How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to be more organized than residential HVAC jobs. They require a greater understanding of the equipment, and are required to work during specific hours of operation.
A comfortable indoor environment can result in more productive employees. Old or poorly managed HVAC systems can lead to distractions because of uncomfortable temperatures and a humid atmosphere.
Single Split System
There are a variety of commercial HVAC systems available for your building such as single split systems, multi-split systems, VAV or VRF systems, and district cooling systems. When deciding which one is best for your business, it’s important to take into account the size of your building, energy efficiency requirements and climate goals. A professional service provider, such as Jack Lehr, can help you select the ideal system to meet your needs.
A single-split system is a great option for smaller spaces and rooms that are separate. It is comprised of an air conditioner, evaporator coil, and furnace which work together to remove cool air and heat that is then circulated through ductwork throughout the property. They are generally cheaper to install than central HVAC systems.
This kind of system comes with one disadvantage it is that it is able to only heat or cool one room. If you want to cool or heat multiple rooms, you’ll need to look for a different solution. Multi-split systems are a great option for larger buildings as they permit you to connect nine indoor air handlers with just one outdoor unit.
These systems have heat pumps that transfer waste heat from warm areas to cooler ones to help conserve energy. They’re also great for large offices and multi-tenant retail spaces because they provide individual temperature control in each area of the building.
While it’s possible to have a single-split system installed in your home but you may find that installing multi-split systems are more cost-effective in the long run because of the increased energy efficiency and flexibility they provide. They’re also simpler to maintain and are able to respond quicker than single-split systems to changes in temperatures. They’re also more flexible since they can be used to heat or cool your home, based on the season. You can create a cozy and sustainable environment with them all year round.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in many types, and deciding which system is right for your business is contingent on the layout and style of your building. Also, you should consider the size of your building, the room size and the location. The type of climate in your area is another consideration. Systems such as heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are able to adapt to different climates.
Single split systems are the most popular for smaller offices and commercial buildings. They are ductless HVAC systems that include furnaces and air conditioning units that operate in a separate manner. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser through refrigerant tubes. A thermostat is the sole control for both units. Single split systems can be installed cheaply and are perfect for offices and smaller areas. They are also simple to maintain and if for any reason, one unit stops working, it won’t affect the others.
Multi-split systems are an improvement on single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units with a single outdoor unit by using the latest inverter technology. Indoor units can be put on the wall, set on the floor, or concealed in the ceiling to create a an elegant appearance. These systems are perfect for medium-sized companies because they can help control temperatures throughout the space by utilizing individualized controls.
A multi-split system uses less energy than a traditional forced-air system due to the fact that sensors built into the system detect minor environmental fluctuations and make minor adjustments. This allows the system to perform at a much greater energy efficiency than a traditional forced-air system while still providing optimal comfort for occupants.
Another option for larger businesses is a VRF or VRV system, which offers cooling and heating via an array of indoor air handlers that are connected to one or more outdoor units via refrigerant tubes. These systems are a great choice for mid-sized businesses and are particularly efficient in large warehouses, since they cool the space without generating hotspots or wasting energy. They are also ideal for retail establishments and restaurants, as they can be positioned in the ceiling or on walls or even in spaces with no existing ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
While most HVAC and cooling systems fall into two categories, ducted or ductless commercial VRF/VRV systems provide a unique blend of benefits. These HVAC systems are cutting-edge and utilize inverter compressors to create climate zones that can be controlled separately. These systems provide precise temperature control to ensure that each zone is able to meet the requirements of its occupants. This allows for a variety of temperature settings, and also the highest efficiency and uptime for the system.
In a commercial VRV/VRF the outdoor unit is connected with several indoor units which can be mounted on ceiling or walls. These indoor air handling systems connect to the outdoor unit via refrigerant pipes. They can be set a reasonable distance away from the outdoor unit to allow for a more flexible design and installation.
They utilize a high-efficiency heat pump cycle which incorporates an electric resistance heater. They also come with multiple modes for heat recovery, allowing them to reuse heat that could otherwise be wasted. This is a great feature for companies that want to maintain high temperature however, they also want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Unlike traditional duct systems, which typically require an indoor unit for each room, these systems operate by adjusting the flow of refrigerant between the individual terminal units. When a room is activated by the zoning remote or zone controller, the compressor nearest that space shuts down and its pressure decreases. Coolant from other compressors will then be pumped into the room to compensate. This is referred to as volume displacement.
These systems are popular because they are flexible. They are typically used in multifamily houses and offices, shopping malls, and other large structures with complex floor plans. They are extremely quiet to run and come with simple controls that anyone can access.
As with all modern technologies, a VRF/VRV device requires expert installation in order to maximize its reliability and effectiveness. A certified technician will be familiar with the system’s back and forward directions and the installation nuances that can affect the performance of your new system and its longevity.
Routine Maintenance
In addition to the prevention of breakdowns and reduction in costs for energy in commercial HVAC maintenance also has other benefits for business owners. Maintaining a comfortable and consistent temperature in the office can improve the performance of employees particularly when compared to an uninviting work environment. Additionally, it can prevent the loss of productivity due to discomfort or a lack of concentration.
To prevent issues that could affect the operation of a business, commercial HVAC systems require regular inspections and tune-ups. A skilled technician will perform a wide range of tests and tasks to optimize the system to ensure optimal performance and to uncover issues that could lead to expensive and time-consuming repairs. You can make sure that any potential issues are detected early and corrected before they become worse by selecting a company that offers an extensive checklist.
In a routine maintenance visit the technician will check the electrical connections, belts and motors. They will also look for signs of wear and damage, and ensure that the thermostats are calibrated correctly. They will also clean the evaporator coils as well as the condenser in order to prevent dirt from building up in the system. This can cause blockages and reduce efficiency.
Air filters should be checked and replaced on a regular basis. A blocked filter can impede air flow and overloads the system, resulting in lower energy efficiency and the possibility of equipment failure. Technicians will also clean the ductwork, fan, the flue, and plenum pipe to minimize the accumulation of dust.
Then an expert will examine the drain pan and ensure it is sloped correctly to avoid water or condensation build-up. They will also lubricate the moving parts so that they run smoothly.
A schedule of routine maintenance for commercial HVAC unit will also help in meeting the conditions and terms of a lease contract. Before leasing retail space, landlords and property managers typically require documentation of regular maintenance. Documentation of routine HVAC maintenance shows that the tenant has taken care of the property and is committed to its upkeep.
No matter if you have one split system, multiple units or a VRV/VRF system, routine maintenance is essential to ensure it’s running properly. During routine visits, a knowledgeable and reliable technician will identify and fix minor issues before they become larger and more expensive ones.