WorldExecutivesDigest.com | Everything You Need To Know About The Different Types of Commercial Air Conditioning | Air conditioning can be considered an essential item, especially as the weather starts to heat up. If you’re not sure about the relevance consider the fact that an estimated 4.6 million Australians have some form of air conditioning system.
But, it’s not just at home that’s important! Research suggests that effective air conditioning in the workplace can increase productivity by as much as 25%. If you haven’t already got industrial air conditioning, it’s tie you did!
There are several different types of commercial air conditioning units, it’s a good idea to be aware of the differences before you start shopping:
Single-Split Air Conditioning Units
These are definitely the cheapest option and the one that is best suited to smaller commercial premises. In fact, in most cases, they can be used for heating as well as cooling.
The single-split refers to the fact that there is an outdoor air conditioning unit, this is the noisy par that does most of the work. Inside is a single unit attached to the outside unit. This blows the cool, (or hot) air into the building.
Each external unit is only capable of serving one internal unit. It is possible to have multiple single-split units. However, you’ll need enough external space for all the units and, if you have too many units it may cost more to run than a multi-split system.
Multi-Split Units
The multi-split system works in the same way as the single-split version. The difference is that the external unit tends to be bigger, allowing you to connect several internal units to one external unit.
This is a good option if you have very limited space outside, this makes it look more attractive.
It is harder to install yourself as you’ll need pipes running around the building to the different feeds. Interestingly, the running costs per unit for a single-split vs a multi-split system are almost identical.
The saving with this type of system really is the aesthetics.
VRF Systems
Variable Refrigerant Flow systems are a type of commercial air conditioning. You may also hear the term ‘VRV, this is effectively the same type of system.
This is the best solution for medium o large businesses, especially hotels and offices where there are many different rooms that need to be cooled, or heated.
These systems use heat pumps to pull heat from the air. The resulting cool air can be directed into the building. Alternatively, the heat removed can be used to further heat air and push hot air into your building, effectively heating it.
Impressively, these units can service several different internal units at the same time and can actually produce heat while cooling. They are also capable of extracting wasted heat inside the building. Surplus heat can then be used to heat other things, such as the hot water for the building.
Although the VRF system is the most expensive and complex to install, its running costs are minimal. It’s the most cost-effective solution for any medium-sized business.
