Today it is difficult to find a commercial building that doesn’t have an air conditioning system. The impact of global warming has generally contributed to the increase in temperature during months that used to be relatively cool.
As such, most businesses, from restaurants to office buildings, have at least one or two air conditioning systems.
If you are looking for an air conditioning system for your commercial needs, it is important to understand the different types of commercial air conditioning systems available in the market. This is because there are a lot of brands in the market – making it often difficult to know which one is the right for your needs.
Let us take a look at the commonly available types.
Single split systems
According to Memphis Air Conditioning, Single split systems are regarded as some of the most common types of commercial air conditioning systems. This is probably because they are very affordable and convenient for most small and medium-sized commercial buildings. It is perfect for controlling the heating and cooling of buildings containing small offices, server rooms, restaurants and shops.
Most people prefer a single split system because of several reasons. One of such reasons is because of its cheaper price as well as ease of installation compared to the central system. Besides that, it is self-contained in the sense that in case one unit breaks down, the rest keep on working normally.
Nonetheless, one major disadvantage of a single split system is that every indoor unity requires an outdoor unit. This basically means that you might end up using a lot of space, depending on how many units you will need.
Multiple split system
Multiple splits are almost similar to single split systems as far as features are concerned. However, multiple split air conditioning systems have one major advantage and difference that makes them distinct from all other HVAC systems. It has the capacity to connect up to nine indoor units using just one outdoor unit.
Apart from that, multiple HVAC systems operate using inverter technology that allows the compressor to work at different speeds. This type of air conditioner also saves on energy consumption because it has sensors that can easily detect when temperatures fall and rise – and adjust them automatically.
Having said that, one major disadvantage of multiple split air conditioner is the expensive cost of AC repair. The installation work of this type of air conditioner is also expensive because there is a lot of pipe connection.
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)
Also known as variable refrigerant volume (VRV), the variable refrigerant flow is a heat-pump system that utilizes a refrigerant as the heating and cooling medium. This type of HVAC system is ideal for small to medium-sized office spaces such as hotels, large office spaces and shops.
Several evaporators in a variable refrigerant system can be powered by a single condensing unit to cool the space. Through the heat recovery option, it is possible to connect several evaporators to the same condensing unit and still function in as a coolant.
The Variable refrigerator flow has a number of advantages. The first one if their ability to meet the heating and cooling requirements of a larger commercial building. These HVAC systems are also reliable and easy to control. Last but not least, VRF is easy to control.
Variable Air Volume (VAV)
This is also another common commercial air conditioning system. It is a single air duct system with several airflows. This HVAC system allows the control of temperature based on cooling and heating demand. Some variable air volume conditioners have terminal heating boxes designed for better temperature control and humidity.
Constant air volume
Constant air volume (CAV) is also a single duct system. One main advantage of this air conditioner is that it provides stable airflow. That’s probably the reason why most commercial buildings prefer using it. Besides that, the cost of installation for this type of HVAC system is also much lower compared to other air conditioners.
In general, the need for air conditioning systems has risen in the recent past. Today it is almost impossible to walk into a commercial building and fail to see an HVAC system installed.
However, as a commercial property owner, it is important to understand different types of HVAC systems in order to be able to purchase the right one for your commercial building or office.
