HVAC systems for commercial buildings are more complex than residential ones. If there are any problems with the design or installation process in a new construction project, it could result in lost income and customers, as well as expensive changes to current blueprints and system configuration. In a worst-case scenario, you may have to completely reinstall the system. Commercial air conditioning has special requirements during every stage of its development–from design to construction through ongoing maintenance. This guide will provide comprehensive detail about all aspects of this process so that you can be prepared for success.
What Is a Commercial HVAC System?
A commercial air conditioning system’s primary purpose is to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and humidity level. It does this by using gas, oil, or electricity for heating and cooling. The HVAC may extract warmer indoor air and cool it using refrigerant or a water-cooling system. Heat pumps can also be used to transfer heat outdoors.
Other elements of commercial HVAC design include:
Commercial Ventilation
Outdoor air is drawn in and circulated throughout the building by fans. At the same time, contaminated indoor air is removed from the building. A commercial ventilation system should remove carbon dioxide (CO2), other diluted gases, odors, and unwanted particles. Various controls automate airflow control and constantly monitor airflow to identify leaks and pressure issues, test indoor air quality, and evaluate load and capacity use.
Commercial Controls
Commercial buildings usually rely on programmable thermostats to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the day. These thermostats may also include direct digital controls that use a central computer to monitor data from sensors and automate temperature management. Meanwhile, staff can adjust settings manually, view performance parameters, and troubleshoot the system from the main workstation.
Types of Commercial HVAC Systems
While many factors play a role in choosing an HVAC system, design is one of the most important aspects to consider. The size and energy efficiency of the system, as well as its capacity for heating, cooling and airflow must all be taken into account. However, floor plans are also key in this decision-making process as they help notify what kind of configuration you will need – especially for commercial buildings which often require custom fabricated systems that take occupancy rates into consideration.
In addition, there are different HVAC systems available. The most commonly used ones in commercial buildings are:
- Packaged Systems: The compressor, condenser, evaporator, fan coil, and thermostat are all integrated into a single unit–a packaged terminal air conditioner. This type of AC can be window-mounted in various types of buildings such as hotels, hospitals, and residential complexes.
- Split Systems: Zoning is an effective way to heat and cool small commercial buildings, but it can be cluttered and require separate HVAC units for each zone.
- Rooftop Systems: A rooftop unit is an air handler that can heat, cool, or both. It’s placed on a flat roof and contained in a weatherproof housing. Air is pulled into the RTU by an air hood where it passes through dampers that regulate airflow before being filtered and conditioned. Mixing outdoor and indoor air helps control CO2 levels and system load.
- VRF Systems: These type of ductless systems use heat pumps or heat recovery systems and are best fit for medium to large buildings. By controlling the refrigerant flow to indoor units, these system can manage the amount of heating or cooling needed in each zone. The compressor speed is also adjustable, meaning that this equipment is typically compact, quiet, and efficient.
Importance of Proper Planning and Design
Your HVAC system is a big expense, and it’s important to do your research before making any decisions. A properly planned and installed system will be more efficient and have fewer problems down the road. This saves you money on repairs, ductwork leaks, and emergency visits.
Planning ahead also gives you better control over costs and cash flow. You can budget for things like preventative maintenance, which will help keep your building comfortable and avoid disruptions due to broken equipment.
Key components of an HVAC design plan for a commercial building include:
- Size: The components of a commercial heating and cooling system are, on average, much larger than those of a residential system. A 5-ton capacity is a maximum for a residential AC unit, but commercial rooftop units can serve up to 50 tons.
- Location: A dedicated utility room is where you will usually find a commercial HVAC unit, as opposed to residential units which are often placed in the backyard, basement or attic. This space can be located in the basement, next to the building structure, or on top of the roof.
- Zoning: A commercial building oftentimes has a range of indoor climate needs, meaning that different areas need to be controlled independently. Zoning already present in the building helps with repair disruptions by allowing them to work on one area at a time.
- Drainage: The humidity extracted by the HVAC system creates condensation, which is collected by piping and into a tray. In commercial systems, the network of pipes and drains is much larger and more complex than in a home.
- Logic Controllers/Sensors: An economizer is an external device that helps regulate the temperature in a building. It works by bringing in cool air from outside, which lowers the overall temperature and reduces energy output. Additionally, it increases ventilation and can help prolong the life of your HVAC system by reducing wear and tear.
VRF technology
Element Air provides Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, perfect for households that need multiple indoor units. Our multi split systems are designed to meet the needs of a variety of different types of HVAC systems. Whether you’re looking for single split systems or more complex solutions, Element Air has the right product for your home. With VRF technology and reliability, you can trust our products to keep your space comfortable all year round.
About Commercial HVAC Maintenance
Heating and cooling systems used in commercial buildings need to be serviced more often than those in residences. They have bigger parts that can be tougher to get at, so upkeep is pricier. But it’s worth the cost because a well-maintained system will last longer, do a better job of regulating temperature, and keep indoor air cleaner. A system full of dirt or other contaminants can make your eyes water or make it hard to breathe.
Not only will a well-maintained HVAC system reduce your ownership costs, but it will also make sure that your building is a healthier and more comfortable environment. A maintenance plan should be specifically designed to fit the size and complexity of your systems.
To keep your appliances running smoothly, you’ll want to hire a professional maintenance provider. They can help with things like replacing filters, monitoring for issues, and cleaning out dirt and debris. Plus, they should also be able to check electrical equipment, seals, air ducts, insulation and heating/cooling bills on a regular basis. By catching potential problems early on ,you can save yourself loads of money (and headache) down the road .
Some of the issues you may find with a commercial HVAC system include:
- Dust, dirt, and debris contaminating the condenser coils.
- Vibration and loud noise including squeaking, thudding, rattling, or booming.
- Condensation, clogs, and mold due to a clogged drain.
- Loose evaporator belt, which reduces fan speed and can freeze the coil.
- The compressor constantly turns on and off (short-cycling).
- Clogged air filters, causing reduced air flow and negative air pressure.
- Refrigerant leaks or loss of oil from valves, connections, and service ports.
To avoid these issues, check your system regularly, have minor problems fixed right away, and assess every part and feature of the plan. Having the correct contractor guarantees that your company’s HVAC design, installation and maintenance needs will always be met; thereby reducing accidents caused by human error.How to Choose a Contractor
Select a contractor knowledgeable in HVAC design, construction, and evaluation. They should have a portfolio of past work and be attentive to planning and customization. At Element Air, our technicians are trained in the latest technologies, equipment, and commercial heating/cooling trends. We help businesses throughout the Waikato area to thrive.
