If you’ve previously wanted to purchase or replace commercial heating or cooling systems, the process may have felt a little overwhelming. There are so many choices available on the market.
You also have to balance energy consumption, safety, effectiveness, and tenant satisfaction, which can lead to you having to make difficult decisions. You can always call a reputable air conditioning service like USA Air Conditioning Services on (866) 983-0488. They give sterling advice, and it’s also worthwhile to understand the main types of commercial HVAC systems, and which ones are suitable for your needs.
What Are the Different Types of Commercial HVAC Systems?
Single-Split System
A single-split system is an excellent choice for smaller commercial properties. It is surprisingly affordable and powerful enough to cool down small offices, shops, or restaurants as needed. The single-split commercial air conditioning system consists of one indoor air conditioning unit, which is connected to one outdoor compressor.
You can also use multiple single-split systems to cool down a larger room, though there may be better alternative options available to you as well. The system is controlled by a thermostat or control panel, giving you relatively reasonable control over the temperature in your workspace.
The single-split system is a fantastic commercial HVAC system types for small spaces, which offers several advantages. The main benefit includes better affordability than more complex commercial heating and cooling systems. Due to its modular nature, if one system breaks down, the other units will still carry on working.
You will find that for multiple outdoor units, though, you will need enough outdoor space. This snag may become a problem if your commercial air conditioning installer systems requirements expand in the future.
Multi-Split System
A multi-split system works on the same principle as a single-split system, but you can connect multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit. Multi-split systems operate on inverter technology, which allows the compressor to work at different speeds. In general, compressors consume a lot of energy when they turn on or off, which happens a lot whenever there are temperature fluctuations in the building.
Many multi-split systems reduce their output of this energy waste by using sensors, which make small adjustments to the compressor’s speed as necessary. This feature prevents the compressor from shutting down entirely and reduces wear and tear and overall energy consumption.
Many multi-split systems use heat pumps, instead of traditional furnaces and bulky air conditioners. These nifty systems rely on air’s natural inclination to move from warm to cool areas.
The main advantage of multi-split systems is that you reduce the number of outdoor units you need to install. This freedom prevents the back of your building from becoming cluttered and ugly while ensuring the temperature inside is comfortable.
The main drawback of multi-split systems is that they require much more work to install, due to a load of extra pipework needed to connect each part. This complication makes them more expensive to install, and the process usually takes much longer than a single-split system. Also, if the system fails for any reason, you lose AC to the entire building for the duration of the problem.
VRF/VRV System
The terms ‘Variable Refrigerant Flow,’ and ‘Variable Refrigerant Volume’ both refer to the same technology. The technology was developed by Daikin, who coined and protected the term VRV. As more competitors developed the technology as well, they had to use a different name, and these companies settled on calling the technology VRF.
Ultimately, they’re different names for the same principle and are used interchangeably in the HVAC industry.
VRF uses a refrigerant as a cooling and heating tool, which is conditioned by an outdoor unit before being circulated to the building’s multiple indoor units. What makes this technology special is that there is an inverter on the compressor. This feature allows for the variable flow of the refrigerant.
Overall, this free flow means that the various VRF units will only work when they need to, which provides huge energy savings under most use conditions. It also provides a higher degree of control for the building’s interior temperature.
In many VRF systems, the entire complex is either heating or cooling the building. There are also others, called heat recovery systems, that can heat and cool various zones at the same time. In these systems, heating units will function as condensers and send the cooled refrigerant to areas that need cooling.
This change results in substantial savings at the reduction of energy consumption.
VRF systems are used predominantly in mid- to large-sized buildings where they can meet most heating and cooling needs. They can be as flexible as you need them to be, and HR systems can cool and heat different zones at the same time. VRF systems are easy to control and provide reliable and energy-efficient heating and cooling.
The main drawback of a VRF system is that it’s expensive to install, and upfront costs for large buildings can be very high. Some buildings will also need backup condensers to prevent complete outages when the outdoor unit fails.
Choosing the Right System
Understanding commercial HVAC systems and commercial AC units can help you choose the right one for your business needs. Each option has its own advantages and drawbacks. The one you want will depend a lot on your circumstances and the extent of your budget.
Smaller commercial spaces don’t need the impressive flexibility of VRF systems, while larger areas can be a problem for single-split systems.
Do you still feel like you need extra advice on the matter? Why not give us a call at USA Air Conditioning Services on (866) 983-0488? Our HVAC experts have decades of professional experience and will be able to provide you with plenty of ideas and interesting options.
And when you have decided on your ideal commercial HVAC system, we are always on hand to install the system for you at reasonable rates.
