Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems are designed to keep your business cool throughout the day. This can help create a healthy, productive working environment.
When choosing a contractor to do commercial AC installation, ensure that they are licensed and skilled in working on these types of systems. This will ensure they are able to determine the right tonnage for your location.
Packaged AC Units
There are many HVAC systems to choose from however a packaged AC system is the most well-known. These air conditioning systems integrate cooling and heating into one unit which makes them a great choice for commercial spaces with small space. Also called roof top units, these kinds of systems are usually found in shopping malls.
In a typical packaged unit, all components are contained in an outdoor cabinet that connects to the building via sheet metal ductwork. During the cooling/heating process air flows through the ductwork and moves past the evaporator coils. The coolant inside of the evaporator coils absorbs heat from the air, and the blower motor in the air conditioner releases the conditioned air back into the building. The coolant used can be recirculated back through the evaporator and compressor to be reused.
Since the parts of a packaged unit are all stored outside, they can be smaller than a conventional split system, and don’t require an indoor furnace. This type of system can be more maintenance-friendly since there aren’t any vents in which insects or animals can settle. The components are also less likely to suffer weather-related damage or rust.
Packaged units are cheaper to install because they are a single unit. They are typically more energy efficient since they don’t need to heat and cool multiple spaces as a split system.
Another benefit of this system is that it’s built in a factory setting which means that the components aren’t subjected to extreme temperatures. This results in a higher performance of the unit and lower repair costs.
There are various kinds of package ACs, such as all-electric or gas/electric models. All-electric models are a good option for climates which don’t need to be heated, while gas/electric models offer a solution for colder areas. Depending on the model, there are combinations that can be used for cooling and heating the same structure.
Ductless AC Units
Ductless AC units, also known as mini-split systems offer a more pleasant cooling experience without the need for air ducts. The system consists of an indoor wall-mounted unit and an outdoor compressor and refrigerant tubing to connect the two components. The compressor draws cool room air through the outdoor unit and pushes it through the indoor air ducting. The system can also be used to heat your home using the same method reversed.
Ductless air conditioners are often a better solution for older homes or spaces without ductwork. They’re also commonly used to heat and cool workshops, sunrooms and garages and other rooms which wouldn’t be a good fit for traditional HVAC solutions. The system is easily installed by our professional technicians. The only thing they need to set up the system is access to the wall that the indoor unit will be mounted, and a suitable place to put the outside unit.
A ductless system can also provide zoned cooling comfort. You can keep the temperature of your home while allowing guests to adjust the temperature according to their preferences. This kind of system also provides greater energy efficiency as no duct-related air loss is evident. Some brands even offer rebates to encourage customers to purchase their new systems.
A multi-zone ductless unit is another option. It consists of an outdoor compressor that is connected to multiple indoor units. Each unit is located in the area that you’d like to cool or warm, and each has its own remote. This configuration allows you to have the option of setting the temperature for each area in your building and is an ideal choice for commercial spaces with many different areas that may have varying cooling needs.
The indoor units all have air filters that eliminate pollutants and other pollutants from the air, making your place more healthy for both customers and employees. This is particularly beneficial in restaurants and other eateries where the quality of the air is an important aspect of the customer’s overall experience.
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems are a cost-effective solution for a variety of commercial spaces. They offer precise temperature control and zoning capabilities for different areas of the building, which allows occupants to customize their personal preferences in terms of comfort and productivity. They also offer energy savings by efficiently dispersing heat, which makes them a green solution throughout the year.
In VRF systems, the outdoor unit is equipped with an compressor that circulates refrigerant through pipes to indoor units in various zones or rooms. The compressor adjusts the speed to be in tune with the heating and cooling requirements of each zone. This prevents unnecessary cycles that waste energy. The evaporator coils of the indoor units can also be used to provide heat and cooling, with the system adjusting its operation accordingly.
VRF systems are perfect for commercial buildings that have various requirements. This includes offices, hospitals, schools and other commercial structures. The capability to simultaneously cool and heat individual spaces reduces energy consumption and maintenance. The system’s quiet operation creates a more peaceful space and more security, making it suited for environments where distractions are a problem.
Energy efficiency is an important benefit of VRF technology, and it can be seen in lower utility bills that come with the installation of the system. The system’s ability for heating and cooling multiple zones at the same time also contributes to significant savings in energy compared to other HVAC systems.
VRF systems can also be used to reduce the energy used to heat and cool existing ductwork, which is often not in good working order or isn’t able to handle modern equipment. The system’s ability to rapidly adapt to changing weather conditions allows it to function more efficiently than other kinds of cooling and heating. This flexibility makes it popular for commercial buildings such as hotels, restaurants and office spaces that alter their occupancy patterns and usage frequently. The system is a great choice for large buildings that are undergoing renovations and construction. It’s simple to retrofit existing ductwork, and it complies with specific building requirements. Contact the team at Mission Mechanical if you want to know more about how a VRF commercial system can improve your space. We’d love to discuss this system with you and assist you in deciding whether it is the best heating and cooling solution for your business.
Chillers
A chiller is an HVAC system that maximizes your commercial air conditioner’s capacity. It operates by cooling water and spreading it across your space, cooling the ambient air temperature and creating a comfortable environment. This is a great option for larger buildings or industrial 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 liquid refrigerants, which then cycles through different temperatures. Air-cooled chillers are equipped with fans that push air over the evaporator and condenser coils to eliminate heat. They are typically located in a mechanical or basement room with a large footprint. Water-cooled chillers are equipped with a water box which is connected to an external cooling system, like a tower. These chillers are smaller and have a smaller footprint than air-cooled units.
Chillers can also be fitted with boilers, allowing them to heat your space during winter. This is a smart way to conserve energy in a structure that requires both cooling and heating or for spaces with seasonal demand fluctuations. It is more efficient to draw warmth from a heating system rather than to draw it from outside air.
Like an appliance that is packaged, maintaining your chiller will increase its efficiency and decrease your utility costs. The most important maintenance tasks include cleaning the condenser and evaporator and checking and servicing the compressor, and performing regular oil changes. If you have a water-cooled chiller or water treatment system, your facility’s water treatment system must be in good working order to prevent corrosion and scaling.
The type of chiller you select will be based on your budget and the needs of your building. A packaged chiller is the best option for small-sized businesses and residential spaces, while a VRF or industrial chiller is the best option for larger structures with special needs. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical can help you find the best solution for your building.