Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems help keep your company cool all day long. This creates a healthy and productive work environment.
If you are looking for a contractor to install commercial AC ensure they have the appropriate experience and license. This will ensure that they can determine the right tonnage for your area.
Packaged AC Units
There are a variety of HVAC systems to choose from, but a packaged AC system is the most well-known. These air conditioning systems integrate cooling and heating into one unit, making them an excellent option for commercial buildings with limited space. These systems, also known as roof-top units, are typically found in office buildings and malls.
In a standard packaged system, all of the components are contained within an outdoor cabinet that is connected to the building via sheet metal ductwork. During the cooling/heating process air flows through the ductwork and flows through 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 pushes this conditioned air in the building. The used coolant is then returned to the compressor and evaporator coils to ensure it is reused.
The components of a packaged system are all placed outside. This makes them smaller than a split system and they don’t require an indoor furnace. This type of system is generally more maintenance-friendly because there aren’t any ducts for animals or insects to make nests in, and the parts are less prone to suffering from weather or rust damage.
Packaged units are less expensive to install since they’re one unit. They are usually more efficient in energy use, as they don’t have to heat and cool multiple spaces as split systems do.
The system also benefits of being constructed in factories in which the components are not exposed to extreme temperatures. This leads to a higher performance of the unit and lower repair costs.
There are various kinds of package ACs, such as all-electric or gas/electric models. Gas/electric units are a great option for regions that are warmer. All-electric models work best in warmer regions where heating isn’t needed. There are also combination units that can be used to both cool and heat the same structure, based on the model you choose.
Ductless AC Units
Mini-split AC units, also known as ductless AC units, offer 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 tubing which connects the two components. The compressor draws cool room air through the outdoor unit before pushing it through the interior air ducting. The system can be used to heat your home using the same process reversed.
Ductless air conditioners are usually the best option for older homes or spaces which don’t have ductwork. They’re also commonly employed to cool and heat workshops, sunrooms and garages, and other rooms that wouldn’t benefit from traditional HVAC solutions. Our technicians can install the system. All they require to complete the installation is access to the wall on which the indoor unit will be placed, and a suitable place to mount the outdoor unit.
A ductless system can also provide zoned cooling comfort. This means you can keep your space at a moderate temperature while allowing your guests to maintain their preferred temperature. This kind of system is also more energy efficient, as there is no duct-related loss of air. Certain brands offer discounts to customers who use their new systems.
Another option is to utilize a multi-zone ductless unit that includes an outdoor compressor that is connected to multiple indoor units. Each unit is situated in the space that you wish to cool or heat, and is controlled by its own remote. This setup gives you the option of setting the temperature for every zone within your building and is a popular choice for commercial spaces with many different areas that may have different cooling requirements.
Each indoor unit is equipped with air filters that eliminate allergens and pollutants, resulting in an environment that is healthier for clients and employees. This is particularly beneficial in restaurants and other eateries where the quality of the air is an important component of the customer’s overall experience.
Variable Refrigerant flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems offer an energy-efficient alternative for commercial spaces. They offer precise temperature control for different zones within the building. This lets the occupants adjust their the level of comfort and productivity. They are also a sustainable solution since they efficiently distribute heat.
In VRF systems, the outdoor unit has an compressor that circulates refrigerant via pipes to indoor units within different rooms or zones. The compressor modulates the speed so that it is in line to the heating and cooling requirements of each zone. This prevents unnecessary cycling that wastes energy. The evaporator coils of the indoor units could be used to provide heating and cooling, with the system adapting its operation in accordance with.
VRF systems are ideal for commercial buildings that have a variety of requirements. This includes offices, hospitals, schools and other commercial structures. The ability to simultaneously cool and heat the individual rooms reduces overall energy consumption and maintenance costs. The system’s low noise operation creates a more peaceful environment and improved security, making it designed for environments where distractions can be a concern.
Energy efficiency is an important benefit of VRF technology and can be seen in the lower utility bills that are associated when you implement the system. In addition, the ability of the system to heat and cool several zones separately contributes to substantial energy savings when compared to other HVAC technologies.
VRF systems are also able to reduce energy consumption in existing ductwork that is not in good condition or does not have the capacity to accommodate newer equipment. The system’s ability to quickly adapt to changing climate conditions allows it to function more efficiently than other forms of cooling and heating. This flexibility makes the system a popular option for commercial buildings, like restaurants, hotels and office spaces that change their occupancy and usage patterns frequently. The system is a good fit for large buildings undergoing renovations and construction. It’s simple to retrofit existing ductwork and it is able to meet specific building requirements. If you’re interested in finding out more about how a commercial VRF system could improve your space, please contact the team at Mission Mechanical. We’d be delighted to discuss the system with you and help determine if 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 spreads it across the space to create a pleasant atmosphere. This is an excellent option for industrial and large-scale facilities that have a need to cool more than the air.
There are two types of chillers – air cooled and water cooled. Both utilize vapor compression or absorption refrigeration 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 eliminate heat. They are large in size and are usually located in a mechanical room on the roof or in the basement. Water-cooled chillers are equipped with a water box which connects to an external cooling method, such as cooling towers. These chillers are smaller and have smaller footprints than air-cooled units.
Chillers are also able to be fitted with boilers, which allows them to heat your space in winter. This is a great way to conserve energy in buildings that require cooling and heating, or for areas where the demand for energy fluctuates during the seasons. It is more efficient to draw heat from a heating system rather than to draw it from outside air.
Maintaining your chiller like a packaged unit will increase its efficiency and lower your utility costs. Cleaning the condenser, evaporator and compressor, along with making sure that the compressor is maintained and checked chiller are a few of the key maintenance tasks. If you use water-cooled chillers, your facility’s water treatment system should be in good working order to avoid corrosion and scaling.
The kind of chiller you select will depend on the needs of your building and your budget. A packaged chiller is the ideal choice for small-sized businesses and residential spaces, while a VRF or industrial chiller is the best option for larger structures with special needs. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical can help you find the best solution for your building.
