Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems keep your company cool throughout the day. This helps to create an effective and healthy working environment.
When choosing a contractor to do commercial AC installation, make sure they are licensed and experienced in working on these types of systems. This will guarantee that they will determine the right tonnage that is appropriate for your area.
Packaged AC Units
There are a variety of HVAC systems to pick from, but one of the most commonly used for commercial spaces is a packaged AC unit. These air conditioning systems combine heating and cooling into one unit making them an ideal option for commercial spaces with little space. Also called roof top units, these kinds of systems are often seen in shopping malls.
In a typical packaged system, all components are contained within an outdoor cabinet that is connected to the building by sheet metal ductwork. In the process of cooling or heating air flows through the ductwork, and then moves over the evaporator coils. The coolant inside the evaporator coils absorbs the heat in the air, and the blower motor of the air conditioner then moves the conditioned air into the building. The used coolant can then be recirculated through the evaporator and compressor to reuse it.
The parts of a packaged system are all situated outside. This allows them to be smaller than a split system, and they don’t require an indoor furnace. This kind of system could be easier to maintain, as there are no vents where insects or animals could nest. The components are more likely to be spared rust or weather damage.
Packaged units are cheaper to set up because they’re one unit. They are also typically more energy efficient, since they don’t have the same requirements as the traditional split system which has to heat and cool multiple rooms.
The system also has the benefit of being built in a factory, where components are not exposed to extreme temperatures. This allows for greater performance from the unit and lower repair costs.
There are a variety of package ACs, such as all-electric or gas/electric models. Gas/electric units are an option for regions that are colder. All-electric models work well in warmer climates where heating is not needed. Depending on the model, there are even combinations that can be used for heating and cooling the same structure.
Ductless AC Units
Mini-split AC units, also referred to as ductless AC units, provide a more comfortable cooling without the use of air ducts. The system consists of an indoor wall mounted unit as well as an outdoor compressor and refrigerant tubes that connect the two components. The compressor pulls cool air from the room, through the outdoor unit and then pushes it back through air ducting inside the. The system can also be used to heat by using the same method in reverse to transfer heat from the outdoor unit into your home.
Ductless air conditioning is often the best option for older homes or rooms that don’t have ductwork. These systems are also used to heat or cool sunrooms and garages. Our technicians can easily 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 place to mount the outside unit.
A ductless system can also provide cooling comfort in zones. You can maintain an ideal temperature in your home while allowing guests to adjust the temperature according to their preferences. This type of system also offers greater energy efficiency, since no loss of air through ducts is evident. Some manufacturers even offer incentives to encourage customers to use their new systems.
Another option is a multi-zone ductless system that has one outdoor compressor connected to multiple indoor units. Each unit is situated in the area you want to cool or heat, and it is controlled by its own remote. This setup lets you regulate the temperature of each area of your building. It is a popular choice for commercial spaces with many different zones with varying cooling requirements.
Each indoor unit has air filters to remove pollutants and allergens, resulting in an environment that is healthier for employees and customers. This is particularly useful in restaurants, where air quality is a key aspect in the overall experience of customers.
Variable Refrigerant flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems provide an energy-efficient alternative for commercial spaces. They offer precise temperature control for various areas in the building. The occupants can modify their the level of comfort and productivity. They are also a sustainable solution since they efficiently distribute heat.
In VRF systems, the outdoor unit houses a compressor which circulates refrigerant through pipes to indoor units located in different zones or rooms. The compressor modulates its speed to accurately match the cooling and heating needs of each zone. This approach eliminates unnecessary cycling that is a waste of 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 that have various needs. This includes hospitals, offices, schools and other commercial structures. The ability to simultaneously heat and cool individual spaces reduces energy consumption and maintenance. The low noise level makes the system ideal for areas where distractions are a concern.
The VRF system is renowned for its energy efficiency, which can be seen by the lower cost of utility bills. The system’s ability for heating and cooling multiple zones at the same time is also a major source of savings in energy compared to other HVAC systems.
VRF systems also have the ability to reduce the amount of energy used in ductwork that is in good shape or doesn’t have the capacity to handle newer equipment. The system is more efficient than other heating and cooling systems due to its ability to quickly adapt to changing weather conditions. This flexibility makes it a preferred option for offices, hotels, restaurants and other commercial buildings that are frequently changing their usage and occupancy patterns. It’s a great fit for large buildings which are in the process of renovations and construction. It’s simple to retrofit existing ductwork and it is able to meet specific building requirements. Contact the team at Mission Mechanical if you want to learn more about the ways a VRF commercial system can improve your space. We’re happy to discuss this system with you and help you decide whether it is the best heating and cooling solution for your company.
Chillers
A chiller is an HVAC system that can increase your commercial air conditioner’s capacity. It cools water and distributes it throughout the room to create a pleasant environment. This is a great option for large buildings or industrial facilities that need to cool the air and more.
There are two kinds of chillers: air cooled and water cooled. Both utilize absorption or vapor compression to cool a liquid refrigerant which then cycles through different temperatures. Air-cooled chillers utilize fans to blow air over the coils of the evaporator or condenser to take out heat. They are usually situated in a basement or mechanical room with a huge footprint. Water cooled chillers have a water box that connects to an external cooling system, such as cooling towers. They are typically smaller and have a lower footprint than air cooled units.
Chillers can also be equipped with boilers, allowing them to heat your house during winter. This is a great way to conserve energy in buildings that require cooling and heating or areas where demand fluctuates throughout the year. It’s more efficient to obtain warmth from a heating unit than to draw it from outside air.
Maintaining your chiller as a packaged unit, will increase its efficiency and lower your utility costs. Cleaning the condenser, evaporator and compressor, as well as making sure that the compressor is maintained and checked, are some of the key maintenance tasks. If you have a water-cooled chiller or water treatment system, your facility’s water treatment system must be in good order to prevent corrosion and scaling.
The type of chiller that you choose will depend on your budget and the needs of your building. A packaged unit could be the ideal choice for small businesses and residential spaces, while a VRF or industrial chiller is more suitable for larger structures with special requirements. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical will help you select the ideal solution for your building.