Commercial building owners know that controlling indoor temperatures is important. However, figuring out all of the aspects of commercial HVAC can be daunting. But you don’t need to be an engineer to understand everything about your facility’s system. Here is everything you need to know about industrial HVAC.
The Importance of HVAC For Your Business
Commercial HVAC is different from residential HVAC systems. They service large spaces and work with different temperatures, humidity levels, and air filtration requirements. Selecting the wrong system for your space will impact your budget and frustrate your employees.
Imagine how hot it can get inside a warehouse during the summer months. If your employees aren’t comfortable, they won’t work as quickly. Products can become damaged if there is no proper cooling. Machines can overheat and break down. This leads to lost productivity and higher expenses. A properly designed HVAC system keeps your employees cool and your facility running smoothly.
HVAC Tips You Can Use
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. These three control the temperature and air quality in your building.
- Heating – This component keeps your facility warm when outdoor temperatures are low. Most commercial heaters are either furnaces or boilers that send heated air through ductwork/vents or hot water through pipes.
- Ventilation – This makes sure fresh air is circulated throughout the building while removing contaminants and bad smells. Ventilation equipment also ensures your employees are breathing clean air, which can reduce sickness.
- Air Conditioning – The air conditioner will keep your facility cool when the weather is hot. Commercial air conditioners are much larger than residential units because they have to cool such a large area.
Different Types of Commercial HVAC Systems
Split systems have both indoor and outdoor components. They are typically used for medium-sized buildings. The compressor/condenser is located outside, while air handlers are placed inside the facility.
Package systems are all housed in one cabinet outside your building. For this reason, they don’t take up any valuable space inside your facility. Package systems are commonly used in warehouses and retail stores.
Variable refrigerant flow systems allow you to customize temperature settings in different areas or “zones.” You may want your office area to be cool while you keep temperatures slightly higher where your products are stored.
A chiller system is just what it sounds like – chillers. This type of system cools your building by using water instead of air. Chillers cool large volumes of water that then flow through coils to cool the air inside your building.
Commercial HVAC System Size
Just because you need commercial HVAC doesn’t mean you should buy the largest unit you can find. An oversized system will turn on and off too frequently, wasting energy and shortening the lifespan of your equipment. An undersized HVAC system will struggle to keep your space cool and run continuously without ever reaching the desired temperature.
A properly sized system will efficiently keep your space at the correct temperature without wasting energy. Your HVAC contractor should calculate the right size for your facility. They will take into account square footage, ceiling height, insulation values, number of occupants, equipment that generates heat, and more.
Commercial HVAC and Energy Efficiency
New commercial HVAC systems are much more energy-efficient than older models. Investing in an upgraded system could pay for itself over time. Look for systems with the highest SEER ratings.
These devices learn your schedule and change temperatures when you’re not there. You won’t be cooling or heating an empty building all night. Some smart systems can even detect when a door opens and pause temporarily.
Another energy-saving feature to look for is variable-speed motors. Older HVAC units always ran at full speed, whether they were heating or cooling your building. New systems have motors that vary their speed based on demand, which reduces electricity usage.
Maintenance is also important when it comes to energy efficiency. You should schedule maintenance for your system twice a year. One appointment should be scheduled before summer starts and another before winter. This will allow the technician to correct any issues before your employees start to feel too hot or too cold.
What you can do between visits includes:
- Changing or cleaning filters each month during peak seasons
- Cleaning around outdoor units so vents aren’t obstructed by debris, leaves, or overgrown vegetation.
- Ensuring thermostat settings are correct
- Listening for strange noises coming from the HVAC system. Grinding, squealing, and banging are all signs that there could be an issue.
Commercial HVAC and Air Quality
Air quality has a big impact on employee productivity. Not only does poor air quality cause sickness, but it can also cause employees to make more mistakes. The air inside your facility should be filtered and purified just as much as the air outside.
Many commercial HVAC systems have air filtration systems that include HEPA filters. These traps particles that regular filters might miss. Some systems also include ultraviolet lights that kill bacteria and mold spores. Moisture can also be removed from the air to prevent mold growth.
If your facility produces a lot of dust, chemicals, paint fumes, or involves welding, you’ll need additional ventilation. Installing exhaust fans and/or specialized air handling units can help remove contaminants from the air.
Commercial HVAC Automation
Commercial HVAC technology has come a long way. Now you can connect your system to your computer and even your smartphone. Building automation systems allow you to monitor and control your HVAC system remotely.
These systems also monitor your energy consumption as it happens. Not only will you know immediately if something isn’t working correctly, but you can catch inefficiencies before they cost you too much money. Some systems can even alert you when maintenance is required.
Commercial HVAC zoning allows you to customize temperatures in different areas of your building. Perhaps you don’t want the warehouse area to be as cool as your office space. Zoning ensures that everyone is comfortable while minimizing energy waste.
Where to Go From Here
It’s important to take care of your commercial HVAC system. If your system is old, has frequent issues, or struggles to keep your building at the right temperature, consider investing in a new system.
Contact local contractors to get their opinion. Many businesses will come to your facility and give you a free estimate. Once you have a few opinions and price quotes, you can decide what system is best for your company.
Remember that one commercial HVAC system isn’t right for every business. A food production facility has different needs than a warehouse does. Make sure you find a system that’s perfect for your unique business.
FAQ’s
Why should I care about HVAC for my business?
Employees are more comfortable, your equipment won’t overheat, and heat/humidity won’t damage your products. Inconsistent or bad HVAC can lead to decreased productivity, more employee sick days, and higher energy bills. The right system keeps your facility comfortable and running year-round.
What’s the difference between residential and commercial HVAC?
Commercial HVAC systems are designed for larger spaces with higher ceilings and more people. They tend to have more complex airflow requirements, as well as different temperature and humidity needs. Residential units are not sized/crated to meet commercial demands, and simply scaling up doesn’t work.
How do I know what commercial HVAC system is right for me?
It all starts with proper sizing. An oversized system will turn on and off too frequently, wasting energy. An undersized system will never feel like it’s cool enough because it can’t keep up with the demand. HVAC contractors use square footage, ceiling height, insulation, equipment heat output, and headcount to determine proper system size.
How can I save energy with my commercial HVAC system?
Look for units with high SEER ratings, variable speed motors, and smart thermostats. These systems can adjust to changing demand and occupancy levels without running at full speed all the time. Maintenance is also key—replace filters and clean outdoor units on a schedule, and check thermostat operation frequently.
How can I ensure good air quality in my facility?
Many commercial HVAC units have added filtration like HEPA filters, UV lights, and moisture removal systems to help trap allergens, bacteria, and mold. If your building produces a lot of dust, chemicals, or other fumes, you may need additional exhaust fans or custom air handling units.
What is HVAC automation & zoning?
Automation allows you to monitor and control your system from computers or smartphones. Zoning lets you customize temperatures in different areas of your building, like keeping the office comfortable but allowing the warehouse to be a few degrees warmer. Both can help you save energy and increase occupant comfort.
When do I need to upgrade my commercial HVAC system?
If your system is old, breaks down frequently, or can no longer keep your building at the right temperature consistently, it may be time to upgrade. New commercial HVAC is much more energy efficient than older models, and offers benefits like improved air quality and automation. See more