Types of Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioning systems are designed to keep your company cool throughout the day. This promotes a healthy, productive workplace.
When selecting a contractor for commercial AC installation, ensure that they are licensed and skilled 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 many different HVAC systems to choose from however, one of the most popular for commercial spaces is a packaged AC unit. These types of air conditioning units integrate the heating and cooling process into one unit making them a fantastic alternative for commercial spaces that require to make space. Also called roof top units, these kinds of systems are usually found in office buildings and shopping malls.
In a typical packaged unit, all of the components are housed in an outdoor cabinet which connects to the building with sheet metal ductwork. When the cooling or heating process is in progress air flows through the ductwork and moves over evaporator coils. The coolant in the evaporator sucks up the heat from the air, and the motor that blows air from the air conditioner pushes this conditioned air into the building. The coolant used can be recirculated back through the compressor and evaporator to be reused.
Since the parts of a packaged unit are housed outside, they can be more compact than a traditional split system and don’t require an indoor furnace. This kind of system can be more maintenance-friendly because there aren’t vents where insects or animals can settle. The components are also less prone to corrosion or weather damage.
Packaged units are less expensive to install since they are a single unit. They are generally more energy efficient, since they don’t have to heat and cool multiple rooms like a split system.
The system also has the benefit of being manufactured in an industrial facility in which components aren’t exposed to extreme temperatures. This ensures greater performance from the unit as well as lower repair costs.
There are many kinds of package AC units, including all-electric and gas/electric models. All-electric models are a great option for climates that don’t need to be heated, while gas/electric units provide an option for colder regions. Based on the model, there are even combinations that can be used for both heating and cooling the same building.
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 and an outdoor compressor and refrigerant tubing that connect the two components. The compressor draws cool air from the room through the outdoor unit, and then pushes it through the air ducting inside the. The system can also be used for heating by using the same process in reverse to transfer heat from the outdoor unit into your home.
Ductless air conditioners are typically the best option for older homes or spaces that have no existing ductwork. These systems can also be used to cool or heat garages and sunrooms. The system can be easily installed by our professional technicians. The only thing they need to install the system is access to the wall on which your indoor unit will be mounted, and a suitable place to put the outside unit.
A ductless system can also provide zoned cooling comfort. This means that you can keep your home at a comfortable temperature, while permitting your guests to remain at their preferred temperature. This type of system provides greater energy efficiency since no loss of air through ducts is present. Some brands even offer discounts to encourage customers to purchase their new systems.
Another option is to utilize a multi-zone ductless unit that features one outdoor compressor connected to multiple indoor units. Each unit is located in the area that you’d like to cool or warm, and each comes with its own remote. This configuration lets you regulate the temperature of each area of your building. It is a popular choice for commercial spaces with multiple zones with different cooling requirements.
Each indoor unit is equipped with air filters to remove pollutants and allergens, creating a healthier space for your employees and clients. This is particularly useful in restaurants, where the air quality is an important element in the overall experience for customers.
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
VRF systems are an energy-efficient solution for commercial spaces of all kinds. They offer precise temperatures and zoning features for different areas of the building, enabling the occupants to personalize their comfort preferences and improve productivity. They also offer energy savings by efficiently distributing heat, which makes them a sustainable solution throughout the year.
In VRF systems the outdoor unit contains an air compressor that circulates refrigerant via pipes to indoor units in different rooms or zones. The compressor modulates the speed so that it is in line with the cooling and heating needs of each zone. This stops unnecessary cycling that wastes energy. The evaporator coils of the indoor units could be used to provide heat in conjunction by adjusting the system’s operation accordingly.
Zoning capability makes VRF systems ideal for offices, hospitals schools, and other commercial buildings with a diverse range of requirements. The capability to simultaneously heat and cool the individual rooms reduces energy consumption overall and maintenance costs. The system’s low noise operation creates a more peaceful environment and improved privacy, making it well suited for environments 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. Additionally, the system’s capability to heat and cool several zones independently contributes to significant energy savings compared to other HVAC technology.
VRF systems can be used to reduce energy consumption to heat and cool existing ductwork, which is often not in good condition or doesn’t have the capacity to handle modern 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 the system an ideal choice for commercial buildings such as restaurants, hotels and office spaces that alter their usage and occupancy patterns frequently. The system is ideal for large structures that are going through renovations or construction, as it’s easy to retrofit existing ductwork and meet specific building requirements. Contact us at Mission Mechanical if you want to learn more about the ways that the VRF commercial system can benefit your space. We’d be delighted to discuss the system with you and help you determine if this is the right heating and cooling solution for your company.
Chillers
A chiller is an HVAC system that increases the capacity of your commercial air conditioner. It cools water and distributes it throughout the room to create a pleasant atmosphere. This is an excellent option for industrial or large-scale facilities with a need to cool the air and more.
There are two types of chillers: water-cooled and air-cooled. Both employ absorption or compressing vapor to cool refrigerant liquid and then cycle through different temperatures. Air-cooled chillers have fans that push air over the condenser and evaporator 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 method, such as cooling towers. These chillers are smaller and have smaller footprints than air-cooled units.
Chillers are also equipped with boilers that can be used to heat your home in winter. This is a great method to reduce energy consumption for structures that require cooling and heating or areas where demand fluctuates throughout the year. It’s more efficient to get heat from a heating system rather than to take it from the outside air.
Maintaining your chiller, just like a packaged unit, can improve its efficiency and reduce your energy bills. Cleaning the evaporator, condenser and compressor, along with checking and servicing the compressed components are among the key maintenance tasks. If you use water-cooled chillers and your facility has a water treatment system should be in good order to avoid corrosion and scaling.
The type of chiller you pick depends on the requirements of your building and budget. A packaged unit may be the best choice for small businesses and residential areas, whereas a VRF or industrial chiller is the best option for larger buildings with specific needs. A professional from 1 Source Mechanical will help you select the ideal solution for your particular building.