Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems are designed to keep your business cool throughout the day. This creates a healthy and productive 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 ensure they will be able to find the appropriate amount of tonnage that is appropriate for your space.
Packaged AC Units
There are a variety of HVAC systems available however, one of the most popular for commercial spaces is a packaged AC unit. These kinds of air conditioning units combine cooling and heating in one unit making them a fantastic alternative for commercial spaces that need to reduce space. These systems, also referred to as roof-top units, are typically seen in office buildings and malls.
In a typical packaged system, all components are contained in an outdoor cabinet that is connected to the building via sheet metal ductwork. During the cooling/heating process the air is pushed through the ductwork and flows through evaporator coils. The coolant in the evaporator absorbs the heat from the air and the motor that blows air from the air conditioner circulates this conditioned air through the building. The coolant that is used up can be recirculated back through the evaporator and compressor to be reused.
The components 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 less trouble-prone to maintain, as there are no vents where insects or animals can nest. The components are also less likely to suffer rust or weather damage.
Because they are one unit, packaged units can also be less expensive to install than split systems. They are also typically more energy efficient, since they do not have the same requirements as traditional split systems that must work to heat and cool multiple rooms.
The system also has the advantage of being constructed in a factory, where components are not exposed to extreme temperatures. This means that you get greater performance from the unit as well as lower repair costs.
There are different types of package ACs available, including gas/electric or all-electric models. Gas/electric units are an option for areas that are colder. All-electric models work best in warmer regions where heating isn’t required. There are even combination units that can be used to cool and heat the same building, depending on the model you choose.
Ductless AC Units
Mini-split AC units, also known as ductless AC units, provide a more comfortable cooling experience without the use of air ducts. The system comprises an indoor wall-mounted unit and an outdoor compressor and refrigerant tubing that connect the two components. The compressor pulls cool room air through the outdoor unit before pushing it through the inside air ducting. The system can also be used to heat, using the same process in reverse to transfer heat from the outdoor unit and into your home.
Ductless air conditioners are typically an ideal solution for older homes and rooms without ductwork. These systems are also utilized to cool or heat garages and sunrooms. Our technicians can install the system. All they need to do is access to the wall on which your indoor unit will be placed, and a suitable location to place the outdoor unit.
The use of ductless systems allows for zoned cooling comfort. You can keep the temperature of your space while guests are able to alter the temperature as they wish. This type of system is also more energy efficient, since there is no duct-related loss of air. Some manufacturers offer rebates to customers who choose to use their new systems.
A multi-zone ductless system is an alternative option. It is made up of a single outdoor compressor that is connected to multiple indoor units. Each unit is situated in the area that you’d like to cool or warm, and each has its own remote. This setup gives you the ability to set the temperature for each area in your building which makes it an ideal choice for commercial buildings with multiple areas that have different cooling requirements.
The indoor units each feature air filters that eliminate pollutants and other allergens from the air, making your place more healthy for both customers and employees. This is particularly useful in restaurants and other eateries where the quality of the air is a key component 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 options for different areas of the building, enabling the occupants to personalize their preferences for comfort and increase productivity. They also help save energy by efficiently redistributing heat, which makes them a sustainable solution all the year.
In VRF systems, the outdoor unit is equipped with a compressor which circulates refrigerant by pipes to indoor units in different rooms or zones. The compressor modulates its speed to accurately match the cooling and heating demands of each zone. This method prevents unnecessary cycling, which wastes energy. The coils for evaporation can be used for heating. Again, the system will alter its operation based on the temperature.
Zoning technology makes VRF systems ideal for offices, hospitals schools, and other commercial buildings with a diverse set of needs. The ability to simultaneously heat and cool individual spaces reduces energy consumption and maintenance. The low noise level makes this system ideal for environments that are sensitive to distractions.
The VRF system is renowned for its energy efficiency, which can be seen by the lower utility bills. The ability of the system to heat and cooling multiple zones in a single system is also a major source of savings on energy compared to other HVAC technologies.
VRF systems can be used to decrease energy consumption to heat and cool existing ductwork, which is often not in good condition or does not have the capacity to handle newer equipment. The ability of the system to swiftly adapt to changing climate conditions makes it operate more efficiently than other types of cooling and heating. This flexibility makes it a popular choice for office spaces and restaurants, hotels and other commercial buildings that frequently change their use and occupancy patterns. The system is a great option for large structures that are which are in the process of 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 learn more about the ways that the VRF commercial system can enhance your space. We’d be delighted to discuss the system with you and assist you to decide if this is the right heating and cooling solution for your company.
Chillers
A chiller is a specific kind of HVAC system that maximizes the capacity of your commercial air conditioner. It cools water and distributes it throughout the room to create a comfortable environment. This is an excellent option for larger buildings or industrial facilities that have a need to cool more than the air.
There are two types of chillers – air cooled and water cooled. Both use absorption refrigeration or vapor compression to cool a liquid refrigerant, which is then circulated through various temperatures. Air-cooled chillers are equipped with fans that move air over the condenser and evaporator coils to remove excess heat. They have a large footprint and are typically situated in a mechanical room on the roof or in basements. Water-cooled chillers come with a water box that is connected to an external cooling system such as a tower. These chillers are usually smaller and have a smaller footprint than air-cooled units.
Chillers can also be equipped with boilers, allowing them to heat your house during winter. This is an efficient way to save energy in a building that requires both heating and cooling, or for areas that have seasonal fluctuations in demand. For instance, it’s more efficient to draw heat from a boiler than to draw it from the cold air outside.
Maintaining your chiller as a packaged unit, will increase its efficiency and lower the cost of your utility bills. Cleaning the condenser, evaporator and compressor, as well as inspecting and servicing the compressor chiller are a few of the most important maintenance tasks. If you are using chillers that are water-cooled, the water treatment system in your facility should be in good condition to avoid scaling and corrosion.
The kind of chiller you choose depends on the needs of your building and your budget. A packaged chiller is the ideal choice for small or homes. However VRF chillers or an industrial chiller may be a better solution for larger buildings. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical will help you determine the right solution for your particular building.
