A reliable air conditioning system has to ensure the comfort of the building’s occupants while being energy efficient, cost-effective and easy to maintain. With several types of commercial air conditioning systems available, choosing new or replacement units can take some work. In today’s post, All Seasons Inc. saves you some of the legwork with this quick guide to picking the best type of AC for your commercial property.
Central vs. Ductless Air Conditioners
Commercial spaces can be cooled with central and ductless air conditioners. While both types are virtually the same, they have distinct differences. Central ACs are typically larger, with the air handler connected to air ducts. Ductless or mini-split air conditioners, on the other hand, have the air handler housed in the indoor unit. They’re more compact and are designed to cool smaller rooms or clusters. Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are a type of mini-split that has multiple indoor units.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial AC System
It’s important to note that every single commercial building has its own unique set of cooling requirements; there is no one-size-fits all solution. You can stick to one type or combine them, depending on the following factors:
- Building size and layout. Air conditioners are rated for a certain maximum floor area. An undersized unit would be redlining all the time and may fail prematurely, while an oversized unit would be stopping and starting frequently. There is also the matter of layout: spaces with multiple closed areas may benefit from individual ductless mini-splits, rather than a central unit. For example, some of the rooms in an office space may not be used all the time. Installing mini-splits and having these rooms cooled only when needed can be more efficient.
- The building’s purpose. We’ve touched upon how commercial properties have varying cooling needs. From offices and restaurants, to warehouses and server farms — you have to take note of the required temperature range, and choose the appropriate system.
- Noise levels and aesthetics. Another factor that’s closely tied with the building’s purpose is the amount of noise and how it will look inside. Commercial properties with flat roofs have the advantage of having a location where the outdoor units can be installed out of sight and earshot. If you have a commercial property with a roof that’s closer to the ground, you’ll have to make sure that the outdoor units are in an area where they wouldn’t cause problems.
It goes without saying that commercial air conditioning is complex, and experienced air conditioning companies like All Seasons Inc. can help simplify the process for you. Learn more about what our team can do for you by giving us a call at (253) 879-9144 or by filling out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve communities in Tacoma, WA.
