How Commercial Air Conditioning Services Work
Commercial air conditioning services are essential to any business to provide repairs and maintenance to the high-powered commercial units providing cooling whenever it is needed most.
Like residential services, commercial units need maintenance to function properly and prevent breakdowns during times of high usage. Commercial units, however, need maintenance more often as there is more demand placed on individual parts as a result.
When you book commercial air conditioning services, you may be asked questions about the unit and whether anything has seemed off about the system’s efficiency. This will help the HVAC professional assess the state of the unit and look into any potential problems before it results in the need for repairs.
The maintenance appointment will reveal if there is anything concerning with the unit, and if any repairs should be made.
What are the Types of Commercial Air Conditioning Systems?
There are many types of commercial AC systems to meet the needs of different spaces and budgets. Most common for coffee shops, small shops, and like-commercial spaces, a single-split system offers cooling on the economical scale. These units have both an interior and exterior unit, and can expand to include more units as the business expands.
The multi-split system is ideal for larger spaces with multiple rooms, such as a doctor’s office or retail shop. Several indoor units keep the space cool, and connect into one large outdoor unit, rather than multiple smaller ones.
A VRF system, also known as a variable refrigerant flow system, is common in larger retail spaces that require both heating and cooling. With this unit, a heat pump uses refrigerant in both heating and cooling lines, and multiple evaporators connect to a single condensing unit.
Lastly, the VAV system, also known as variable air volume, uses a duct system for the supply and return of airflow throughout the building to keep temperatures at a set point. This is popular for retail shops, grocery stores, and warehouse-like interior spaces that rely on consistent temperatures to prevent product spoilage or maintain comfort throughout the day despite heavy foot traffic.
What is the Difference Between Residential and Commercial AC Units?
Hot weather can put a lot of strain on residential units, even in the standard home setting. In a commercial setting, however, even more demand is placed on these units as it must accommodate a larger space with many more occupants.
Often, commercial units are larger, and use a lot more power than residential units as a result of accommodating these needs.
While these units are like central ACs, and often called central units for ease of use, the more powerful units vary in their design to help prevent a mechanical failure or breakdown from overuse of any single part. Multiple evaporators may connect to a single condensing unit, for example, or utilize ducts in different ways to maintain a specific temperature.
Overall, commercial HVAC systems are more specialized and are built to accommodate larger spaces with more foot traffic, in a more efficient cooling system so that it takes less time to cool.
These units, however, also come with additional power usage and electricity costs, and can only be installed in commercially zoned buildings. Exterior commercial units are also much louder than residential units because of the additional power usage, contributing to noise pollution that may not be acceptable in residential areas.
Which HVAC System is Best For Commercial Building?
Unless you are running a small, two-room commercial space that doesn’t see many visitors, a central air conditioner with an external unit will almost always be your best option. While these units are bulky and fixed in place, they are also better at keeping large, multi-room spaces cooler and at more stabilized temperatures.
From large showrooms to retail spaces and multi-story offices, central air conditioning keeps employees cool throughout the year without much maintenance outside of annual inspections and bi-weekly air filter changes that can often be done by the janitorial staff.
For the smaller commercial space that might have one or two rooms as an office space or crafty retail space, this might not be necessary, however; window units are often the best choice for these spaces, so long as they are large enough to accommodate the needs of the space such as higher occupancy or more ambient heat.
How Long Do Commercial HVAC Systems Last?
Overall, commercial HVAC units last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, which is similar to the lifespan of a residential unit. (1) Given appropriate regular maintenance and prompt repairs whenever necessary, this servicing can extend the units lifespan, allowing a business to run their HVAC system anywhere from 15 to 25 years.
HVAC systems should be at the top of business’ preventative maintenance lists, ensuring that air quality is comfortable and safe.
Forbes
Around the 10–15-year mark, however, the technological upgrades that become available may be more cost-effective for the business owner to invest in, as running an older model typically reduces the energy efficiency and parts begin to break down at faster rates after that point.
If your business is running an older unit, it may be time to discuss your options with an HVAC professional and plan for the investment into a new commercial system.
How Much is A Rooftop Air Conditioner?
Rooftop air conditioners are typically reserved for multi-level commercial spaces that require more cooling power where a ground unit would not be as effective.
The price depends on the features of the unit as well as how much space it needs to accommodate inside. Most commercial units, however, range anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 based on these factors.
This may not include installation costs, depending on the HVAC company you choose. Budget-conscious business owners must also weigh the up-front cost with the expected annual cost of cooling, however. Many higher-priced units feature technology that is more energy efficient and will provide more savings in the long run.
With many units lasting 20-30 years, it is an important consideration, as cooling costs will affect the business, often longer than the business intends to be in that space.
When you are ready to install a commercial rooftop unit, it’s important to speak with the HVAC professional responsible for the installation, as they will be able to provide you with the options available to your business and recommendations on how to move forward from an expert’s perspective.
If you do not have an HVAC company yet, utilizing Same Day Pros’ unique search platform will allow you to find local commercial air conditioning services and get multiple quotes on your service request for comparison.
Calculate Power Usage for Different Buildings
The power usage necessary for your commercial unit depends on a variety of factors such as size, occupancy, lighting, and energy efficiency.
A larger space – both on a per-room and overall estimation – will require a larger unit to accommodate. This is measured in square footage, taking into consideration both horizontal and vertical space. Higher ceilings, for example, require more cooling than lower ceilings.
Estimated occupancy will also determine how much cooling the space will need. A higher rate of occupancy – for example, a retail space that expects a large number of customers every day – will require more cooling power than a lower-occupancy building, such as a handful of people in an office space.
Lighting and energy efficiency also affect the power usage the building will need to accommodate. The more energy efficient the appliances are, including the AC unit, the more power consumption is reduced and therefore energy costs.
Lighting is important to consider as well. Some lights give off ambient heat, which will cause the cooling system to work harder to accommodate for the higher temperature. Upgrading to energy-efficient LED bulbs that don’t produce as much heat when illuminated is a great way to reduce the power usage in the building.
Find Local Commercial Air Conditioning Services
Many HVAC professionals specialize in residential services, which can make finding the right fit for your business even more difficult when you need it most.
Commercial air conditioning services doesn’t have to be difficult to find, and you don’t have to keep the AC off for weeks trying to get the services you need.
We connect businesses and individuals alike with the services they need, from local professionals that care about the quality of work they do.
Find your commercial air conditioning expert today by searching with Same Day Pros and accelerate the timeline for your staff and customers’ comfort alike.
References:
- Forbes, The Importance of HVAC Tech Safety Even As Employees Work From Home, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/01/20/the-importance-of-hvac-tech-safety-even-as-employees-work-from-home/?sh=1ce9c8ad2f6d
