What Makes Commercial Air Conditioning Systems So Unique?
May 25, 2021
Categories: Air Conditioning
Choosing the right air conditioning system to best meet your business’ needs can be confusing. Understanding the difference between residential and commercial air conditioning systems can help you make an educated choice that will ensure your employees, customers, or tenants stay cool during the heat of the summer.
What’s the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning Systems?
Residential and commercial air conditioning systems vary in several ways. Here’s how:
- Size – Commercial air conditioners are much larger than residential systems. This is simply because businesses are often a lot bigger than homes and therefore require more power to cool the larger space.
- Location – Residential AC systems are typically located along the back or side of a home, while commercial AC systems are installed on the roof. Installing the air conditioning system on the roof saves space, keeps the loud noise of the system out of the building, and allows technicians to do maintenance without interfering with your business.
- Complexity – Commercial air conditioning systems are much more complex because they are cooling bigger and more complex spaces. They must be able to regulate different temperatures in different areas of the facility. Additionally, commercial systems are modular, housed together on the roof to make expansion and modification easier.
- Drainage – As an air conditioner evaporates refrigerant to cool down the air, it also draws moisture from the air. In a residential air conditioning system, moisture is removed from the unit and the building using a small pan and tube. In a commercial system, special piping is needed to clear the large amount of water that’s drawn from the air.
What Commercial Air Conditioning System Is Best for Your Business?
Choosing the best AC system for your store, restaurant, office, warehouse, church, school, etc. is important. You want to efficiently cool your space to keep your employees, residents, or customers comfortable. So which system is best for you?
- Single-Spilt System – Great for smaller businesses such as cafés, shops, or small offices, single split systems are affordable and efficient. They are also self-contained, so if one unit stops working, the others won’t be affected. But, because they are self-contained, each system requires an outdoor unit. If multiple units are necessary, they can start to take up space.
- Multi-Split System – In a multi-split system, one outdoor unit is connected to multiple indoor units, which saves valuable outdoor spaces. These systems are great for cooling down medium-sized businesses. They do require more complicated ductwork though, but this allows them to detect small changes in temperature and make necessary adjustments.
- Variable Refrigerant Flow & Variable Refrigerant Volume Systems – VRF and VRV systems are often used for larger buildings and can heat and cool different areas simultaneously. As a result, they offer more flexibility than other systems but can also be more expensive.
How to Prevent Common Commercial Air Conditioning Systems Issues
It’s important to prevent any issues that could arise with your commercial HVAC system to keep it running smoothly and avoid any costly fixes. Here’s how to keep your commercial AC system in tip-top shape:
- Schedule regular maintenance – Be sure to schedule regular maintenance with licensed professionals to keep your system clean and running efficiently. This will help extend the life of your system.
- Check your thermostat – Your thermostat controls your entire system, so it’s important that’s working properly. If not, it can lead to issues such as non-stop system running or uneven cooling. Conduct a regular battery check and contact professionals when necessary.
- Listen for strange noises – Hear a new noise that doesn’t sound right coming from your AC unit? This could be a sign of mechanical issues. Be sure to contact a licensed technician to inspect your system.
Ensure the comfort of your employees, tenants, or customers with a commercial air conditioning system designed, installed, or maintained by Akron’s own Martinov Home Solutions. We specialize in both heavy and light commercial installations, including restaurants, office complexes, hospitals, schools, and retail structures. Our experienced technicians provide quality heating and cooling service and expertise. Contact us today for an estimate!