Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems are designed to keep your company cool throughout the day. This helps promote an efficient, healthy work environment.
When choosing a contractor to do commercial AC installation, make sure they have the proper license and experience in working with these kinds of systems. This will ensure they will be able to find the appropriate quantity 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 air conditioning systems combine heating and cooling into one unit, making them an excellent option for commercial buildings with small space. These systems, also referred to as roof-top units, are commonly seen in office buildings and malls.
In a typical packaged unit, all components are contained in an outdoor cabinet which connects to the building with sheet metal ductwork. In the course of cooling or heating, air enters the ductwork through which it passes the evaporator coils. The coolant in the evaporator sucks up the heat of the air and the motor that blows the air in the air conditioner circulates this conditioned air into the building. The used coolant is then circulated back through the compressor and evaporator coils so it can be reused.
The parts of a package system are all located outside. This makes them smaller than a split system, and they don’t require an indoor furnace. This kind of system is generally more maintenance-friendly because there aren’t any ducts for insects or animals to build nests in, and the parts are less likely to suffer from weather or rust damage.
Because they are a single unit, packaged units can also be less expensive to set up than split systems. They are also typically more energy efficient since they don’t have the same needs as a traditional split system that must work to efficiently cool and heat multiple rooms.
Another advantage of this system is that it’s manufactured in a factory setting and the components are not subjected to extreme temperatures. This leads to higher performance of the unit and lower repair costs.
There are various types of package AC units that include gas/electric and all-electric models. All-electric models are a good option for areas with warmer temperatures that don’t need to be heated, while gas/electric units are a viable option for colder climates. Depending on the model, there are combinations that can be used for heating and cooling the same structure.
Ductless AC Units
Ductless AC units, which are often referred to as mini-split systems, deliver a more comfortable cooling experience without the requirement for air ducts. The system consists of an indoor wall-mounted unit as well as an outdoor compressor and refrigerant tubing that connect the two components. The compressor pulls cool air from the room through the outdoor unit and then pushes it back through the interior air ducting. The system can also be used to heat your home by using the same process reversed.
Ductless air conditioning is often the best solution for older homes or rooms without ductwork. They’re also commonly used to heat and cool garages, sunrooms, workshops and other spaces which wouldn’t be a good fit for a more traditional HVAC solution. Our technicians are able to install the system. All they need to set up the system is access to the wall where the indoor unit will be mounted, and a suitable place to mount the outside unit.
A ductless system can also provide cooling comfort in zones. This means you can keep your home at a moderate temperature while guests can remain at their preferred setting. This type of system is also more energy efficient, as there is no duct-related loss of air. Some brands offer rebates for customers who use their new systems.
A multi-zone ductless unit is a different option. It is made up of one outdoor compressor which is connected to several indoor units. Each unit resides in the space you want to cool or heat, and is controlled by its own remote. This setup allows you to regulate the temperature of each zone of your building. It is a popular option for commercial spaces that have numerous zones that have different needs for cooling.
Each indoor unit comes with air filters that eliminate pollutants and allergens, creating a healthier space for your employees and customers. This is particularly useful in restaurants and other eateries, where the quality of the air is a crucial aspect of the customer’s overall experience.
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems are an energy-efficient solution for various commercial spaces. They provide precise temperature control and zoning capabilities for different areas of the building, allowing the occupants to personalize their comfort preferences and improve productivity. They also provide a green solution because they efficiently re-distribute heat.
In VRF systems, the outdoor unit houses a compressor that circulates refrigerant through pipes to indoor units in various rooms or zones. The compressor regulates its speed to accurately match the heating and cooling demands of each zone. This approach avoids unnecessary cycling, which is a waste of energy. The indoor units’ evaporator coils can be used for heating. Again, the system will adjust its operation in accordance with the temperature.
Zoning technology makes VRF systems ideal for hospitals, offices, schools, and other commercial buildings that have a diverse set of needs. The capability to simultaneously cool and heat each space reduces energy usage and maintenance. The system’s low noise operation results in a quieter atmosphere and better security, making it suited for environments where distractions are a problem.
The VRF system is well-known for its energy efficiency, which can be seen by the lower costs for utilities. The ability of the system to heat and cooling multiple zones at the same time is also a major source of savings in energy when compared to other HVAC systems.
VRF systems can be used to cut down on energy consumption for cooling and heating in existing ductwork, which is usually not in good working order or does not 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 kinds of cooling and heating. This flexibility makes the system an ideal choice for commercial buildings, such as restaurants, hotels and office spaces that alter their occupancy and usage patterns frequently. The system is a great option for large structures that are undergoing renovations and construction. It’s easy to retrofit existing ductwork, and it is able to meet specific building requirements. If you’re interested in finding out more about the ways that commercial VRF system could improve your business, contact the team at Mission Mechanical. We’ll be happy to discuss the system with you and assist you to determine if this is the best heating and cooling solution for your company.
Chillers
A chiller is a specific type of HVAC system that increases the capacity of your commercial air conditioner. It chills water and distributes it throughout the space to create a relaxing environment. This is a great solution for industrial and large-scale facilities that require to cool more than the air.
There are two types of chillers: air-cooled and water cooled. Both use absorption or compression of vapor to cool refrigerant liquid and then cycle through various temperatures. Air-cooled chillers have fans that blow air over the evaporator and condenser coils to remove excess heat. They are typically located in a mechanical or basement room that has a large footprint. Water cooled chillers have an enclosed water box that connects to an external cooling system, such as a cooling tower. These chillers are often smaller and have a lower footprint than air cooled units.
Chillers can also be equipped with boilers that allow them to heat your space in winter. This is an efficient method to reduce energy consumption in a building that needs both cooling and heating, or for areas that have seasonal demand fluctuations. It is more efficient to draw heat from a heating system rather than to take it from the outside air.
Like a packaged unit Maintaining your chiller will improve its efficiency in operation and lower your energy costs. Some key maintenance tasks include cleaning the evaporator and condenser and inspecting and servicing the compressor, and performing regular oil changes. If you use chillers that are water-cooled and water-treated, the water treatment system within your facility should be in good condition to avoid corrosion and scaling.
The type of chiller you choose will depend on your budget and the requirements of your building. A packaged unit is the ideal choice for small-sized businesses or homes. However VRF chillers or an industrial chiller might be the best option for larger buildings. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical will help you determine the right solution for your project.