How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to be more structured 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 space can lead to more productive employees. Unmanaged or old HVAC systems can cause distractions due to uncomfortable temperatures and a humid environment.
Single Split System
There are numerous commercial HVAC systems available for your building such as single split systems, multi-split systems, VRF and VAV systems, and district cooling systems. When deciding which system is the best one for your business, it’s important to consider the size of your building, its energy efficiency requirements, climate and sustainability goals. Working with a professional provider such as Jack Lehr can help you select the right system for your company.
Single-split systems work well for smaller spaces or even individual rooms. It comprises an air conditioning unit, evaporator coil and furnace that work together to extract cool air and heat, which is then circulated through ductwork that runs throughout the property. They are generally cheaper to install than central HVAC systems.
This kind of system comes with one major drawback it is that it can only heat or cool only one room. If you wish to cool or heat several rooms, you’ll need to choose another option. A multi-split system is an ideal solution for larger buildings because it lets you connect up to nine indoor air handlers to just one outdoor unit.
These systems utilize heat pumps to transfer heat from warm areas to cooler zones, which saves energy. These systems are also perfect for large office spaces or multi-tenant retail spaces because they can provide individual temperature control in every area of the building.
You can install a single-split unit in your home. However, you might find that multi-split systems will be more economical in the long run due to their greater energy efficiency and flexibility. They are also simpler to maintain and react faster to temperature changes than single-split units. They’re also more flexible since they can be utilized to heat or cool your home, based on the season. This means that you can use them to create a comfortable, sustainable living space all year long.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in a variety of types, and deciding which one is best for your company is based on the layout and design of your building. The size of your facility and the number of rooms, and their location are also important aspects to take into consideration. Another aspect to consider is the kind of climate you are experiencing in the area you are located in. Systems such as heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are able to adapt to different climates.
Single split systems are most frequent in smaller commercial structures and offices. These are ductless HVAC systems that include air conditioning units and furnaces 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 inexpensively and are ideal for offices and smaller spaces. They are also simple to maintain and if for reasons beyond their control, one unit ceases working, it won’t affect the other units.
Multi-split systems are a step up from single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units with an outdoor unit making use of advanced 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 perfect for small-sized businesses because they can regulate the temperature of the space with individualized controls.
Multi-split systems consume less energy than traditional forced-air systems due to sensors in the system can detect minor environmental changes and make minimal adjustments. This lets it operate at a higher energy efficiency level than a traditional system, but still delivering the best comfort for the occupants.
VRV or VRF is a different option for larger businesses. This system provides cooling and heating through the use of a series of indoor air handlers which are connected to one or more outdoor units by refrigerant tubes. These systems are a good option for small-sized businesses, and are particularly effective in large warehouses since they cool the space without creating hotspots and burning up energy. These systems are also great for restaurant and retail establishments because they can be positioned in the ceiling, on walls, or in an area without ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Commercial VRF/VRV Systems offer an exclusive set of benefits. While the majority of heating and cooling system are in one of two categories – ductless or ducted - commercial VRF/VRV offers an unique blend. These HVAC systems are up-to-date and utilize inverter compressors to create climate zones that can be controlled separately. These systems provide precise temperature control, making sure that each zone is able to meet the specific requirements of its occupants. This permits a range of temperature settings and the highest efficiency and uptime for the system.
In a commercial VRV/VRF, one outdoor unit is connected to a number of indoor units that can be mounted on walls or ceilings and grouped together. These indoor air handling systems connect to the outdoor unit via refrigerant pipes. They can be placed at a distance from the outdoor unit in order to allow for flexible design and installation.
The systems use a high-efficiency heat pump cycle that incorporates an electric resistance heater. These systems come with a variety of heat recovery options which allow them to reuse heat that would otherwise be unused. This is an excellent feature for businesses who need to keep their temperature high, but also want to reduce their carbon footprint.
In contrast to traditional duct systems, which usually require a separate indoor unit for each room they operate by adjusting the flow of refrigerant through each terminal unit. When an area is activated using an inverter or zoning control remote the compressor closest to the room is shut down and the pressure decreases. Then, coolant from other compressors is pumped into that space to compensate. This is referred to as volume displacement.
Because these systems are flexible they are a popular choice for multifamily homes, office buildings shopping malls, and other large buildings with complicated floor plans. They are extremely quiet and have controls that anyone can use.
A VRF/VRV requires skilled installation, as with any advanced technology. This will ensure its reliability and efficiency. A certified technician will know the system’s forward and backward directions as well as the installation nuances that can affect the performance of your new system and its longevity.
Routine Maintenance
In addition to stopping breakdowns and reducing costs for energy in commercial HVAC maintenance provides other benefits to business owners. For instance, maintaining a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the office can improve employee performance and morale, particularly when compared with a cold workplace. In addition, it helps stop the loss of productivity due to discomfort or lack of focus.
To prevent issues that could affect business operations commercial HVAC systems require routine checks and tune-ups. A technician will perform various tests and tasks to improve the performance of the system and uncover hidden problems that could result in costly and lengthy repairs. By selecting a firm that has a comprehensive maintenance checklist, you will be able to ensure that any potential problems are identified early and corrected before they become worse.
During a routine maintenance visit, the technician will inspect electrical connections, belts and motors. They will also look for any signs of wear or damage, and ensure that thermostats are calibrated properly. They will also clean the evaporator coils as well as the condenser to stop dirt from accumulating in the system. This could cause blockages and reduce efficiency.
Check and replace regularly air filters regularly and replace them. A blocked air filter could 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 the accumulation of dust.
A technician will also inspect the drain pan to make sure it is sloped properly to keep condensation and water from building up. They will also grease the moving parts to let them operate smoothly and efficiently.
A routine maintenance plan for a commercial HVAC system can also help in ensuring the lease agreement. When leasing retail space, landlords and property managers often require documentation of regular maintenance. The documentation of regular HVAC maintenance can show that the tenant is dedicated to maintaining the property and will take care of the investment in the property.
If you own a single split system multiple units or a VRV/VRF system, regular maintenance is vital to ensure that it is operating correctly. During regular visits, a skilled and reliable technician will be able to spot and fix minor issues before they turn into bigger and more costly ones.