Life Expectancy of a Commercial HVAC

As a homeowner, you may have a fair knowledge of your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioner system (HVAC). Hopefully, you also keep up with the annual HVAC maintenance, wash the grass clippings off the outdoor condenser unit, and change the air filter every three months. But, if you are a commercial facility owner or manager, you might not have adequate understanding to properly care for a commercial HVAC system.

This depends upon the size of the building and the complexity of the HVAC system. Smaller offices or commercial shops may use a slightly larger version of a residential system, adding an enhanced blower motor for improved ventilation. But, if your facility is larger, expect the system to be much larger and more complex. Here are a few things to explore about commercial HVAC systems.

Size and Location. Residential systems are relatively small and can be housed in an out-of-the-way closet, with a small pad outdoors for the condenser unit. However, larger systems may require enough space for the components to be installed on a rooftop or larger outdoor pads. Still, larger systems require whole mechanical rooms for air handlers and other equipment.

Multiple locations. Large facilities may require spaces in various locations to ensure and might be scattered throughout a building. Completing maintenance tasks as simple as changing air filters may require a small hike and a dolly to carry supplies.

Drainage. A large air conditioner removes a tremendous amount of humidity from the air, and this water must drain away, or it will leak into the surrounding space. Maintenance of the drain lines will prevent significant water damage and must be completed regularly.

Diverse Technology. While residential systems are generally either electric or natural gas, commercial systems may utilize a wide range of technologies.

• Mini-split ductless systems bring refrigerant gas (responsible for heating and cooling) to various zones throughout a building. The heating and cooling process happens in a remote, outdoor location.
• Packaged systems encapsulate heating and cooling components in one outdoor location and duct the conditioned air to appropriate spaces.
• Some large HVAC systems are directly tied to fire protection systems, shutting down ventilation to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
• Very large spaces often use chiller technology. Chiller technology, either air-cooled or water-cooled, conditions and cools massive amounts of air for large spaces.
• Variable refrigerant flow technology is a new technology available for commercial systems. Like mini-split systems, the refrigerant is applied to zones with different pressures as needed.

Since commercial HVAC systems are very different from most things we are familiar with, partnering with a commercial HVAC contractor is essential. A contractor can begin an annual inspection and maintenance program right away. A contractor will understand the technology, the maintenance requirements, and the longevity expectations of your existing system. A contractor is trained and prepared to handle minor and major repairs, including emergency repairs during extreme temperature swings. A contractor can advise concerning replacement options and potential upgrades to a new HVAC system.

If you have Commercial HVAC questions, R.M. Mullinix has the Answers!

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our Commercial HVAC services, schedule an appointment or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.