April 20, 2021

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are essential for both residential and commercial buildings. With the HVAC system in place, temperature, humidity, and air quality are regulated and kept at moderate levels. Occupants of the building will then be able to operate in a comfortable work environment. There are three types of HVAC systems for commercial buildings, which include:

Split HVAC System

The split HVAC system comprises an indoor unit, outdoor unit, humidity control/filtration system, a programmable or non-programmable thermostat, and ductwork. This system is further divided into two types: single-split and multi-split.

Single-Split System

The single-split HVAC system is a cost-effective commercial air conditioning system that serves small commercial establishments such as coffee shops, offices, and server rooms. Installation for this system is pretty easy, which makes it ideal for new or renovated commercial spaces.

This system includes an air conditioner that helps to cool the refrigerant. A furnace is also present to convert the refrigerant while the evaporator coil circulates the air throughout the entire building.

Single-split systems can be used in combinations to serve larger spaces and multiple rooms. However, it will require lots of space.

Advantages

  • Installation is relatively easy and cheap, making it ideal for small enterprises.
  • Each unit is self-contained, meaning that when one breaks down it will not affect the other units.
  • Single-split systems are energy efficient as each indoor unit delivers to the room it is assigned to.
  • Ideal for a single room that requires extra HVAC systems.
  • You can add a single unit in a one-to-one ration as your business expands.

Disadvantages

  • The single-split system takes up a lot of space since every internal unit has a matching outdoor unit.

Multi-Split System

Multi-split systems can connect multiple indoor units to a single external unit. Unlike the single-split system, this system serves larger enterprises such as retail shops, restaurants, and doctors’ units.

This system requires a professional to install it as it has lots of pipework. Trying to wing it will only reduce your HVAC efficiency.

Advantages

  • Occupies less space as one outdoor unit can be connected to multiple indoor units.
  • It gives the building exterior an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
  • The installation process does not necessitate your building to have ductwork.

Disadvantages

  • The installation work is extensive thus will take longer.
  • The cost of installation is relatively high.

VRV or VRF HVAC System

The Variable Refrigerant Flow system, also called the Variable Refrigerant Volume system, uses a refrigerant for its heating and cooling activities. This system works best for medium to large commercial buildings as it uses a single condenser that can serve multiple evaporators.

All the internal units of this system have an Electronic Expansion Valve that controls the refrigerant supply to meet the demand of the commercial building.

VRV systems are of two types:

  • Heat pump systems – These are large multi-split units that are suitable for open-plan spaces. They are used in both cooling and heating.
  • Heat recovery systems – These systems can cool and heat buildings at the same time. They offer energy-saving opportunities and are best suited for commercial buildings that have several rooms.

Advantages

  • These systems can serve medium to large commercial enterprises.
  • Installation in commercial spaces undergoing expansion is easy.
  • Installation can be conducted fast without disrupting the occupants of the building.

Disadvantages

  • The installation process is expensive.
  • When a single unit breaks down, the entire HVAC system is affected.

CAV and VAV Systems

Although the Constant Air Volume and Variable Air Volume work in the same way, they are different systems.

CAV System

The Constant Air Volume system utilizes a compressor (such as Danfoss) to operate the system until it achieves the required temperature level. This system is suitable for commercial spaces that require the temperature to be kept constant at all times, such as warehouses and manufacturing establishments.

Advantages

  • This system is ideal for spaces that require constant ventilation (like warehouses).

Disadvantages

  • CAV systems are poor at regulating humidity.
  • Since it provides constant ventilation, it requires high energy costs.

VAV System

The Variable Air Volume system is ideal for commercial spaces that require varying heating and cooling. The system’s fan speed varies to provide varying temperatures, depending on the room’s requirements. Additionally, the compressor controls the refrigerant flow to keep the temperature consistent, which helps the system save energy.

Advantages

  • This system is energy-efficient.
  • Controls humidity and temperature.
  • Ideal for commercial spaces that require varying ventilation loads.

Disadvantages

  • Setting up this system is expensive.
  • The VAV system occupies a lot of space. It requires a fan room to be set aside.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a HVAC System

Now that we have discussed the various types of HVAC systems, the daunting question is, which one should you go for? To help you choose, here are a few tips:

Weigh the Benefits of Different Systems

As a business owner, you already know your heating and cooling needs. If you need a system that has superior humidity control or one that offers varying ventilation loads, that should be your guide. Do research on the various HVAC systems, as well as the benefits they offer, and select one that aligns with your needs.

Select the Right Size

With HVAC systems, bigger is not always better because units that are too large consume lots of energy and produce excess indoor humidity. For that reason, the right fit is what you should aim for. To choose the right size, there are some calculations involved that will estimate your establishment’s heating and cooling requirements. Turn to professionals to get this done.

Reliability, Efficiency, and Air Quality

Reliability is one of the most important factors you should be on the lookout for. If you settle for an air conditioning system that delivers poor quality heating and cooling, your products may be affected, and in the process, you could suffer losses. A reliable HVAC system will also ensure that the air quality is suitable for employees and customers visiting your commercial space.

Local Climate

HVAC systems should be able to handle extreme weather conditions. If your business is located in an arid area with a hot climate, you should get a system that will serve you well. In such a case, you will need a system that offers superior cooling, and if humidity is also an issue in your area and you are not sure on which system to get in your area, you can seek professional advice instead of investing in the wrong system.

Energy Efficiency

Ensure that you choose a system that is energy efficient. An HVAC system such as the Variable Air Volume is energy efficient, thanks to its compressor, which regulates the refrigerant flow. In the long run, energy-efficient systems such as the VAV will save you operation and maintenance costs.

Contact the Professionals!

If you still have doubts about what HVAC system suits your commercial space in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, or Austin, TX, we, at Beyer Mechanical, are here to help. We offer the highest quality systems, and with our expertise, we will help you choose accordingly. We also offer replacement, maintenance, repairs, construction, and energy management services for residential and commercial buildings. Our team of experts is ready to render you our top-notch services when you call. Waste no time and call us today to schedule a service.

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