Different types of HVAC systems for commercial buildings
It’s no secret that HVAC systems are an essential part of industrial, commercial, institutional or residential buildings. They keep modern spaces warm in the winter and cool in the summer so everyone stays comfortable year-round.
The primary purpose of a commercial HVAC system is to provide thermal comfort to a building’s occupants by managing and adjusting outdoor air conditions and maintaining indoor air at a desired temperature.
If you have any experience with commercial HVAC systems, you may be familiar with the different types of HVAC systems that are available on the market today. All combinations ultimately fall into the following three categories:
• Single division systems
• Multi-Split Systems
• VRF or VRV systems
In this article, we will take a closer look at the types of HVAC systems for commercial buildings:
Single split systems are at the more affordable end of commercial HVAC systems. They are particularly ideal for small businesses, cafes, shops, and other similar cozy spaces. The good thing is that each indoor unit comes with an outdoor unit, so if you’re looking to expand your commercial space, you can always add additional cooling capacity to these systems in a 1:1 ratio.
These HVAC systems generally include air furnaces that circulate air through air ducts and air conditioners that pass air through refrigerant lines. The only downside to single split systems is that if you want to control a space separately, you will have to get an outdoor unit and that will take up a lot of space.
Multi-split systems, on the other hand, consist of multiple indoor units that are all connected to one outdoor unit that is much larger in size. These are designed for larger spaces like retail stores, dining rooms, doctor’s offices, and commercial spaces, particularly those that have many walls and multiple floors.
These systems are comprised of heat pumps that circulate air the way air naturally flows, saving you a lot of money. However, the cost of installation may be higher because they require more time to install.
A VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) or VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system is basically a heat pump that involves the use of a refrigerant in the cooling and heating lines. This system has more than one evaporator that is connected to a single condensing unit.
It is important to note that the heat recovery VRF system can provide cooling and heating to different spaces at the same time by using hot air from different areas of the building and using it to deliver heat where it is required. These systems are especially ideal for buildings with smaller rooms.
In today’s world of increasingly advanced technology, HVAC systems require specialized care and attention. They need to be updated from time to time to meet the comforts and demands of all the occupants. It’s also important to hire an HVAC service to maintain your system regularly and maximize its lifespan.
