How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to be more formal than residential HVAC jobs. They require a greater knowledge of the equipment, and generally work within specific business hours.
Comfortable indoor environments make for more productive employees. Old or unmanaged HVAC systems can lead to distractions due to uncomfortable temperatures and a stale atmosphere.
Single Split System
There are numerous commercial HVAC systems available for your building such as single split systems, multi-split systems, VAV or VRF systems, and district cooling systems. When choosing which HVAC system is the best one for your business, it’s important to take into account the size of your building, energy efficiency requirements and climate goals. Working with a professional provider such as Jack Lehr can help you choose the best system for your company.
A single-split is a great option for smaller spaces and for rooms that are not a single room. It is comprised of an air conditioner and evaporator coil that work together to remove the heat and cool the air. The air is then circulated around the property via ductwork. These systems are usually cheaper than central HVAC systems.
The biggest drawback to this kind of system is that it’s limited to one room, so if you need to heat and cool multiple areas or buildings, you’ll have to choose an alternative. A multi-split system is a great solution for larger buildings since it allows you to connect up to nine indoor air handlers to only one outdoor unit.
These systems feature heat pumps that move waste heat from hot zones to cooler areas in order to save energy. They’re also ideal for large offices and multi-tenant retail spaces because they provide individual temperature control for each part of the building.
Although it is possible to have one-split systems installed in your home, you may find that installing a multi-split system is more efficient in the long term due to the greater efficiency in energy and the flexibility they provide. They can also be easier to maintain and can respond quicker than single-split systems to changing temperatures. They are also more flexible because they can be used to cool or heat your home, based on the season. You can create a comfortable and sustainable space all year round.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in many 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 as well as the number of rooms and their location are also important aspects to take into consideration. The type of climate in the area you are in is another factor to consider. Systems like heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are able to adapt to different climates.
Single split systems are most common in smaller commercial buildings and offices. These are HVAC units without ducts that come with separate air conditioning units and heaters. Each space has an indoor air handler connected to a condenser unit that has refrigerant tubing. Both units are controlled by thermostats. Single split systems can be put in place inexpensively and are ideal for smaller offices and spaces. They’re also simple to maintain, and in the event that one of the units stops functioning for any reason, it doesn’t impact the other units.
Multi-split systems are an improvement over single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit by using the latest inverter technology. Indoor units can be erected on the wall, set on the floor or hidden in the ceiling for a more discrete appearance. These systems are great for small-sized businesses because they can control temperature of a room with individual controls.
A multi-split system uses less energy than a traditional forced-air system due to the fact that sensors in the system can detect small environmental changes and make small 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 enterprises is a VRV or VRF system, which provides cooling and heating through an assortment of indoor air handlers that are connected to one or more outdoor units using refrigerant tubes. These systems can be a good fit for midsize businesses, and they are particularly effective for warehouses that are large because they can cool a space without creating hot spots or wasting energy. They’re also suitable for restaurants and retail locations because they can be installed in the ceiling or walls or even in spaces without ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Commercial VRF/VRV Systems come with unique benefits. While most heating and cooling system fall into one of two categories – ductless or ducted commercial VRF/VRV provides an unique blend. These HVAC systems are up-to-date and make use of inverter compressors create climate zones that can be controlled separately. These systems offer precise temperature control, which ensures that each zone meets the exact needs of its occupants. This allows for a wide range of temperatures, and also the highest energy efficiency and system uptime.
In a commercial VRV/VRF, the outdoor unit is connected with several indoor units which can be mounted on the ceiling or walls. These indoor air handling systems are connected to the outdoor unit using refrigerant pipes. They can also be located at a distance that is not too far from the outdoor unit, allowing for flexibility in design and installation.
These systems use a high-efficiency heat pump cycle, which is backed by an electric resistance heating system. These systems have multiple options for heat recovery, which allows them to reuse heat that would otherwise go unutilized. This is a great feature for companies that have to keep their temperatures high, however, they also need to reduce their carbon footprint.
In contrast to traditional duct systems, which often require a dedicated indoor unit for each space, these systems are operated by varying the flow of refrigerant to individual terminal units. When a space is activated with an inverter or zoning controller remote, the compressor closest to that space is shut off and its pressure decreases. Then, coolant from other compressors is pumped into that space to compensate. This is known as volume displacement.
They are popular because they are flexible. They are commonly used in multifamily homes and offices, shopping malls, and other buildings with complicated floor plans. They are incredibly quiet to run and have simple controls that anyone can access.
As with all modern technology, a VRF/VRV requires expert installation in order to maximize its efficiency and reliability. A certified technician will be familiar with the system’s forward and backward directions, as well as the installation nuances that can make or break the system’s performance and 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, especially compared to an uninviting work environment. It also helps to prevent productivity loss due to fatigue or lack of concentration.
To avoid problems that may disrupt business operations, commercial HVAC systems require regular inspections and tune-ups. A skilled technician will carry out many tests and tasks to optimize the system for optimal performance and to uncover issues that may result in costly and lengthy repairs. By choosing a company with a thorough maintenance checklist, you will be able to make sure that any potential issues are caught early and corrected before they become worse.
During a regular maintenance visit the technician will examine the electrical connections to the unit belts, motor, and electrical connections. 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 as well as the condenser to stop dirt from building up in the system. This could cause blockages and reduce efficiency.
Check and replace regularly air filters on a regular basis and replace them. A blocked air filter could hinder air flow, overload the system and lead to equipment failure. Technicians will also inspect and clean the blower assembly, ductwork, plenum, fan and flue or vent pipe to reduce the build-up.
Then, a technician will inspect the drain pan to ensure it is sloped properly to avoid water or condensation build-up. They will also lubricate the moving parts so that they operate smoothly.
A routine maintenance plan for a commercial HVAC system also helps satisfy the terms of a lease agreement. When leasing retail space landlords and property managers often require documentation of regular maintenance. Documentation of regular HVAC maintenance proves that the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property and is committed to its maintenance.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your system operates efficiently, whether it’s one unit, multiple units or a VRV/VRF. During regular visits, a skilled and reliable technician will be able to spot and address small issues before they turn into bigger and more expensive ones.