Selecting a suitable commercial HVAC system is crucial for a business owner or property manager, and is perhaps one of the most crucial decisions to make. Since heating, ventilation, and air conditioning setups will influence employee comfort, energy expenditure, and operational efficiency, they will impact how and which business type will be affected. In Atlanta, where we have a hot and humid climate, it is not a matter of choosing the most pleasant system, but rather the most appropriate system.
At AC Units for Less Atlanta, we assist builders and commercial property owners save money by purchasing commercial HVAC systems directly from the manufacturer at a wholesale price. This is a guide which will assist you in making the right choice.
Why the Right Commercial HVAC System Matters
There is more to a commercial HVAC system than designing, heating and cooling spaces. It also involves the design of air quality, humidity, and airflow control for the entire building. Under-designed systems will lead to poor air quality, high energy usage, and maintenance expenses.
By understanding the fundamental principles of commercial HVAC system design, you will go a long way in avoiding mistakes and targeting the right areas of focus to automate systems, and ensure energy savings.
Understanding Commercial HVAC System Types
It is wise to understand the major commercial HVAC system types before selecting a unit. Each system is appropriate to different buildings in terms of size, design, and needs.
1. Rooftop Units (RTUs)
Rooftop units are self-contained and easily commercial HVAC system type. They keep mechanical equipment off building floors, which is why they are commonly installed in low-rise commercial buildings. They are ideal for retail, restaurant, and single-story office building usage.
2. Split Systems
Within a commercial split system HVAC, the condenser and the air handler are separated into two distinct units, one of which is located outside the building. This design really opens up the options for placement of the units and is ideal for businesses that do not have a rooftop to place the unit.
The commercial split system HVAC is ideal for small businesses, multi-room offices, and light commercial purposes. High-efficiency split systems are used for high-demand commercial spaces. Explore our HVAC products to compare efficiency ratings across top brands before making your decision.
3. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
VRF is one of the newer technologies available in commercial HVAC system types. Variable speed compressors in a VRF system provide precise amounts of refrigerant to a number of indoor units at one time. VRF is a great option for large buildings like hotels, hospitals, and multi-story office buildings that have a wide range of heating and cooling zones.
4. Chilled Water Systems
Chilled water systems work by cooling water in a central chiller and distributing that water to the building through piping. They are found in larger facilities such as universities, convention centers, and high-rise buildings. While they are very efficient when scaled, they require a more complex commercial HVAC system design and a larger initial expenditure.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial HVAC System
When choosing a commercial HVAC system for your business, the most important factors to consider include:
Building Size and Layout
The square footage and floor plan of your facility will dictate the system size and configuration that is required. An overly large system will short cycle and create humidity problems, while an undersized system will fail prematurely after being overworked.
Local properties across the Atlanta region from large commercial buildings to smaller facilities needing Heating and Cooling Systems for Flowery Branch all require a properly sized commercial HVAC system.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
Systems with better SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings are better. Commercial HVAC systems have better efficiency but are more expensive. They provide savings on utility bills. Georgia’s climate requires AC for most of the year, so higher efficiency ratings are awarded more.
Commercial HVAC System Cost
There are many variables when it comes to how much commercial HVAC systems cost, including types and brands of systems as well as sizes and complexities of installations. The following are general price ranges you can expect:
- Split systems and rooftop units: $5,000-$30,000. Purchasing these systems wholesale, such as through AC Units for Less Atlanta, can save you as much as 50% on the equipment cost.
- VRF and chilled water systems: $30,000 to over $200,000. These are for larger commercial buildings and are dependent on zone count and building size.
Reading a Commercial HVAC System Diagram
Understanding a basic commercial HVAC system diagram is useful before walking through any installation plan. These diagrams show air flow through each step in the system from return air intakes, to air handlers and filters, through the evaporator coil and out to the supply ducts in each zone.
The commercial HVAC system diagram also shows the refrigeration cycle: how the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator coil move heat out of your space.
Best Practices for Commercial HVAC System Design
The commercial HVAC system design should also involve the planning of ductwork layout, zoning strategy, ventilation rates and placement of devices. Here are some of the best practices:
Zone Your Building Properly
The heating and cooling needs vary in each area of a commercial building. Server rooms, kitchens, conference rooms and open office floors produce different heat loads. Effective commercial HVAC system design incorporates each of these with different zones and controls.
Plan for Maintenance Access
No one attends to equipment that is out of sight. That is why your commercial split system HVAC or rooftop unit needs to be located so that filter changes, coil cleaning, and refrigerant checking can occur without major operational interruptions.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat and Controls
Current building automation and smart thermostat technologies send and receive data to manage the commercial HVAC system in your commercial building more efficiently. Things like scheduling and remote access to adjust the system, along with monitoring and reporting on energy use will help to minimize energy waste and prolong the life of your equipment.
Why Atlanta Contractors and Property Owners Choose AC Units for Less
AC Units for Less Atlanta has become the preferred wholesale HVAC provider for independent contractors and commercial property managers in the Greater Atlanta area. Exclusive pricing and volume discounts typically offered to high-end buyers are available on top brands such as Goodman, Daikin, and Mr. Cool.
You may order by phone with one of our seasoned professionals, or you can order through our online portal. We also have a Spanish-speaking professional. Damos la bienvenida a hablantes de español.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Business
For investors, a commercial HVAC system pays off for years. With an understanding of commercial HVAC system types, total commercial HVAC system cost, analyzing your commercial HVAC system diagram, and smart principles of commercial HVAC systems design, you ensure your business long-term comfort and efficiency.
Now, you might be ready to do business, so contact AC Units for Less Atlanta at 470-857-4555 or sales@acunitsforlessatlanta.com and we will help you locate a commercial HVAC system you can afford.