As a business owner, you have a lot of things on your mind. You’re responsible for both daily operations and your employees’ welfare, as well as the condition of the facility where you all work.
One of the things you may be considering is the HVAC system keeping you all comfortable year-round. Most business owners know very little about HVAC systems, which is why we’re often asked basic questions about their function, cost, and efficiency.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about commercial HVAC systems:
What is a commercial HVAC system?
The HVAC unit that cools your Florida home is relatively compact compared to a commercial unit. Depending on your facility you may have more than one unit.
Commercial HVAC systems are larger to accommodate the bigger space and square footage. Sometimes the units are located adjacent to the building or they may be on the roof.
All commercial systems are comprised of the following: the main furnace, thermostat, heat exchanger refrigerant lines, and ductwork.
What is the difference between commercial and home HVAC systems?
Commercial HVAC systems must be larger to handle the larger buildings businesses are located in. Areas like factory floors and sales offices tend to be vast, unlike the rooms in a typical home. Therefore its size and power are much greater than a residential HVAC unit.
Commercial HVAC systems must also handle a more diverse need. Some areas in a factory are warmer as machines run throughout the day, making the need for heating less and cooling more in that area. Sales offices by contrast need more heating or cooling without larger machines affecting the indoor temperature.
Because a commercial HVAC system is larger the drainage of condensate will also be larger than it is in your home. Exhaust, drainage, and ventilation must be taken into account to compensate for this.
Because commercial HVAC systems are more complex with intricate needs, maintenance and servicing are vital to keeping them running properly.
What are the different types of commercial HVAC systems?
There are four basic types of commercial HVAC systems. Take into consideration the size of your facility, number of rooms, and size of your workforce to find the best system for your property. A reliable HVAC expert can assist you with choosing the right system that will be adequate both now and in the future.
The Split System – This is by and large the most common system you will encounter. It provides heating and cooling which is split between two units, one for cold air and one for warm.
The Hybrid Split System – This system switches between the gas and electric power, enabling the operator to save energy much like a hybrid car does.
The Mini-Split (Duct-Free System) – Often seen in Asian hotels, the mini-split system is comprised of small, individual units in each room. They are quite efficient, easy to service, and can be controlled individually.
They have a larger up-front cost than a traditional split system but provide savings down the line. If a room is not being used, that individual system is not turned on whereas a traditional system generally provides heating or cooling to all rooms regardless if it’s occupied or not.
The Packaged System – These are generally smaller units stored in a top floor or attic space. It’s more common to see this system is there is no outside space to put a traditional HVAC unit. It is very compact and used in smaller spaces where bigger units wouldn’t fit.
How much does a commercial AC unit cost?
The national average cost for a commercial HVAC system according to Homeguide.com is around $5,000 at the low end and just under $10,000 at the high end.
If new ductwork is needed the price increases to a national average of around $7,000 at the low end to $12,000 at the high end.
How long does a commercial HVAC system last?
A new HVAC system is a sizeable investment but sometimes can’t be avoided. There’s nothing that affects productivity faster than sweating or freezing employees. If well-maintained a new system can function optimally for 10-15 years.
If you have a newer HVAC system or even a well-functioning one that has some age, it is to your advantage to contract a dependable HVAC servicing company for a maintenance contract. This can add years to your system and save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run.