When it comes to a commercial HVAC system the larger the building is, the more chance there is of waste. This of course is something that no business wants to be spending it’s money on, which is why they need professionals to advise them on the best way of cooling the large space.

Ultimately however, the core functions of a cooling system, be it a commercial air conditioner or a small air conditioner for the home, are one and the same. The large building however certainly presents a challenge, simply because there is so much more to consider.

The Challenges of Cooling a Large Building

The reason why waste is such a big risk for large buildings is that it costs money, and there are more opportunities for this to take place. For example if there is a large building which has hundreds of meters of ductwork, this increases the chance of blockages and clogs which can impair the flow of air throughout the system. Additionally there are many areas of the building which don’t require constant cooling, so this should be taken into consideration too.

What Should be Taken Into Consideration

There are three main considerations which should be made when installing commercial heating or cooling systems for large buildings. The first, and most important aspect, is the square footage which the system will be looking after. Next we need to think about how many individual rooms and areas require cooling and finally it will come down to budget. Ultimately the larger and more sophisticated the system is, the higher the level of maintenance is which it will require.

Zoning Off

One critical aspect of a commercial air conditioner is that each duct is able to be independently controlled. This is positive for two reasons; the first being that companies can manage energy usage and be efficient with how they use the system, and the second is that zoning encourages a healthier AC system on the whole. Putting pressure on the HVAC system with constant usage will result in higher maintenance costs and an increased risk of things going wrong.

Commonly Used Commercial HVAC Systems

There are three systems which are generally used for the cooling of a large building:

– Single Split System – Used in mediums to large buildings, these systems circulate cold air through a ducted system, into the areas which need it most.
– Multi-split system – Ideal for larger buildings, enabling you to connect up to nine individual indoor units to a single outdoor unit for cooling of large spaces.
– Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems – VRF is the most advanced option when it comes to a commercial air conditioner. This system creates cool air and also uses waste heat from elsewhere in the building to generate cool air for the rest of the building.

Heating a large building is challenging but there are many options which facilitate effective cooling, and heating if required, in such a large space.