs. By choosing a company with an extensive maintenance checklist, you can ensure that any potential issues are caught early and corrected before they get any more serious.
When a routine maintenance check-up is scheduled technicians will examine the electrical connections, belts, and motors. They will also look for any signs of wear or damage and check that thermostats are calibrated correctly. They will also clean the evaporator coils and condenser to prevent dirt from accumulating within the system. This can cause blockages and reduce efficiency.
Make sure to regularly check and replace air filters on a regular basis and replace them. A blocked filter can impede air flow and can overload the system, resulting in decreased energy efficiency and possible equipment failure. Technicians will also clean the ductwork, fan the flue, and plenum pipe in order to reduce the accumulation.
Finally an expert will examine the drain pan to ensure it is sloped correctly to avoid condensation or water build-up. They will also lubricate all moving parts to make them run smoothly and efficiently.
A routine maintenance schedule for commercial HVAC unit will also help in meeting the conditions and terms of a lease agreement. Before leasing retail space, landlords and property managers typically require evidence of regular maintenance. Documentation of routine HVAC maintenance shows that the tenant will maintain the property and is committed to its upkeep.
No matter if you have a single split system multiple units, or VRV/VRF systems, regular maintenance is vital to ensure that it is operating correctly. During routine visits, a skilled and reliable technician will be able to spot and address small issues before they turn into bigger and more costly ones.