While a comfortable environment is essential in all spaces, it can be especially important in commercial buildings. Optimal temperature settings promote employee satisfaction, customer contentment, and can increase the longevity of machinery and products. Choosing the right air conditioning system for a commercial space requires an understanding of how the right air conditioner can improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs for your unique building size and business needs. This comprehensive guide will explore essential considerations, best practices, and tips to help you optimize your commercial air conditioning system.
The Essentials
Safety
Every year, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure, and some cases are fatal. Considering this, if your business conditions may cause the risk of heat-related ailments (common in factories, boiler rooms, commercial kitchens, etc.), cooling your space effectively is of the utmost importance. OSHA recommends that employers maintain workplace temperatures in the range of 68-76 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity control in the range of 20 to 60 percent.
Cooling Requirements
Assessing your building’s cooling requirements is crucial before making any decisions about your air conditioning system. A factory will have very different HVAC needs than a small retail store will. Factors to consider include:
- Space size
- Number of occupants
- Building location
- Insulation
- Specific needs of each zone
A trained HVAC technician can assess these factors and guide you in selecting the appropriate capacity and type of air conditioning system for your commercial building.
Maintenance and Inspections
Proactive maintenance is key to ensuring optimal performance and extending the longevity of your air cooling system. Enlist the help of a trained technician in creating a maintenance plan. Maintenance requirements vary by system type and size. An effective maintenance plan should include:
- Regular inspections: A proper inspection should include, at minimum, a filter change, coil cleaning, refrigerant level checks, and ductwork examination.
- A filter replacement schedule: If your system requires the air conditioning filter to be changed more frequently than during regular inspections, you must create a schedule to change the filter according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Ductwork cleaning: Clean your ducts with a vacuum, if possible, while keeping the vents dust free and unobstructed.
- Air quality tests: The most accurate results come from a professional air quality test. However, you can also purchase a gauge to check the air quality for mold and other harmful contaminants.
Well-maintained systems operate efficiently and help avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
How to Choose the Right AC System
System Options
Commercial buildings sometimes require more complex air conditioning systems compared to residential properties. Each system has advantages and considerations, such as installation requirements, maintenance needs, energy efficiency, and zoning capabilities. Standard options available include:
- Central air conditioning: A centralized unit, typically located outside the building, and a network of ducts distributing cool air throughout the indoor spaces. These systems are ideal for commercial facilities such as warehouses or spaces with multiple offices. Ideally, installation would be complete during building construction.
- Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems: One outdoor compressor is connected to indoor units in individual zones or rooms within a building. These systems are ideal for commercial facilities such as hotels or nursing homes.
- Mini-split systems: Ductless mini-split systems or ductless heat pumps consist of one or more outdoor and indoor units to provide custom temperatures in each room or zone. These systems are ideal for commercial facilities such as retail stores or small office buildings.
Factors to consider:
Energy Efficiency: When selecting an air conditioning system, look for units with high energy efficiency ratings, such as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for central systems or Coefficient of Performance (COP) for VRF systems, to reduce environmental impact and save money on utility bills.
Zoning: Implementing zoning strategies allows for customized temperature control in each area, enhancing occupant comfort while optimizing energy usage.
Indoor Air Quality: Choosing the right air filtration system to remove pollutants and allergens and ensure proper ventilation throughout the building is essential. Higher quality systems may be necessary for certain commercial buildings such as hospitals and schools.
Smart Technology: Smart thermostats, occupancy sensors, and automated scheduling systems allow for efficient temperature control, optimize energy usage, and provide real-time insights into system performance. These technologies enable you to monitor and adjust settings remotely, ensuring comfort and reducing energy waste.
If you are looking for one-on-one expert advice about your HVAC options in New England, contact the National Refrigeration team, and we will find the right system for you.
Whether you need 24-7 emergency service or advice on improving your everyday air quality and comfort—at home and work—call us at 401-737-2000 or email us.