How Commercial HVAC Can Benefit Your Business

Commercial HVAC jobs tend to be more formal than residential HVAC jobs. They require a deeper knowledge of the equipment and typically work within specified business hours.

Comfortable indoor environments lead to more productive employees. Unmanaged or old HVAC systems can create distractions due to uncomfortable temperatures and a stuffy environment.

Single Split System

There are a variety of commercial HVAC systems available for your building. These include single split systems as well as multi-splits, VAV systems or VRF systems and district cooling systems. It’s important to consider the size of your space, energy efficiency requirements, climate, and your company’s sustainability objectives when determining what system is best for your business. A professional service like Jack Lehr can help you determine the best system for your company.

Single-split systems are great for smaller spaces or even individual rooms. It comprises an air conditioner, evaporator coil and furnace that work together to remove heat and cool air that is then circulated through ductwork throughout the building. These systems are usually less expensive to set up than central HVAC systems.

The biggest drawback to this kind of system is that it’s limited to a single room, so if you need to cool and heat several areas or buildings, you’ll have to opt for another option. Multi-split systems are an ideal solution for larger buildings because it allows you to pair up to nine indoor air handlers with only one outdoor unit.

These systems are equipped with heat pumps that move waste heat from warmer areas to cooler ones to save energy. These systems are ideal for large office spaces or multi-tenant retail spaces because they can provide individual temperature control for each area of the building.

It is possible to install one single-split system in your building. However, you may discover that multi-split systems can be more cost-effective over the long run due to their increased efficiency in energy and flexibility. They are also easier to maintain, and they can respond quicker to temperature fluctuations than single-split units. They also have more versatility and can be used for heating or cooling your home depending on the season. You can create a relaxing and sustainable living space with them all year.

Multi Split System

Commercial HVAC systems come in a variety of different designs. The layout and design of the structure will determine which one is ideal for your business. Also, take into consideration the size of your building, the room size and the location. Another factor to consider is the kind of climate you have in your region. Systems like heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems can be adapted to different climates.

Single split systems are most common for smaller offices and commercial buildings. These are ductless HVAC units with air conditioning units and furnaces that operate separately. Each space has an indoor air handler that is connected to a condenser unit that has refrigerant tubing. Both units are controlled by thermostats. Single split systems are cheap to install and are ideal for offices and smaller spaces. They are also simple to maintain and if for reasons beyond their control, one unit ceases functioning, it won’t affect the other units.

Multi-split systems are an improvement over single-split systems. They connect multiple indoor units to an outdoor unit using advanced inverter technologies. The indoor units can be mounted on walls and floor-standing or concealed in the ceiling for a more discrete appearance. These systems are ideal for small-sized businesses because they can control the temperature of a room with individualized controls.

A multi-split system uses less energy than a traditional forced-air system because sensors built into the system detect minor environmental changes and make small adjustments. This enables it to operate at a greater energy efficiency level than a traditional system, while still delivering optimal comfort to occupants.

A VRF or VRV is a different option for larger businesses. The system offers cooling and heating through a series indoor air handlers that are connected to one or more outdoor units via refrigerant tubes. These systems can be a good fit for midsize companies, and are especially efficient for large warehouses since they can cool a space without creating hot spots or burning up energy. These systems are also great for retail and restaurant locations as they can be mounted in the ceiling, walls or even in an area with no ductwork.

VRV/VRF System

Commercial VRF/VRV Systems offer unique advantages. While most heating and cooling system are classified into two categories – ducted or ductless - commercial VRF/VRV offers a unique mix. These modern HVAC systems make use of inverter compressors to create unique climate zones that can be independently controlled. These systems provide precise temperature control to ensure that each zone is able to meet the needs of its occupants. This permits a range of temperature settings as well as maximum energy efficiency and system uptime.

In a commercial VRV/VRF system, one outdoor unit is connected to multiple indoor units that can be hung on walls or ceilings and be placed together. These indoor air handling systems connect to the outdoor unit using refrigerant pipes. They can also be placed a reasonable distance from the outdoor unit, allowing for a flexible design and installation.

The systems utilize a high-efficiency heat pump cycle with an integral backup electric resistance heating system. These systems come with a variety of options for heat recovery that allow them to reuse heat that would otherwise go unutilized. This is a fantastic option for businesses that need to maintain high temperature however, they also want to reduce their carbon footprint.

They operate differently from traditional duct systems. Instead of having an indoor unit for each space, they function by varying the flow of refrigerant to each terminal unit. When the room is activated by a zoning remote or a zone controller, the compressor nearest the space is shut down and its pressure drops. Then, coolant from other compressors is pumped into that space to compensate. This is referred to as volume displacement.

These systems are popular because they are able to be used in a variety of ways. They are often employed in multifamily homes and offices, shopping malls, and other large buildings with complicated floor plans. They are extremely quiet and come with controls that anyone can use.

As with all advanced technologies, a VRF/VRV system requires expert installation in order to maximize its reliability and effectiveness. A certified technician is familiar with the system from top to bottom and will also know all the installation nuances which can make or break the performance and endurance of your new system.

Routine Maintenance

Commercial HVAC maintenance can bring additional benefits for business owners, aside from preventing failures and reducing costs. A comfortable and consistent temperature within the office can enhance employee morale and performance particularly when compared to the cold and chilly workplace. It can also prevent productivity loss due to fatigue or lack of focus.

A commercial HVAC system requires routine inspections and tune-ups to prevent issues that could affect the operation of your business. A skilled technician will perform many tests and tasks to optimize the system to ensure optimal performance and discover hidden issues that may result in costly and time-consuming repairs. By selecting a firm that has a thorough maintenance checklist, you can make sure that any potential issues are caught early and addressed before they become more serious.

During a regular maintenance visit technicians will check the unit’s electrical connections, belts, and motor. They will also look for signs of wear or damage. They will also ensure that thermostats are calibrated properly. They will also clean the evaporator coils as well as the condenser in order to prevent dirt from accumulating within the system. This could cause blockages and decrease efficiency.

Make sure to regularly check and replace air filters regularly and replace them. A blocked air filter could limit air flow, cause overwork to the system and cause equipment failure. Technicians also clean the ductwork, fan, flue, and plenum pipe in order to reduce the accumulation.

A technician will also examine the drain pan to make sure it is sloped in a way that will keep condensation and water from building up. They will also make sure that the moving parts are lubricated so that they can run 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 typically require proof of regular maintenance. Documentation of regular HVAC maintenance can prove that the tenant is committed to upkeep and will take care of the investment of the property.

Whether you have a single split system multiple units, or a VRV/VRF system, routine maintenance is necessary to keep it operating properly. During routine visits, a skilled and reliable technician will be able to spot and fix small problems before they escalate into larger and more expensive ones.