Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems help keep your company cool throughout the day. This promotes a healthy, productive working environment.
When selecting a contractor for commercial AC installation, make sure they are licensed and experienced in working with these kinds of systems. This will help ensure they can find the right quantity for your space.
Packaged AC Units
There are many different HVAC systems to choose from among them, but one of the most popular for commercial spaces is a packaged AC unit. These kinds of air conditioning units incorporate cooling and heating in one unit which makes them an ideal option for commercial spaces that want to save space. These systems, also referred to as roof-top units, can be found in offices and malls.
In a standard packaged unit, all components are contained in an outdoor cabinet which connects to the building through sheet metal ductwork. When the cooling or heating process is in progress, the air enters through the ductwork, and then moves over the evaporator coils. The coolant in the evaporator sucks up the heat of the air, and the motor that blows the air in the air conditioner pushes this conditioned air through the building. The coolant used is circulated back through the evaporator coils and compressor so it can be reused.
Since the parts of a package unit are housed outdoors, 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 ducts where animals or insects can settle. The components are more likely to be spared rust or weather damage.
Since they are one unit, packaged units can also be less expensive to set up than split systems. They are generally more energy efficient since they don’t need to heat and cool multiple rooms like split systems.
This system also has the benefit of being constructed in an industrial facility in which components aren’t exposed to extreme temperatures. This means that you get better performance and lower repair costs.
There are various types of package AC units which include gas/electric and all-electric models. Gas/electric units are an alternative for those who live in areas that are colder. All-electric models work well in warmer climates where heating is not required. There are also combinations units that can be used to cool and heat the same building, depending on the model selected.
Ductless AC Units
Mini-split AC units, also referred to as ductless AC units, offer more comfortable cooling experience without the use of air ducts. The system is comprised of an indoor wall-mounted unit and an outdoor compressor and refrigerant tubing to connect the two components. The compressor draws cool air through the outdoor unit and pushes it through the indoor air ducting. The system can be used to heat your home by making use of the same process reversed.
Ductless air conditioning is typically the ideal solution for older homes or spaces that don’t have ductwork. They can also be used to heat or cool sunrooms and garages. Our technicians can install the system. The only thing they need to put the system in place is access to the wall that your indoor unit will be mounted, and a suitable place to put the outside unit.
A ductless system is also able to provide cooling comfort in zones. This means that you can keep your space at a comfortable temperature while permitting your guests to remain at their preferred setting. This type of system is also more energy efficient because there is no duct-related loss of air. Certain manufacturers offer rebates to customers who purchase their latest systems.
Another option is to utilize a multi-zone ductless system that features one outdoor compressor connected to several indoor units. Each unit is situated in the area that you want to cool or warm, and each one comes with its own remote. This setup gives you the option of setting the temperature for each zone in your building which makes it a popular option for commercial spaces that have many different areas that may require different cooling requirements.
Each indoor unit comes with air filters to remove allergens and pollutants, resulting in an environment that is healthier for employees and clients. This is especially useful 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 an energy efficient solution for various commercial spaces. They offer precise temperatures and zoning features for different areas of the building, which allows users to tailor their personal preferences in terms of comfort and productivity. They also offer a green solution because they efficiently re-distribute heat.
In VRF systems, the outdoor unit has an compressor that circulates refrigerant by pipes to indoor units within different rooms or zones. The compressor adjusts its speed in order to precisely match the cooling and heating needs of each zone. This method eliminates unnecessary cycling that is a waste of energy. The evaporator coils of the indoor units can also be used to provide heating, again with the system adapting its operation according to.
Zoning capability makes VRF systems ideal for hospitals, offices schools, and other commercial buildings with a diverse array of needs. The ability to simultaneously heat and cool the individual rooms reduces energy use and maintenance. The system’s low noise operation contributes to a quieter space and more security, making it designed for environments where distractions are a problem.
Energy efficiency is a key benefit of VRF technology and is evident in the lower utility bills that come with the installation of the system. The system’s ability for heating and cooling multiple zones in a single system also contributes to significant savings in energy compared to other HVAC systems.
VRF systems can also be used to cut down on the energy used for heating and cooling in existing ductwork, which is often not in good condition or doesn’t have the capacity to handle the latest equipment. The system’s ability to rapidly adapt to changing climate conditions allows it to function more efficiently than other types of cooling and heating. This flexibility makes the system an ideal choice for commercial buildings such as hotels, restaurants and office spaces that change their occupancy and usage patterns frequently. The system is a good option for large structures that are which are in the process of renovations and construction. It’s easy to retrofit existing ductwork and it complies with specific building requirements. Contact us at Mission Mechanical if you want to learn more about the ways the VRF commercial system can improve your space. We are happy to discuss this system with you, and help you decide whether it is the right heating/cooling solution for your business.
Chillers
A chiller is an HVAC system that increases your commercial air conditioner’s capacity. It operates by cooling water and spreading it across your space, reducing the ambient temperature and creating a relaxing atmosphere. This is a great solution for large buildings or industrial structures that require to cool the air and more.
There are two chillers: air cooled and water cooled. Both utilize absorption or compression of vapor to cool a refrigerant liquid and then cycle through various temperatures. Air-cooled chillers utilize fans to blow air over the coils of the condenser or evaporator to remove excess heat. They are typically located in a basement or mechanical room with a huge footprint. Water-cooled chillers come with a water box which 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 equipped with boilers that allow them to heat your home in winter. This is a great method to reduce energy consumption in a building that needs both heating and cooling, or in areas with seasonal fluctuations in demand. For example, it’s far more efficient to draw heat from the boiler than to extract it from the cold air outside.
As with a packaged unit maintaining your chiller will increase its operational efficiency and reduce the cost of your utility costs. Some key maintenance tasks include cleaning the evaporator and condenser and checking and servicing the compressor, and performing regular oil changes. If you have a chiller that is water-cooled, the water treatment system within your facility should be in good condition to avoid corrosion and scaling.
The kind of chiller you choose will depend on your budget and the requirements of your building. A packaged unit is the best option for small businesses or residences. However, a VRF chiller or industrial chiller may be the best option for larger buildings. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical can help you find the best solution for your building.
