Main Components of a Commercial HVAC System
- Air Conditioner
An air conditioner is common in both commercial and residential HVAC systems. It serves the purpose of dehumidifying the air and expelling heat from the building. However, the air conditioner does not work alone to cool the building since some other parts and sub-elements work together to cool the building.
- Air Handler
The air handler promotes good air circulation through the building and the HVAC system. It is usually connected to the ductwork to channel the heated or cooled air into the building before it is recycled through the system once more via the air handler. Other parts of the air handler include heating and cooling elements, blower, chambers, dampers, racks, and sound attenuators.
- Condenser
The heat in the building should be removed and transferred somewhere else to ensure proper cooling. The unit responsible for eliminating heat and carrying it away is known as a condenser. It is also known as a heat exchanger, which is often the hot side of the air conditioning unit.
- Chiller
A chiller removes the heat from a liquid through an absorption refrigeration cycle or vapor compression. Once the liquid is cooled, it is passed through fan-coil units, or coil in handlers to dehumidify the air in the building. A chiller can either be air-cooled or water-cooled depending on the nature of your commercial HVAC system.
- Terminal Units
Terminal units are also known as air handlers but may only include a blower, an air filter, and a coil. A rooftop unit (RTU) is an air handler designed for outdoor use while a make-up air unit (MAU) are larger units that control none of the circulated air but condition 100 percent outside air.
The Operating Mechanism Behind Commercial HVAC Systems
Commercial HVAC systems are made up of interconnected systems that facilitate heating, ventilation, and cooling to different floors within the structure of a large building. The big air conditioner boxes that are often visible on top of tall buildings or apartment blocks are a good example of a visible part of the commercial HVAC system. Although they may take a different form, the fundamental principles that determine their efficiency and how they operate cuts across the smallest of personal devices to the largest commercial installations.
The air conditioners cool down a particular area by eliminating excess heat from the air indoors and then transfers it outside via an outdoor unit. The heat is removed during the process as air passes through the refrigerant coils of the HVAC system. The heat is transferred to the outdoors by the refrigerant lines where it gets dispersed. The cooling cycle stops once the set temperature through the thermostat has been achieved.
Energy Consumption of a Commercial HVAC System
Although you want to cool and heat the space, it is still important to consider the energy usage of a commercial HVAC system. An energy-efficient unit uses less energy to operate and costs less in terms of maintenance. Some of the factors that determine the amount of energy used by a commercial HVAC system include the building design and layout, required temperature, the number of occupants, and the control ability and efficiency of the HVAC equipment. Professionals who are specialized in installing commercial HVAC systems use their expertise to provide optimal equipment that is energy efficiency, temperature control, and humidity challenges that may occur in a larger space.
Some of the factors that may determine the longevity of your HVAC system include proper installation, usage demand, the efficiency of the system, and regular maintenance. Such a larger system involves complex structures and integrations that may cost your business if it is not installed properly. The best way to find the right commercial HVAC system is to consult with a professional HVAC company as they have the right experience and personnel for the job.