4 Common Types of Commercial HVAC Systems

Have you ever pondered how these structures manage to keep their interiors temperate even as outside temperatures soar? HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems in commercial buildings are there to help out in these situations.

Commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are the hidden heroes that keep our offices, malls, and hotels comfortable all year long. They are the unsung heroes who toil in silence to keep the building at a pleasant temperature, provide it with clean air, and guarantee the health and safety of its occupants. However, it’s important to note that not all commercial HVAC systems are created equal. Let’s investigate the four most prevalent kinds and see what we can learn about them.

We’ll examine the benefits, drawbacks, and common uses of everything from roofing marvels to refrigerant marvels. Whether you’re an HVAC expert looking to expand your knowledge or a comfort-conscious consumer eager to learn more about the systems that keep you warm, you’ll want to buckle up for an exciting journey into the fascinating world of commercial HVAC.

1. Packaged Rooftop Units (RTUs)

The Packaged Rooftop Unit, is a common and effective choice among commercial HVAC systems. The HVAC system, like a superhero sitting on the roof, works hard to ensure the building’s occupants are comfortable all year long. The RTU, however, is that caped crusader!

The RTU is a rooftop HVAC unit that functions independently from the building’s other HVAC components. Everything from the heating and cooling equipment to the fans, filters, and controls are contained inside one single, sleek housing. This clever layout makes setup and upkeep a breeze while also freeing up much-needed room inside.

The RTU is favoured by commercial building owners and managers due to its many outstanding characteristics. First, it is quite efficient in terms of energy use, which means less money spent on monthly electricity costs. These products are manufactured to stringent industry standards and use cutting-edge technology to reduce energy use.

RTUs’ adaptability is a major benefit as well. Due to their ability to meet cooling and heating demands, they are useful throughout the year. They may also serve as a source of ventilation, allowing for a constant supply of fresh air throughout the building.

Commercial properties including offices, businesses, restaurants, and even some schools have RTUs installed. Their rooftop placement maximises useful square footage, freeing up area below for various uses.

2. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems

There is cutting-edge technology that greatly improves the accuracy and manageability of commercial HVAC systems. The Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system is a cutting-edge, high-performance solution that improves the heating and cooling of commercial areas like magic.

The VRF system has a novel operating concept that enables fine-grained temperature regulation across a variety of indoor environments. A central outside condenser is linked to many individual inside condensers through a system of refrigerant pipelines. Because of its sophisticated design, the system can regulate the refrigerant flow to meet the cooling or heating needs of individual zones.

The VRF system’s many advantages over conventional HVAC systems are astounding. First, it provides zone management so that people in various parts of a building may choose their own temperatures. Such adaptability is beneficial to both comfort and efficiency.

Among the many benefits of VRF systems is their low energy consumption. These systems may optimise energy use by regulating the flow of refrigerant depending on demand, resulting in considerable savings in comparison to traditional systems. Furthermore, VRF systems often have sophisticated heat recovery capabilities, allowing for concurrent heating and cooling in various zones of the structure.

3. Split Systems

There are two primary parts to a Split System: an exterior and an inside component. The compressor and condenser, which chill or heat the air, are located in the outside unit, while the evaporator coil and air handler, which distribute the conditioned air, are located in the inside unit. 

The Split System’s many advantages make it a popular choice for industrial settings. First, it has zone control, which allows various rooms or sections of a building to have their own temperature settings. The variety of residents is accommodated by this adaptability.

Split systems also benefit from having a lower operating noise level. Since the compressor and other potentially loud components are housed outside, the interior space is free of distracting background noise and is better suited for concentrated work.

Split systems are used in many types of businesses, from small to medium sized offices to retail outlets to data centres to restaurants. Their adaptability and small footprint make them an excellent choice for situations where installing ducting is a significant challenge or if separate temperature regulation is required for several areas.

While there are many advantages to using a Split System, there are a few things to keep in mind before making a final decision. One factor to think about is the importance of getting the system size right for maximum efficiency and performance. Inadequate cooling or heating, as well as possible energy waste, might result from incorrect sizing.

4. Chilled Water Systems

A chilled water system operates on a basic yet practical concept. A central chiller plant is used to produce cold water for use across the facility. Through a complex system of pipelines, this chilled water is sent to the building’s many air handling units (AHUs) and fan coil units (FCUs). Air Handling Units (AHUs) and Fan Coil Units (FCUs) with cooling coils remove heat from the air and send it back to the chiller plant to be cooled again. It’s a superb cooling cycle that runs forever!

Because of their versatility, many major businesses choose chilled water systems. For starters, they have a high cooling capacity and can effectively cool large spaces like those found in office buildings, retail centres, and hotels. The building’s central chiller plant ensures that all rooms get enough cooling.

The adaptability of Chilled Water Systems is another perk. With the addition of heat exchangers, they may be made to provide heating and cooling at the same time, making them suitable for use in all seasons. 

Chilled water systems are often used in big commercial facilities including hospitals, schools, and data centres that need accurate and efficient cooling. Spaces with varying cooling needs will benefit from their scalability and robust performance.