If you’re a building owner or facility manager, understanding commercial HVAC is vital. Keeping your HVAC functioning and maintained is essential to keeping your business operating the way it should. A building with inadequate heating or cooling – or whether those systems have been allowed to fall into disrepair – can experience a forced shut down, possibly resulting in lost income and productivity.
How does a commercial HVAC system work?
A commercial HVAC system works in a similar fashion to your home HVAC system. The biggest difference in that your home HVAC system is designed for residential buildings and small businesses, while commercial systems are designed for large-scale corporate, retail and industrial buildings. Commercial HVAC is often required for businesses such as restaurants, hospitals, schools, hotels or office buildings.
The function of a commercial HVAC system isn’t unlike a residential one. Burners and heat pumps transfer hot air (or hot water in the case of boilers) through a distribution or ventilation system, heating or cooling the air according to a thermostat’s settings.
What are the components of a commercial vs. a home HVAC system?
There are a lot of similarities between commercial and home HVAC systems, with the scale being the biggest difference. In general, radiators or air supply systems provide the “heat”, while cooling systems remove hot air and humidity from the building. Ventilation systems and fans circulate air and help manage humidity.
Commercial HVAC is usually one of three categories: centralized, packaged or individual. A centralized system involves one single unit responsible for heating or cooling the whole building. They have a high load capacity, and are preferred for large buildings. Packaged systems “package” the AC and heat pump units together, and rely on a thermostat to control the system. They’re a good choice for tight spaces. Individual or “decentralized” systems feature multiple units in different areas of the building, and are generally used for small-to-medium buildings.
How long does it take to install a commercial HVAC system?
The install time for a commercial HVAC system depends on the type of system, how much ductwork needs to be installed, and the design and layout of your building. In general, installation takes from between a day to a week. Certain factors such as a challenging design or a historic designation may extend that timespan. However, your HVAC installer should be able to provide you with an accurate estimate when they assess your building. Generally they’ll provide a plan, a schedule, and a list of possible issues before they start work – so that you know what to expect.
How can I prolong the life of my commercial HVAC?
With proper maintenance, your commercial HVAC system should last between 10-15 years. There are a few ways you can make sure yours reaches that mark. Weatherproof your building by upgrading doors and windows, adding insulation, and creating shade around the building. Use thermostats, timers and zones to only heat and cool areas that are being used – this will help reduce the load on your HVAC. And invest in regular maintenance to ensure that your system is running as efficiently as it should be.
Looking to install or service a commercial HVAC system? Talk to the friendly team at Shaw. We’ll help you find the right system for your needs – and keep it running at maximum efficiency all year long.