How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs typically have a more structured schedule than residential jobs. They require a deeper understanding of the equipment, and are required to work during specific business hours.
Comfortable indoor environments lead to more productive employees. Unmanaged or outdated HVAC systems can create distractions by creating uncomfortable temperatures and a stuffy environment.
Single Split System
There are a range of commercial HVAC systems for your building. These include single split systems, multi-splits as well as VAV systems or VRF systems and district cooling systems. It is important to take into consideration the dimensions of your space as well as the energy efficiency requirements, climate and your company’s sustainability objectives when determining what system is best for your business. Working with a professional provider such as Jack Lehr can help you choose the best system for your business.
Single-split systems are great for smaller spaces or even individual rooms. It is comprised of an air conditioner, evaporator coil, and furnace that work together to extract cool air and heat that is then circulated through ductwork throughout the building. These systems are usually cheaper than central HVAC systems.
The main drawback of this type of system is that it’s limited to just one room If you want to heat and cool multiple areas or buildings, you’ll need to opt for another option. Multi-split systems are a great option for larger properties as they permit you to connect nine indoor air handlers with only one outdoor unit.
These systems make use of heat pumps to transfer heat from warm to cooler zones, which saves energy. They’re also ideal for large office spaces and multi-tenant retail space because they provide individual temperature control for each part of the building.
You can install one single-split system in your building. However, you may discover that multi-split systems can be more affordable in the long term because of their higher energy efficiency and flexibility. They are also simpler to maintain, and they can respond faster to temperature changes than single-split units. They also offer more flexibility, as they can be used for heating or cooling your property depending on the season. You can create a comfortable and sustainable living space with them all year round.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems are available in many different forms. The design and layout of the building will determine which type of system is the best for your company. Additionally, you must consider the size of your building, as well as the size and location of rooms. Another aspect to consider is the type of climate that you can expect in your region. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) are well-suited to various climates.
Single split systems are common in 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 which is connected to a condenser via refrigerant tubes. A thermostat controls the operation of both units. Single split systems can be installed at a low cost and are great for offices and smaller areas. They are also easy to maintain, and if for some reason one unit stops working, it won’t affect the other units.
Multi-split systems are a step up from single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units to an outdoor unit using the latest inverter technology. The indoor units can be mounted on walls or floor-standing, or hidden within the ceiling to create an elegant and discreet appearance. These systems are ideal for medium-sized business because they can regulate the temperature throughout a space using individual controls.
Multi-split systems use less energy than traditional forced-air systems since sensors built into the system are able to detect small environmental changes and make small adjustments. This enables it to operate at a greater energy efficiency than a traditional system, yet still providing the best comfort for the occupants.
A VRF or VRV is a different option for larger companies. The system offers heating and cooling via the use of a series of indoor air handlers that are connected to a single or multiple outdoor units by refrigerant tubes. These systems are a good choice for mid-sized businesses and they’re especially efficient in large warehouses since they are able to cool the space without generating hotspots or burning up energy. They’re also suitable for retail establishments and restaurants, as they can be put on the ceiling or in the walls or even in a space that has no ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Although the majority of HVAC and cooling systems are classified into two categories, ductless or ducted commercial VRF/VRV systems have an exclusive set of benefits. These advanced HVAC systems utilize inverter technology compressors to create unique climate zones that can be independently controlled. These systems offer precise temperature control to ensure that each zone is able to meet its occupant’s needs. This allows for a variety of temperatures, as well as maximum efficiency in energy and system uptime.
In a commercial VRV/VRF system, one outdoor unit is connected to several indoor units that can be placed on ceilings or walls and grouped together. These indoor air handling systems connect to the outdoor unit using refrigerant pipes. They can be installed at a distance from the outdoor unit in order to permit a flexible design and installation.
These systems utilize high-efficiency heat pump cycles that incorporates an electric resistance heater. The systems also have multiple heat recovery modes, which allow them to reuse heat that could otherwise be wasted. This is a great option for businesses that want to keep their temperatures high, but also need to reduce their carbon footprint.
In contrast to traditional duct systems, which usually require a separate indoor unit for each room, these systems work by varying the flow of refrigerant between the individual terminal units. When the space is activated by an inverter or zoning control remote the compressor closest to that space is shut off and its pressure decreases. Then, coolant from other compressors is pumped into the space to compensate. This is called volume displacement.
These systems are popular because they are flexible. They are commonly used in multifamily houses, offices, shopping malls and other large structures with elaborate floor plans. They are extremely quiet and have controls that anyone can operate.
A VRF/VRV needs expert installation, as is the case with any other advanced technology. This will increase its efficiency and reliability. A certified technician is familiar with the system from top to bottom and is also aware of the details of installation that could make or break the performance and endurance of your new system.
Routine Maintenance
In addition to stopping breakdowns and reducing costs for energy, commercial HVAC maintenance provides other benefits for business owners. For instance, maintaining a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the office can improve the performance of employees and boosts morale, particularly when compared to a cold work environment. Additionally, it can help to prevent productivity loss due to discomfort or lack of concentration.
A commercial HVAC system requires routine inspections and tune-ups to prevent issues that could impact business operations. A skilled technician can perform a wide range of tests and tasks to optimize the system for optimal performance and uncover hidden issues that may result in costly and disruptive repairs. By selecting a firm that has a comprehensive maintenance checklist, you will be able to ensure that any problems are identified early and fixed before they get worse.
In a routine maintenance visit technicians will examine the electrical connections, belts and motors. They will also look for any signs of wear or damage. They will also check that thermostats are calibrated correctly. Additionally they will clean the condenser and evaporator coils to prevent dirt and dust from building up within the system, which can cause obstructions and lower efficiency.
Make sure to regularly check and replace air filters. A clogged air filter can limit air flow, cause overwork to the system and lead to equipment failure. Technicians will also inspect and clean the blower assembly, ductwork plenum, fan and flue or vent pipe in order to minimize the build-up.
In the end, a technician will inspect the drain pan and make sure it is sloped properly to avoid condensation or water build-up. They will also grease the moving parts to let to run smoothly and efficiently.
A routine maintenance plan for commercial HVAC system also helps satisfy the terms of a lease agreement. Property management companies and landlords typically require proof of routine maintenance before leasing out space to retail tenants. Documentation of regular HVAC maintenance shows that the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property and is committed to its maintenance.
Whether you have one split system, multiple units or VRV/VRF systems, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that it is operating correctly. When you perform routine maintenance, a reliable and experienced technician will identify and fix minor problems before they become more significant and cost more.