How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business
Commercial HVAC jobs tend to have a more organized schedule than residential jobs. They require a deeper understanding of the equipment, and are required to work during specific working hours.
Comfortable indoor environments lead to more productive employees. Inefficient or unmanaged HVAC systems can create distractions through the creation of uncomfortable temperatures and a humid conditions.
Single Split System
There are a variety of commercial HVAC systems available for your building. They include single split systems and multi-splits as well as VAV systems or VRF systems, as well as district cooling systems. When deciding which one is the best one for your business, it’s important to take into account the size of your building, its energy efficiency needs, climate and sustainability goals. A professional service provider like Jack Lehr, can help you select the ideal system for your requirements.
A single-split system is an excellent option for smaller and for rooms that are not a single room. It is comprised of an air conditioner, evaporator coil, and furnace that work together to remove cool air and heat and circulate it through ductwork throughout the building. They are generally less expensive to set up than central HVAC systems.
This kind of system has one major drawback it can only heat or cool a single room. If you wish to cool or heat several rooms, you’ll have to select a different option. Multi-split systems are an ideal solution for larger homes because it lets you pair up to nine indoor air handlers to just one outdoor unit.
These systems make use of heat pumps to transfer heat from warm to cooler areas, saving energy. These systems are also perfect for large office spaces or multi-tenant retail spaces because they provide individual temperature control for each area of the building.
Although it is possible to have single-split systems in your building but you may find that installing multi-split systems is more efficient in the long term because of the increased energy efficiency and flexibility they provide. They are also simpler to maintain, and can respond quicker to temperature fluctuations than single-split units. They’re also more flexible since they can be used to cool or heat your home based on the season. You can create a comfortable and sustainable space all year long.
Multi Split System
Commercial HVAC systems come in a variety of types, and deciding which system is right for your business depends on the layout and design of your building. The size of your facility as well as the number of rooms, and their location are all important aspects to take into consideration. The climate of your area is also a factor to consider. Heat pumps and variable refrigerant flows (VRF) are well-suited to various climates.
Single split systems are frequent in smaller commercial structures and offices. These are ductless HVAC units with furnaces and air conditioning units that operate independently. Each space is equipped with an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser by refrigerant tubes. Both units are controlled by thermostats. Single split systems can be set up at a low cost and are great for smaller offices and areas. They are also easy to maintain and if any reason, one unit stops functioning, it won’t affect the others.
Multi-split systems are an improvement over single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units to an outdoor unit making use of advanced inverter technology. Indoor units can be put on the wall, laid on the floor or hidden in the ceiling to create a an appearance that is more discrete. These systems are perfect for medium-sized companies because they allow for the control of temperatures throughout a space with individualized controls.
A multi-split system consumes less energy than a traditional forced-air system because sensors built into the system detect minor environmental changes and make minor adjustments. This allows it to operate at a greater energy efficiency than a traditional system, but still delivering optimal comfort to occupants.
A VRF or VRV is another option for larger companies. The system offers cooling and heating via the use of a series of indoor air handlers which are connected to one or more outdoor units through refrigerant tubes. These systems can be a good fit for midsize businesses, and they are particularly efficient for warehouses with large spaces because they can cool a space without creating hot spots or wasting energy. These systems are also ideal for restaurants and retail stores because they can be positioned on the ceiling, walls or even in an area that does not have ductwork.
VRV/VRF System
Commercial VRF/VRV Systems provide an exclusive set of advantages. While the majority of heating and cooling system are in one of two categories – ductless or ducted - commercial VRF/VRV offers an exclusive mix. These cutting-edge HVAC systems utilize inverter technology compressors to create unique climate zones that are independently controlled. These systems offer precise temperature control to ensure that each zone is able to meet the needs of its occupants. This allows for a broad range of temperature settings, as well as maximum efficiency and system uptime.
In a commercial VRV/VRF, the outdoor unit is connected with several indoor units that can be mounted on the walls or ceilings. These indoor air handling systems are connected to the outdoor unit via refrigerant pipes. They can be placed a reasonable distance away from the outdoor unit to allow for flexible design and installation.
They utilize a high-efficiency heat pump cycle which incorporates an electric resistance heater. These systems have multiple heat recovery options which allow them to reuse heat that would otherwise be unused. This is a great feature for businesses who need to maintain high temperature and also reduce their carbon footprint.
These systems operate differently than traditional duct systems. Instead of having an indoor unit that is dedicated to each space, they operate by varying the flow of refrigerant to each terminal unit. When a room is activated by a zoning remote or a 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 process is known as volume displacement.
Because these systems are so flexible they are a popular choice for multifamily offices, homes shopping malls, and other large buildings with complicated floor plans. They are extremely quiet to run and have simple controls that anyone can use.
As with all modern technologies, a VRF/VRV system requires expert installation in order to maximize its efficiency and reliability. A certified technician knows the system inside and out, and is also aware of the installation details that can determine the performance and longevity of your new system.
Routine Maintenance
Commercial HVAC maintenance offers additional benefits for business owners, aside from the prevention of failures and reduction in costs. Maintaining a comfortable and consistent temperature in the office can improve the morale of employees and their performance in particular when compared with an icy work environment. Additionally, it can help to prevent productivity loss due to discomfort or a lack of concentration.
To prevent issues that could disrupt business operations, commercial HVAC systems require routine inspections and tune ups. A skilled technician can perform various tests and tasks to optimize the system to ensure optimal performance and uncover hidden issues that may lead to expensive and lengthy repairs. If you choose a company that has a thorough maintenance checklist, you can ensure that any potential issues are caught early and corrected before they get more serious.
In a routine maintenance visit technicians will examine the electrical connections, belts and motors. They will also check for signs of wear or damage. They will also ensure that thermostats are calibrated properly. Additionally they will clean the evaporator and condenser coils to prevent dirt and dust from building up within the system, causing obstructions and decreases in efficiency.
Regularly check and replace air filters regularly and replace them. A clogged filter restricts air flow and overworks the system, leading to lower energy efficiency and the possibility of equipment failure. Technicians will also look over and clean the blower assembly, ductwork, plenum, fan and flue or vent pipe to reduce build-up.
In the end an expert will examine the drain pan and ensure it is sloped properly to avoid water or condensation build-up. They will also grease the moving parts to ensure that they run smoothly.
A routine maintenance schedule for a commercial HVAC unit can also assist in ensuring compliance with the conditions of a lease contract. When leasing retail space, landlords and property managers often require evidence of regular maintenance. Documentation of regular HVAC maintenance will prove that the tenant is committed to upkeep and will take care of the investment in the property.
Routine maintenance is crucial to ensure that your system is operating efficiently, whether it’s one unit, several units, or a VRV/VRF. During regular visits, an experienced and reliable technician will spot and fix small problems before they escalate into larger and more expensive ones.