You depend on the commercial air conditioning system in your building to run your business in and around Los Angeles, particularly during the hot summer months. The last thing you wish for is for it to malfunction in the first week of August when temperatures are expected to reach triple digits consistently.
You observed that the surroundings weren’t as cool as expected. Making your customers and staff uncomfortable and raising your overhead costs were the problems. Or your business is moving to a new location, and you need to build a new commercial HVAC system. In either scenario, tailoring your system to meet your temperature control requirements benefits money and performance.
Benefits of Commercial Air Conditioning
Commercial air conditioning systems offer numerous benefits for businesses, creating a comfortable and productive indoor environment.
Here are some key advantages of commercial air conditioning:
- Improved Comfort: Air conditioning systems regulate and maintain a consistent temperature, humidity, and airflow within a commercial space. That ensures a comfortable environment for employees, customers, and clients, regardless of outside weather conditions. Maintaining an optimal temperature helps enhance productivity, focus, and overall well-being.
- Increased Productivity: Studies have shown that employees are more productive in a comfortable working environment. When the temperature is too high or too low, it can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and decreased concentration. A well-functioning air conditioning system helps create an ideal temperature range, optimizing productivity levels and employee performance.
- Health and Well-being: Commercial air conditioning controls temperature, filters, and circulates air. High-quality air filters remove allergens, pollutants, and dust particles, improving indoor air quality. That is especially important for individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies and reduces the spread of airborne illnesses. Maintaining a clean and healthy indoor environment contributes to the overall well-being of employees and customers.
- Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: While commercial air conditioning systems consume energy, modern systems are designed to be energy-efficient. They come with advanced features such as programmable thermostats, zoning capabilities, and sensors that adjust cooling based on occupancy. These features help optimize energy usage, reduce wastage, and ultimately lead to cost savings on utility bills.
- Noise Reduction: Commercial air conditioning systems often incorporate noise-reducing technologies, allowing for quieter operation. It is essential in settings where a quiet environment is essential, such as offices, libraries, or hotels. Reducing noise levels creates a more peaceful and conducive working or living environment.
Commercial air conditioning systems offer a range of benefits. Installing and maintaining an effective air conditioning system can significantly contribute to the success and efficiency of commercial space.
Factors to Consider When Planning a Commercial Air Conditioning Installation
After convincing you, you must consider several things when installing commercial HVAC. Your HVAC system faces a lot of pressure from the California climate. Consider the following areas to help ensure your new installation can handle the task.
Space Size
Commercial establishments might consume a lot of energy to meet their heating and cooling requirements. You require the proper equipment size for your business location to avoid energy loss and short cycling. The likelihood that you’ll require more than one HVAC system increases with the size of your facility.
A knowledgeable HVAC technician performs a load assessment for your building to establish the ideal size and number of units. This procedure analyzes all the property’s attributes to determine how much heating and cooling will be required to suit your comfort needs.
System Type
Today, various HVAC systems, many of which are unique from those utilized in residential applications, are utilized in commercial buildings. Depending on the size and configuration of your building, the following is a summary listing the numerous solutions that might suit your needs.
- Single-split systems are preferred for smaller locations such as server rooms, server rooms, and tiny offices. They comprise outer and inner components joined by a copper pipe. Using the proper heat exchanger, the indoor unit cools or heats the surrounding air. Heat is dispersed via the outside unit, allowing the refrigerant to return to the indoor unit.
- Multi-split systems link multiple interior units to one bigger outdoor unit, forming the system. They often use multi-split systems in locations with many floors, big rooms, and various climatic zones. While the office or reception area runs smaller, quieter air conditioners, they might install a larger air conditioner inside a product showroom. It enables you to regulate the building’s temperature on a room-by-room basis.
- Variable refrigerant volume (VRV) or variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are heat pumps that utilize refrigerant in the cooling and heating lines. One condensing unit is connected to several evaporators. There are two types of these systems, which are typical in medium- to large-sized rooms:
- Heating and cooling heat pump systems
- cooling and heating heat recovery systems
- Constant air volume (CAV) or variable air volume (VAV) systems use a configuration with a single-duct return and supply and use variable airflow or constant airflow to maintain temperatures at predetermined settings. These systems are less expensive to install than others and are frequently used in single-zone buildings.
System Size
You must install the proper size of equipment for your commercial space. Sizing in this context doesn’t refer to the unit’s physical dimensions. Examining your needs involves determining a system that suits your cooling and heating needs.
The system you choose must run continuously to keep the space cool if it is too tiny. That may result in higher energy expenses and, if it malfunctions, even repair expenditures. But the building will cool down too quickly if it’s too big. The on-and-off cycle will be sped up, rendering adequate air dehumidification impossible.
You must take into account various aspects, such as:
- Building size
- Building’s thermal characteristics and layout
- Personal comfort preferences
You may control the size of the HVAC system required and, consequently, your installation and energy costs by installing energy-efficient windows and doors. That will also help guarantee that the building is appropriately insulated.
Building Position
Your building could have exceptional cooling and heating abilities due to its location. Sometimes, they intentionally do this. Passive solar design is a typical example, using the sun’s rays to cool and heat areas. The placement of windows and rooftop units are further architectural techniques.
If a heating or cooling effect is present in your building, you must select the HVAC system with that effect in mind during installation.
Factors Affecting Internal Temperature
Internal processes in some commercial places have a measurable impact on the surrounding temperature. For instance, the temperature will be higher in a kitchen or an industrial area if machinery produces heat. Zone-controlled systems are preferable to a centralized cooling and heating source since the dining or reception spaces might continue to be colder during this time.
System Efficiency
You can significantly reduce your electricity costs by installing an energy-efficient HVAC system. For each unit under consideration, look up the following ratings to determine the best affordable option:
- EER: The energy efficiency ratio, often known as the EER, is calculated by dividing the cooling output of a system (measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units) by the amount of energy used, measured in watt-hours. For instance, an air conditioner producing 12,000 BTU and 1,200 watts of power has an EER of 10. The system is more energy-efficient the higher the EER. For systems weighing up to 4 tons, the minimum EER rating in California is 11.7, while it is 12.2 for systems weighing up to 3.5 tons.
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): SEER measures the effectiveness of cooling systems such as air conditioners and heat pumps regarding energy use. The device is more effective the higher the rating. In the US, air conditioners must have a minimum SEER rating of 14. A high-efficiency system has a rating of 15 or higher. SEER scores in the mid-20s are found in the highest-rated products.
- HSPF: The heating seasonal performance factor, also known as HSPF, discusses the heating operations of HVAC heat pumps. The HSPF of a high-efficiency system must be at least 8.2.
- AFUE: Annual fuel utilization efficiency, also known as AFUE, is a rating of the heating system’s efficiency. It shows how much of the fuel utilized by the system’s energy is converted into useful heat. The system is more effective the higher the number. For instance, a furnace with an AFUE 90 generates heat from 90% of its fuel.
- Energy Star: Developed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Energy Star rating confirms a product’s energy efficiency. Any HVAC system bearing its trademark has completed rigorous testing by an independent third party.
Ductwork Condition
Verify that your ductwork is in good shape before installing a new HVAC system. Up to 20% of cooled air can escape through old or ineffective ducts. Before installing your new system, an HVAC technician can inspect your duct system and advise on any changes that should be made. New ducting may be required, particularly for older structures. The HVAC system design may require bespoke ductwork to ensure proper ventilation of a business building.
You must choose whether to invest in ducts or install a ductless system if your building lacks centralized ducting.
Once your installation budget has been determined, request quotes from nearby HVAC service companies. Each one will cover the cost of installation labor as well as materials.
To compare prices for the following installation categories, request a thorough breakdown:
- Controls
- Equipment
- Piping and Ductwork
- System startup
Although pricing is crucial, remember that it isn’t the only one. Many business owners instantly choose the lowest estimate to save money on upfront fees. However, they quickly discover they will pay more overall because the resulting system or installation must satisfy their expectations. You can save more and save needless future expenses when you engage with an HVAC company that assists you in properly sizing your system and provides one that achieves optimal energy efficiency.
Needs for Indoor Air Quality
When selecting an HVAC system, indoor air quality is significant for many organizations. Allergens, including dust, paint fumes, and cleaning agents, can all cause disease in workers and lower productivity.
Additional instances of unique air quality requirements include:
- Special temperature maintenance
- Special humidity maintenance
Thermostat
These factors are just a few of the many that may influence your choice. A smart thermostat is one of the best methods to maximize the energy efficiency of a new business HVAC system after it has been chosen and installed. These controls, which are modern and highly adjustable, enable you to set weekly, daily, or even weekend consumption plans, which can help you save energy. You can set them up at any location using a computer or phone.
What are the maintenance requirements of the air conditioning system?
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your air conditioning system in good working condition and maximizing efficiency.
Here are some of the common maintenance requirements for air conditioning systems:
- Regular Filter Replacement: This is one of the most critical maintenance tasks. Cleaning or replacing the air filter every one to three months ensures proper airflow, improves indoor air quality and prevents strain on the system.
- Cleaning the Condenser and Evaporator Coils: Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the condenser and evaporator coils, hampering their ability to transfer heat effectively. Regular cleaning helps maintain the system’s cooling efficiency.
- Clearing Obstructions: Keeping the outdoor unit free from obstructions, such as leaves, branches, or debris, ensures adequate airflow. Obstructed airflow can lead to reduced efficiency and potential damage to the system.
- Checking and Cleaning the Condensate Drain: The condensate drain removes moisture from the air conditioning system. Regular inspection and cleaning of the drain prevents clogs, water leaks, and potential damage to the system.
- Scheduling Professional Maintenance: While all the maintenance tasks mentioned are essential, scheduling professional maintenance at least once a year is highly recommended. A professional technician can perform a comprehensive inspection, identify potential issues, and provide expert maintenance and repairs.
Remember, specific maintenance requirements may vary depending on the type and model of your air conditioning system. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and consult a professional HVAC technician for proper maintenance procedures.
Regular maintenance keeps your AC system functioning optimally, prolongs its lifespan, and helps you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Need Trustworthy HVAC Contractors in Los Angeles
Your HVAC system should be operating at its best. Our team of professionals can ensure that everyone in the facility is comfortable, which is your HVAC system’s responsibility. Our years of experience and commitment to customer satisfaction will enable us to work together to get your commercial HVAC services functioning properly as quickly as possible.
No matter the season, we at AirOstat, Inc. can demonstrate additional methods for making the most of your investment. Call us now at (844) 247-6782.
