Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems are designed to keep your company cool throughout the day. This can help create an efficient, healthy working environment.
When choosing a contractor for commercial AC installation, make sure they are licensed and experienced in working on these types of systems. This will ensure that they can determine the appropriate tonnage that is appropriate for your area.
Packaged AC Units
There are many different HVAC systems available, but one of the most commonly used for commercial spaces is a packaged AC unit. These types of air conditioning units incorporate the heating and cooling process into one unit making them a fantastic alternative for commercial spaces that require to make space. Also known as roof top units, these types of systems are typically found in office buildings and shopping malls.
In a standard packaged unit, all of the components are contained in an outdoor cabinet that connects to the building through sheet metal ductwork. In the course of cooling or heating, air enters the ductwork and is able to pass through the evaporator coils. The coolant in the evaporator sucks up the heat from the air, and the blower motor of the air conditioner circulates this conditioned air through the building. The used coolant can then be recirculated back through the compressor and evaporator to reuse it.
The components of a package system are all placed outside. This makes them smaller than a split system, and they don’t need an indoor furnace. This kind of system is generally simpler to maintain since there are no ducts for insects or animals to build nests in, and the parts are less prone to suffering from weather-related rust or damage.
Packaged units are cheaper to install because they are a single unit. They are also usually more energy efficient, since they don’t have the same needs as a traditional split system that requires efficiently cool and heat multiple rooms.
This system also has the benefit of being constructed in factories in which the components are not exposed to extreme temperatures. This results in a more efficient unit and lower repair costs.
There are various kinds of package ACs available, including gas/electric models or all-electric models. Gas/electric units are a great option for regions that are colder. All-electric models work well in warmer regions where heating isn’t needed. There are even combination units that can be used to heat and cool the same building, depending on the model you choose.
Ductless AC Units
Mini-split AC units, also referred to as ductless AC units, provide a more comfortable cooling without the need for air ducts. The system consists of an indoor wall mounted unit as well as an outdoor compressor and refrigerant tubes connecting the two components. The compressor pulls cool air from the outdoor unit, and then pushes it through the inside air ducting. The system can also be used for heating, using the same process in reverse to transfer heat from the outdoor unit and into your home.
Ductless air conditioners are typically a better solution for older homes and spaces that have no existing ductwork. They can also be used to cool or heat sunrooms and garages. Our technicians are able to install the system. All they need to install the system is access to the wall that your indoor unit will be mounted and a suitable spot to put the outside unit.
A ductless system is also able to provide zoned cooling comfort. You can keep a comfortable temperature in your space while guests are able to alter the temperature according to their preferences. This kind of system also provides greater energy efficiency because no duct-related loss of air is evident. Some manufacturers even offer incentives to encourage customers to utilize their new systems.
A multi-zone ductless unit is a different option. It consists of one outdoor compressor that is connected to a number of indoor units. Each unit is situated in the space that you want to cool or heat, and it is controlled by its own remote. This configuration gives you the flexibility to set the temperature for each area in your building, making it a popular choice for commercial spaces with many different areas that may require different cooling requirements.
Each indoor unit is equipped with air filters to remove allergens and pollutants, resulting in an environment that is healthier for clients and employees. This is particularly useful in restaurants, where air quality is an important factor in the overall experience for customers.
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, enabling the occupants to personalize their preferences for comfort and increase productivity. They also offer energy savings by efficiently distributing heat, which makes them a sustainable solution all the year.
In VRF systems the outdoor unit houses a compressor that circulates refrigerant through pipes to indoor units located in different rooms or zones. The compressor adjusts its speed in order to precisely match the cooling and heating requirements of each zone. This approach eliminates unnecessary cycling that consumes energy. The evaporator coils of the indoor units could be used to provide heat and cooling, with the system adapting its operation accordingly.
VRF systems are perfect for commercial buildings with various needs. This includes hospitals, offices as well as schools and other commercial structures. The ability to simultaneously cool and heat the individual rooms reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs. Low noise operation makes the system ideal for spaces that are sensitive to distractions.
Energy efficiency is a key benefit of VRF technology and is evident in the lower utility bills that are associated when you implement the system. The system’s ability for heating and cooling multiple zones at the same time can result in significant savings in energy compared to other HVAC technologies.
VRF systems can even be used to decrease the energy used for heating and cooling in existing ductwork, which is often not in good shape or doesn’t have the capacity to handle newer equipment. The ability of the system to swiftly adapt to changing conditions in the climate allows it to function more efficiently than other types of heating and cooling. This flexibility makes it a preferred choice for office spaces, hotels, restaurants and other commercial buildings that frequently change their use and occupying patterns. The system is a good fit for large buildings undergoing renovations and construction. It’s easy to retrofit existing ductwork, and it is able to meet specific building requirements. Contact the team at Mission Mechanical if you want to know more about the ways that the VRF commercial system can enhance your space. We’d be delighted to discuss the system with you and help you determine if it is the best heating and cooling solution for your business.
Chillers
A chiller is an HVAC system that increases your commercial air conditioner’s capacity. It cools water and spreads it across the space to create a comfortable atmosphere. This is a great option for industrial and large-scale facilities with a need to cool the air and more.
There are two primary chillers, water-cooled and air-cooled. Both utilize vapor compression or absorption refrigeration to cool liquid refrigerants which is then circulated through various temperatures. The chillers that are air-cooled use fans to blow air over the coils of the condenser or evaporator to eliminate heat. They are usually located in a basement or mechanical room with a huge footprint. Water-cooled chillers come with a water box that is connected to an external cooling system, like a tower. They are smaller and have smaller footprints than air-cooled units.
Chillers are also able to be fitted with boilers, allowing them to heat your house during the winter. This is an efficient method to reduce energy consumption in a building that requires both heating and cooling, or for areas that have seasonal demand fluctuations. It’s more efficient to obtain the heat from a heating system than to take it from the outside air.
Maintaining your chiller as a packaged unit, will increase its efficiency and lower your energy bills. Cleaning the condenser, evaporator and compressor, along with inspecting and servicing the compressor components are among the main maintenance tasks. If you have a water-cooled chiller and your facility has a water treatment system should be in good order to prevent scaling and corrosion.
The type of chiller you select will depend on the requirements of your building and budget. A packaged unit may be the best choice for small-sized businesses and residential areas, whereas industrial chillers or a VRF is more suitable for larger buildings with unique needs. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical can help you determine the best solution for your building.
