Commercial HVAC systems, which include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, are unsung heroes. They provide comfort, quality of air, and temperature regulation in commercial buildings. These systems can be complex and are vital to creating a comfortable living environment. This article will teach you about the commercial HVAC system, its types, and how it compares to residential units. You will also discover their installation location and compliance with local building codes and OHS standards.
What is a Commercial AC Air Conditioning System (HVAC)?
A commercial HVAC system is a large network of components designed for maintaining a comfortable interior temperature and indoor air quality in commercial building types such as office spaces, retail spaces and hospitals. These systems are responsible for several key functions.
- HVAC Heating: Commercial HVAC units can produce heat to ensure occupants stay warm and comfy during the colder winter months.
- The cooling effect: It also provides cooling on a hot summer day, which prevents indoor temperatures from being uncomfortably elevated.
- Vacuum: Vacuum systems are designed to exchange indoor and outdoor air, thereby maintaining air quality. They also remove odors from the air, as well as controlling humidity levels.
- Air Purification: Commercial HVAC units often have air filtration to remove allergens like pollen and dust.
Commercial HVAC Systems Come In Many Different Types
Commercial HVAC system types are tailored to meet specific building requirements.
- Multi-Split System: This type is composed of separate indoor units and outdoor units. Ideal for smaller commercial spaces, it can provide heating and cooling functions.
- Packaged Heating and Air Conditioning Systems: All components are in one unit, typically installed on the HVAC platforms on rooftops. They are well-suited to buildings with limited space.
- VRV/VRF Systems: Variable Volume Refrigerant (VRV), also known as Variable Refrigerant (VRF), is an energy-efficient system that can simultaneously heat and cool different house zones.
- Chilled Water Systems Chilled Water systems circulate cold water to cool and are ideal for large commercial or industrial buildings.
What Is the Difference Between a Residential HVAC System and This?
Commercial HVAC Systems are fundamentally different from residential systems.
- System Scale: Systems for commercial use are more capable and designed to cover larger spaces.
- Complicatedness: Commercial air conditioning systems are more complicated due to size and complexity.
- Zones: Commercial buildings often have several zones. These zones allow the building to be controlled precisely.
- Installation Locations: Residential systems are commonly installed in attics and basements. On the other hand, commercial systems are placed on rooftop HVAC platforms to help save space indoors and reduce noise.
Basements or Rooftop HVAC Plant Platforms
For practical reasons, commercial HVAC systems may be installed in basements and on rooftop HVAC plants.
- Space Savings: Since commercial buildings are often limited space, rooftop installation is a viable option. This allows indoor space to be used more efficiently.
- Reduced Noise: Putting HVAC equipment up on the roof will reduce noise pollution, improving the comfort of building occupants.
- Easy Accessibility: Rooftop mountings allow easy access for repairs and maintenance, which minimizes disruptions in daily operations.
Maintenance/Repairs Cost
Due to their size and complexity, commercial HVAC systems require regular maintenance in order to run effectively for as long as possible. Maintenance costs depend on factors like system type, age and use; regular services include cleaning coils, replacing filters and inspecting for any potential leaks.