Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems are designed to keep your business cool throughout the day. This helps promote an efficient, healthy working environment.
When choosing a contractor for commercial AC installation, make sure they have the proper license and experience in working with these kinds of systems. This will help ensure they are able to determine the correct tonnage for your space.
Packaged AC Units
There are a myriad of HVAC systems to choose from among them, but one of the most common for commercial spaces is a packaged AC unit. These kinds of air conditioning units incorporate cooling and heating into one system, making them a great alternative for commercial spaces that need to save space. These systems, also referred to as roof-top units, are commonly found in offices and malls.
In a typical packaged system, all of the components are housed in an outdoor cabinet which is connected to the building by sheet metal ductwork. In the course of cooling or heating, air enters the ductwork, through which it goes through evaporator coils. The coolant in the evaporator sucks up the heat from the air and the motor that blows the air in the air conditioner circulates this conditioned air in the building. The used coolant can then be recirculated through the evaporator and compressor to be reused.
Because the components of a package unit are located outdoors, they can be more compact than a traditional split system, and don’t require an indoor furnace. This type of system is typically easier to maintain because there aren’t any ducts for animals or insects to make nests in, and the parts are less likely to suffer from rust or other weather damage.
Packaged units are cheaper to install since they’re one unit. They are also usually more energy-efficient, as they don’t have the same needs as the traditional split system which has to provide cooling and heating to multiple rooms.
This system also benefits of being manufactured in a factory in which the components are not exposed to extreme temperatures. This ensures better performance from the unit and lower repair costs.
There are different types of package ACs available, including gas/electric or all-electric models. Gas/electric units are an alternative for those who live in areas that are warmer. All-electric models are ideal in warmer climates where heating isn’t needed. Depending on the model, there are even combinations that can be used for cooling and heating the same structure.
Ductless AC Units
Mini-split AC units, also known as ductless AC units, provide more comfortable cooling experience without the use of air ducts. The system consists of an indoor wall-mounted unit and an outdoor compressor and refrigerant tubing to connect the two components. The compressor pulls cool air through the outdoor unit and pushes it through the interior air ducting. The system can be used to heat your home by using the same method reversed.
Ductless air conditioners are often an ideal solution for older homes and spaces without ductwork. They are also used to heat and cool workshops, sunrooms and garages and other spaces which wouldn’t be a good fit for traditional HVAC solutions. Our technicians can easily install the system. All they need to do is access to the wall where your indoor unit is mounted, and a good place to mount the outdoor unit.
A ductless system can provide cooling comfort in zones. It allows you to maintain an ideal temperature in your home while allowing guests to adjust the temperature as they wish. This kind of system is also more energy efficient since there is no duct-related loss of air. Some brands offer rebates for customers who purchase their latest systems.
A multi-zone ductless unit is another option. It is made up of one outdoor compressor that is connected to multiple indoor units. Each unit is located in the space you wish to cool or heat, and is controlled by its own remote. This configuration gives you the option of setting the temperature for each area in your building which makes it a popular option for commercial spaces that have numerous areas that require different cooling requirements.
Each indoor unit comes with air filters to remove allergens and pollutants, resulting in an environment that is healthier for your employees and clients. This is particularly useful in restaurants, where the air quality is a major aspect in the overall experience for customers.
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems are an energy efficient solution for a variety of commercial spaces. They offer precise temperature control for the various areas in the building. This allows occupants to adjust their the comfort and efficiency of their workplace. They also help save energy by efficiently distributing heat, making them a sustainable solution throughout the year.
In VRF systems the outdoor unit houses a compressor which circulates refrigerant through pipes to indoor units located in different rooms or zones. The compressor modulates its speed in order to precisely match the cooling and heating needs of each zone. This approach eliminates unnecessary cycling that is a waste of energy. The evaporator coils in the indoor units can also be used to provide heating, again with the system adapting its operation accordingly.
Zoning capability makes VRF systems ideal for offices, hospitals, schools, and other commercial buildings with a diverse set of needs. The ability to simultaneously cool and heat each space reduces overall energy consumption and maintenance costs. The system’s low-noise operation results in a quieter environment and improved security, making it designed for environments where distractions are a problem.
The VRF system is well-known for its energy efficiency, which can be evident by the lower utility bills. 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 systems.
VRF systems can be used to cut down on the energy use for cooling and heating in existing ductwork that is typically not in good condition or doesn’t have the capacity to handle modern equipment. The system’s ability to rapidly adapt to changing weather conditions enables it to operate more efficiently than other forms of cooling and heating. This flexibility makes it a preferred choice for office spaces as well as restaurants, hotels, and other commercial buildings that frequently change their use and occupying patterns. It’s also a great fit for large buildings undergoing renovations or construction because it is easy to retrofit existing ductwork to meet specific building requirements. Contact us at Mission Mechanical if you want to learn more about the ways that a VRF commercial system can improve your space. We’d be delighted to discuss the system with you and help decide if this is the right heating and cooling solution for your business.
Chillers
A chiller is a specific kind of HVAC system that maximizes the capacity of your commercial air conditioner. It operates by cooling water and spreading it across your area, reducing ambient air 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 types of chillers – air cooled and cooled by water. Both utilize vapor compression or absorption refrigeration to cool a refrigerant liquid that is then circulated through various temperatures. Air cooled chillers have fans that move air over the evaporator and condenser coils to take out heat. They are big in footprint and are typically situated in an area for mechanical cooling on the roof or in the basement. Water cooled chillers have a water box that connects to an external cooling method like cooling towers. These chillers are smaller and have smaller footprints than air-cooled units.
Chillers can also be fitted with boilers, which allows them to heat your house during the winter. This is a smart method to reduce energy consumption in a building that requires both cooling and heating, or for spaces with seasonal fluctuations in demand. For instance, it’s more efficient to draw heat from the boiler than to draw it from the cold air outside.
As with an appliance that is packaged maintaining your chiller will increase its efficiency and decrease the cost of your utility costs. Cleaning the evaporator, condenser and compressor, as well as inspecting and servicing the compressor components are among the main maintenance tasks. If you are using an air-cooled chiller and your facility has a water treatment system must be in good order to avoid corrosion and scaling.
The type of chiller that you choose will depend on your budget and the requirements of your building. A packaged unit could be the ideal choice for small and homes, while industrial chillers, such as a VRF, is a more suitable solution for larger structures with special needs. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical will help you select the ideal solution for your particular building.
