Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems keep your company cool all day long. This helps to create a healthy and productive work environment.
If you are looking for an installer for commercial AC ensure they have the appropriate experience and a valid license. This will ensure that they will be able to find the appropriate tonnage for your space.
Packaged AC Units
There are many different HVAC systems available however, one of the most commonly used for commercial spaces is a packaged AC unit. These kinds of air conditioning units integrate cooling and heating into one unit making them a fantastic option for commercial spaces that require to save space. Also known as roof top units, these types of systems are usually found in shopping malls.
In a standard packaged unit, all of the components are contained in an outdoor cabinet which connects to the building via sheet metal ductwork. In the process of cooling or heating air flows through the ductwork, and then moves over the evaporator coils. The coolant in the evaporator absorbs the heat from the air, and the motor that blows air from the air conditioner pushes this conditioned air in the building. The coolant that is used up can be recirculated through the compressor and evaporator to reuse it.
The components of a packaged system are located outside. This makes them smaller than a split system and they don’t need an indoor furnace. This kind of system can be more maintenance-friendly since there aren’t any ducts where animals or insects can settle. The components are also less prone to rust or weather damage.
Packaged units are less expensive to install since they are a single unit. They are generally more efficient in energy use, as they don’t need to heat and cool multiple spaces like a split system.
Another advantage of this system is that it is constructed in a factory environment which means that the components aren’t exposed to extreme temperatures. This means that you get greater performance from the unit and lower repair costs.
There are a variety of package AC units, including all-electric and gas/electric models. All-electric models are a great option for areas with warmer temperatures that don’t need to be heated, while gas/electric units offer a solution for colder climates. Based on the model, there are even combinations that can be used for both heating and cooling 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 is made up of an indoor wall mounted unit with an outdoor compressor as well as refrigerant tubes that join the two components. The compressor draws cool air through the outdoor unit before pushing it through the interior air ducting. The system can be used to heat your home using the same method reversed.
Ductless air conditioning is typically the best solution for older homes or spaces that don’t have ductwork. They’re also commonly used to cool and heat sunrooms, garages, workshops and other spaces that aren’t suited to a more traditional HVAC solution. The system can be easily installed by our skilled technicians. All they need to install the system is access to the wall that your indoor unit will mount and a suitable spot to place the outdoor unit.
The use of ductless systems provides zoned cooling comfort. It allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature in your space while guests are able to alter the temperature according to their preferences. This type of system also offers greater energy efficiency, since no loss of air through ducts is present, and some brands even offer incentives to encourage customers to utilize their new systems.
A multi-zone ductless system is an alternative option. It is comprised of a single outdoor compressor which is connected to several indoor units. Each unit is situated in the space you’d like to cool or heat, and it is controlled by its own remote. This configuration gives you the option of setting the temperature for every zone within your building and is a popular choice for commercial buildings with multiple areas that have varying cooling needs.
Each indoor unit has air filters that eliminate allergens and pollutants, resulting in a healthier space for your employees and customers. This is particularly useful in restaurants, where the air quality is a key aspect in the overall experience of customers.
Variable Refrigerant flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems are an energy efficient solution for various commercial spaces. They provide precise temperature control and zoning options for different areas of the building, enabling users to tailor their comfort preferences and improve productivity. They also offer energy savings by efficiently distributing heat, making them a sustainable solution throughout the year.
In VRF systems, the outdoor unit has an compressor that circulates refrigerant through pipes to indoor units within different rooms or zones. The compressor modulates the speed to be in tune with the cooling and heating needs of each area. This method avoids unnecessary cycling, which consumes energy. The evaporator coils inside the indoor units can also be used to provide heating in conjunction with the system adapting its operation in accordance with.
VRF systems are perfect for commercial buildings with a variety of requirements. This includes offices, hospitals schools, and other commercial structures. The capability to simultaneously heat and cool the individual rooms reduces energy use and maintenance. The quiet operation makes the system ideal for spaces that are concerned about distractions.
Energy efficiency is an important benefit of VRF technology, and it can be seen in lower utility bills that are associated with the installation of the system. The ability of the system to heat and cooling multiple zones in a single system is also a major source of savings in energy when compared to other HVAC systems.
VRF systems are also able to cut down on the energy consumption of ductwork that’s not in good shape or does not have the capacity to accommodate modern equipment. The ability of the system to swiftly adapt to changing conditions in the climate enables it to operate more efficiently than other kinds of heating and cooling. This flexibility makes it a top option for office buildings, hotels, restaurants and other commercial buildings which frequently change their uses and occupancy patterns. The system is also ideal for large buildings under construction or renovation, as it’s easy to retrofit into existing ductwork and satisfy specific building requirements. Contact us at Mission Mechanical if you want to know more about the ways the VRF commercial system can improve your space. We’d love to discuss this system with you and assist you in deciding if it is the best heating and cooling solution for your business.
Chillers
A chiller is an HVAC system that increases the capacity of your commercial air conditioner. It works by cooling water and spreading it across your area, reducing ambient temperature and creating a comfortable atmosphere. This is a great solution for industrial and large-scale facilities with a need to cool the air and more.
There are two primary types of chillers: water-cooled and air-cooled. Both use absorption or compression of vapor to cool refrigerant liquid and then cycle 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 are big in footprint and are typically located in an area for mechanical cooling on the roof or in the basement. Water-cooled chillers are equipped with a water box that connects to an external cooling system like a cooling tower. These chillers are often smaller and have a smaller footprint than air cooled units.
Chillers can also be fitted with boilers that can be used to heat your space during winter. This is a great way to reduce energy consumption for buildings that need both cooling and heating or spaces where demand fluctuates seasonally. For instance, it’s more efficient to draw heat from a boiler than to extract it from cold air outside.
As with an appliance that is packaged maintaining your chiller will improve its operational efficiency and reduce your utility costs. The most important maintenance tasks include cleaning the condenser and evaporator and inspecting and servicing the compressor and oil changes. If you are using 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 kind of chiller you select will depend on the requirements of your establishment and your budget. A packaged unit could be the ideal choice for small-sized businesses and homes, while a VRF or industrial chiller is more suitable for larger buildings with unique needs. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical will help you choose the best solution for your building.