Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems help keep your company cool throughout the day. This helps promote a healthy, productive workplace.
When choosing a contractor to do commercial AC installation, make sure they are licensed and experienced in working with these kinds of systems. This will ensure that they will be able to find the appropriate quantity for your space.
Packaged AC Units
There are many HVAC systems that are available, but a packaged AC system is the most popular. These kinds of air conditioning units integrate the cooling and heating process in one unit, making them a great alternative for commercial spaces that need to make space. Also known as roof top units, these types of systems are usually found in office buildings and shopping malls.
In a standard packaged unit, all components are housed in an outdoor cabinet that connects to the building with sheet metal ductwork. When the unit is cooling or heating, air enters the ductwork, through which it passes the evaporator coils. The coolant inside of the evaporator coils absorbs the heat that is in the air and the blower motor in the air conditioner then moves the conditioned air into the building. The coolant used can be recirculated through the evaporator and compressor to be reused.
Since the components of a packaged unit are all housed outdoors, they can be smaller than a conventional split system, and don’t require an indoor furnace. This type of system can be less trouble-prone to maintain, as there are no vents in which insects or animals could nest. The components are also less prone to corrosion or weather damage.
Because they are one unit, packaged units can also be less expensive to set up than split systems. They can also be more energy efficient, since they do not have the same requirements as the traditional split system which has to provide cooling and heating to multiple rooms.
Another benefit of this system is that it’s built in a factory setting, so the components aren’t exposed to extreme temperatures. This allows for higher performance and lower repair costs.
There are different types of package ACs, including gas/electric or all-electric models. Gas/electric models are a good alternative for those who live in areas that are colder. All-electric models are ideal in warmer regions where heating isn’t needed. Based on the model, there are combinations that can be used for both cooling and heating the same structure.
Ductless AC Units
Mini-split AC units, also referred to as ductless AC units, offer more comfortable cooling without the use of air ducts. The system comprises an indoor wall-mounted unit as well as an outdoor compressor and refrigerant tubing which connects 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 to heat by using the same process in reverse to transfer heat from the outdoor unit into your home.
Ductless air conditioners are typically the best option for older homes or spaces that have no existing ductwork. These systems are also used to heat or cool sunrooms and garages. The system is easily installed by our skilled technicians. All they need to put the system in place is access to the wall where the indoor unit will be mounted, and a suitable place to mount the outside unit.
A ductless system permits zoned cooling comfort. You can keep a comfortable temperature in your home while guests are able to alter the temperature to suit their needs. This type of system also provides greater energy efficiency since no loss of air through ducts is present, and some brands offer discounts to encourage customers to use their new systems.
Another option is to use a multi-zone ductless system which has one outdoor compressor connected to several indoor units. Each unit is located in the area you wish to cool or heat, and is controlled by its own remote. This setup gives you the option of setting the temperature for each zone in your building which makes it an ideal choice for commercial buildings with multiple areas that require different cooling requirements.
The indoor units all have air filters that remove pollutants and other allergens from the air, making your space more healthy for both customers and employees. This is especially useful in restaurants, where the air quality is an important factor in the overall experience for customers.
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems are an energy efficient solution for a variety of commercial spaces. They provide precise temperature control and zoning capabilities for various areas of the building, allowing the occupants to personalize their preferences for comfort and increase productivity. They also offer energy savings by efficiently distributing heat, which makes them a green solution throughout the year.
In VRF systems, the outdoor unit houses a compressor which circulates refrigerant through pipes to indoor units located in different zones or rooms. The compressor regulates the speed to be in tune to the heating and cooling needs of each area. This avoids unnecessary cycles that consume energy. The evaporator coils inside the indoor units can be used to provide heat, again by adjusting the system’s operation accordingly.
VRF systems are ideal for commercial buildings that have many requirements. This includes hospitals, offices as well as schools and other commercial structures. The capability to simultaneously cool and heat individual spaces reduces energy consumption and maintenance. The quiet operation makes the system ideal for environments that are sensitive to distractions.
The VRF system is well-known for its energy efficiency, which can be evident by the lower costs for utilities. In addition, the ability of the system to heat and cool multiple zones independently contributes to significant energy savings in comparison to other HVAC systems.
VRF systems can also be used to decrease the energy use for heating and cooling in existing ductwork that is typically not in good shape or does not have the capacity to handle the latest equipment. The system’s ability to quickly adapt to changing climate conditions makes it operate more efficiently than other types of heating and cooling. This flexibility makes it a preferred choice for office spaces and restaurants, hotels and other commercial buildings that frequently change their use and occupancy patterns. It’s a great choice for large buildings that are that are undergoing renovations or construction. It’s simple to retrofit existing ductwork and it meets specific building requirements. Contact us at Mission Mechanical if you want to know more about how the VRF commercial system can improve your space. We’ll be happy to discuss the system with you and help determine if it is the best heating and cooling solution for your company.
Chillers
A chiller is a specific type of HVAC system that maximizes the capacity of your commercial air conditioner. It chills water and distributes it throughout the space to create a pleasant atmosphere. This is an excellent option for industrial or larger facilities that have a need to cool more than the air.
There are two chillers, water-cooled and air-cooled. Both use absorption or vapor compression to cool refrigerant liquid, which is then cycled through different temperatures. The air cooled chillers use fans to blow air over the coils of the condenser or evaporator to take out heat. They have a large footprint and are usually located in an area for mechanical cooling on the roof or in basements. Water-cooled chillers come with a water box that is connected to an external cooling system, like a tower. They are smaller and have a smaller footprint than air-cooled units.
Chillers can also be fitted with boilers, allowing them to heat your home in winter. This is a great way to conserve energy in a building that requires both cooling and heating, or in areas with seasonal fluctuations in demand. For example, it’s far more efficient to draw heat from a boiler than it is to extract it from cold air outside.
Maintaining your chiller, just like a packaged unit will improve its efficiency and reduce your utility costs. The most important maintenance tasks include cleaning the evaporator and condenser and checking and servicing the compressor and oil changes. If you have chillers that are water-cooled, the water treatment system in your facility must be in good condition to avoid scaling and corrosion.
The type of chiller you select will depend on the requirements of your establishment and your budget. A packaged unit could be the best option for small-sized businesses and residential areas, whereas industrial chillers or a VRF is more suitable for larger buildings with unique needs. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical can help you choose the ideal solution for your building.
