Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems are designed to keep your company cool throughout the day. This promotes a healthy, productive work environment.
When choosing a contractor to do commercial AC installation, make sure they are licensed and skilled in working on these types of systems. This will ensure they are able to determine the correct quantity for your space.
Packaged AC Units
There are many HVAC systems available, but a packaged AC system is the most well-known. These types of air conditioning units combine the cooling and heating process in one unit making them a fantastic option for commercial spaces that require to reduce space. Also known as roof top units, these kinds of systems are often seen in office buildings and shopping malls.
In a typical packaged system, all of the components are contained within an outdoor cabinet, which is connected to the building by sheet metal ductwork. When the cooling or heating process is in progress, the air enters through the ductwork and moves through evaporator coils. The coolant in the evaporator sucks up the heat of the air and the motor that blows air from the air conditioner circulates this conditioned air through the building. The used coolant can then be recirculated back through the evaporator and compressor to be reused.
Since the parts of a packaged unit are housed outside, they are more compact than a traditional split system and don’t need an indoor furnace. This type of system is typically easier to maintain because there are no ducts for insects or animals to build nests in, and the components are less prone to suffering from weather or rust damage.
Packaged units are cheaper to set up because they are one unit. They are also usually more energy efficient, since they don’t have the same requirements as a traditional split system that must work to efficiently cool and heat multiple rooms.
The system also has the advantage of being built in a factory in which the components are not exposed to extreme temperatures. This means that you get higher performance from the unit as well as lower repair costs.
There are various kinds of package ACs, including all-electric or gas/electric models. All-electric models are an excellent option for climates that don’t need to be heated, while gas/electric models provide an option for colder regions. Depending on the model, there are even combinations that can be used for heating and cooling the same structure.
Ductless AC Units
Mini-split AC units, also known as ductless AC units, provide a more comfortable cooling without the use of air ducts. The system is made up of an indoor wall mounted unit as well as an outdoor compressor and refrigerant tubes that join the two components. The compressor draws cool air from the room, through the outdoor unit and then pushes it back through the interior air ducting. The system can also be used for heating by using the same method in reverse to transfer heat from the outdoor unit into your home.
Ductless air conditioning is typically the ideal solution for older homes or spaces that don’t have ductwork. These systems are also used to cool or heat garages and sunrooms. The system can be installed easily by our professional technicians. All they need to install the system is access to the wall where your indoor unit will mount, and a suitable place to put the outside unit.
A ductless system can provide cooling comfort in zones. This means that you can keep your space at a comfortable temperature while permitting your guests to remain at their preferred temperature. This kind of system also provides greater energy efficiency since no loss of air through ducts is present. Some brands even offer incentives to encourage customers to purchase their new systems.
Another option is a multi-zone ductless system which has one outdoor compressor connected to multiple indoor units. Each unit is situated in the space that you wish to cool or heat, and is controlled by its own remote. This setup gives you the ability to set the temperature for each zone in your building, making it an ideal choice for commercial spaces with many different areas that may have varying cooling needs.
The indoor units are equipped with air filters that take out pollutants and other allergens from the air. making your workplace a healthier environment for both customers and employees. This is especially useful in restaurants, where air quality is a key factor in the overall experience of customers.
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems provide a cost-effective option for commercial spaces. They offer precise temperature control for various areas of the building. This lets the occupants modify their the level of comfort and productivity. They also offer a green solution because they efficiently re-distribute heat.
In VRF systems, the outdoor unit houses a compressor which circulates refrigerant through pipes to indoor units located in various rooms or zones. The compressor modulates its speed in order to precisely match the cooling and heating demands of each zone. This stops unnecessary cycles that waste energy. The Evaporator coils can be utilized for heating. Again, the system will alter its operation based on the temperature.
Zoning capabilities make VRF systems ideal for hospitals, offices as well as schools and commercial buildings that have a diverse range of requirements. The capability to simultaneously heat and cool individual spaces reduces overall energy consumption and maintenance costs. The low noise level makes this system ideal for spaces that are concerned about distractions.
The VRF system is renowned for its energy efficiency, which can be observed in the lower costs for utilities. The system’s ability for heating and cooling multiple zones at the same time is also a major source of savings in energy when compared to other HVAC technologies.
VRF systems can also be used to decrease energy consumption for heating and cooling in existing ductwork, which is often not in good condition or isn’t able to handle newer equipment. The ability of the system to swiftly adapt to changing conditions in the climate allows it to function more efficiently than other kinds of heating and cooling. This flexibility makes it a top choice for office spaces as well as restaurants, hotels and other commercial structures that frequently change their use and occupancy patterns. The system is also ideal for large buildings that are under construction or renovation because it is easy to retrofit existing ductwork to meet specific building requirements. Contact the team at Mission Mechanical if you want to learn more about how the VRF commercial system can improve your space. We are happy to discuss the system with you and assist you in deciding if it is the right heating/cooling solution for your company.
Chillers
A chiller is an HVAC system that increases the capacity of your commercial air conditioner. It cools water and distributes it throughout the space to create a pleasant atmosphere. This is a great solution for industrial or larger installations that need to cool more than the air.
There are two primary chillers, water cooled and air cooled. Both utilize absorption or compressing vapor to cool refrigerant liquid, which is then cycled through various temperatures. Air-cooled chillers utilize fans to blow air over the coils of the evaporator or condenser to remove excess heat. They are usually situated in a basement or mechanical room with a large footprint. Water-cooled chillers come with an water box that is connected to an external cooling system like a tower. These chillers are smaller and have smaller footprints than air-cooled units.
Chillers are also able to be fitted with boilers, which allows them to heat your house during winter. This is a great method to conserve energy in buildings that require heating and cooling or for areas where the demand for energy fluctuates during the seasons. For instance, it’s much more efficient to draw heat from a boiler than it is to extract it from cold air outside.
Maintaining your chiller like a packaged unit will improve its efficiency and reduce your energy bills. Cleaning the condenser, evaporator and compressor, along with inspecting and servicing the compressor chiller are a few of the key maintenance tasks. If you have water-cooled chillers and your facility has a water treatment system must be in good working order to avoid corrosion and scaling.
The type of chiller you pick depends on the needs of your establishment and your budget. A packaged chiller is the best choice for small and residential spaces, while industrial chillers or a VRF is more suitable for larger structures with special requirements. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical can help you determine the best solution for your building.