Many commercial spaces struggle to achieve a comfortable working environment for their employees, but this no longer needs to be the case. With a commercial HVAC system installed, all commercial environments can now achieve an optimum condition with an all-in-one, cost-effective solution.
What is a Commercial HVAC System?
A Commercial HVAC system is designed to manage and control the temperature, air quality, and humidity levels of a commercial space. These systems incorporate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) all in one solution.
The key components of a commercial system include:
- Heating System: Utilises gas, electric, or heat pump technology to generate warmth and maintain temperature control.
- Ventilation System: Ensures proper fresh air intake and stale air extraction to maintain air quality.
- Air Conditioning: Provides cooling and dehumidification for optimal comfort.
- Central Controls: Thermostats and building management systems integrate with HVAC systems for centralised control.
- Ductwork Distribution: A comprehensive air distribution network ensuring efficient airflow throughout the building.
Commercial HVAC systems are, therefore, engineered to:
- Maintain optimal temperature control across large spaces
- Ensure proper indoor air quality standards
- Provide energy-efficient operation for commercial environments
- Support zoned climate control for different areas, improving comfort and efficiency
How Does a Commercial HVAC System Differ From AC?
It is possible to hear HVAC used in place of AC; however, there is a significant difference. HVAC systems include heating and ventilation alongside air conditioning, whereas an AC system is limited to cooling only.
An HVAC system is designed to manage both heating and cooling using integrated technologies such as heat pumps and furnaces. The added ventilation features ensure that fresh air is introduced, and stale air is removed, improving indoor air quality.
Understanding a Commercial HVAC System
A commercial HVAC system can facilitate three different processes which have a direct effect on the surrounding working environment. Each factor it aims to control requires its own unit that, when combined, creates your HVAC system. All units are then controlled by a central thermostat.
Heating
A furnace heats the air, which is then distributed throughout the building via a fan and ductwork. These systems can run on gas, electricity, or heat pump technology.
Learn More
For a commercial HVAC system to have a heating element, it requires a furnace. HVAC systems can run off gas, oil and electricity. In a gas system, when the thermostat signals the furnace, a gas valve will ignite the burner. The heat this process produces is used to warm up the exchanger. This warmth is then transferred to the air as it passes through this exchanger.
Once the heat has been created, it must be distributed. The system achieves this with an internal motor and fan. Heat will then be sent along pipework and ductwork throughout the space.
Ventilation
Proper airflow ensures that fresh air enters the space, while stale air is extracted to maintain a comfortable and healthy environment.
Learn More
Fresh air is essential to a comfortable day in a commercial environment and, consequently, ventilation is crucial. Regardless of the heating and cooling elements, the right amount of fresh air must be able to flow into the space. Without proper ventilation, air can go stale, subjecting workers and clients to odours, moulds and other contaminants.
Using flues and vent pipes, HVAC systems enable new air to enter the commercial space in a controlled manner.
Cooling
Refrigeration systems cool the air by using refrigerants to absorb heat, pressurise the air, and then expel the heat outside. The cooling process dehumidifies and lowers room temperatures.
Learn More
Refrigeration is used to achieve the cooling process in HVAC systems. Often, refrigerants are used to absorb the heat in the air. Then, a compressor squeezes the air, increasing the temperature to pressurise the air.
Next, the pressurised air is transferred to the condensation coil. Here, heat is released, and the gas is changed into a cooler liquid. The unit then sucks in warm air and passes it over an evaporator, turning it into a liquid. As it meets the other, cooler liquid in the unit, it cools into a gas. This effectively removes any heat it did have and cools the air temperature down.
The Three Types of HVAC Systems
HVAC systems come in a variety of versions, shapes and sizes; however, most fall into three main categories. These are widely known as single split systems, multi-split systems and VRF/VRV systems.
The Single Split System
The Single Split System is one of the most affordable and widely used HVAC systems for smaller commercial properties. It involves a 1:1 ratio between indoor and outdoor units. Each room or space has its own unit, allowing for individual control of temperature and airflow.
More Information
The most common type of air conditioning system is the single split system. A cheaper HVAC option, the single split system enables the heating and cooling of individual rooms and spaces. Therefore, it is often the preferred solution for smaller commercial premises, especially small offices, cafés and restaurants.
The system requires a 1:1 ratio between indoor and outdoor units: for every internal AC unit, there is an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit contains a compressor, a condenser coil and an expansion coil, also referred to as capillary tubing. This unit is placed on or near the exterior of the room whose environment you wish to control. Inside, the unit containing a cooling coil, a long blower and an air filter is fitted.
The two units are then connected together using electrical wires and some tubing, rather than any ductwork. Consequently, single split systems are simpler to install. The one thing businesses need to be aware of is whether they have the outdoor space to support their desired amount of internal units.
However, as the noisy components of the air conditioning system are housed outside, the internal unit is quieter and causes less disruption. Another benefit of this system is that as each room requires its own unit, if ever a unit requires maintenance, the remaining units will still be functional.
The Multi-Split System
A Multi-Split System can connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit. This is ideal for larger commercial spaces like offices, cafes, and retail shops. Although more expensive and complex to install, this system is highly efficient and flexible, allowing individual control of each internal unit.
More Information
A multi-split system is very similar to a single split system; however, there is one main difference. With this system, multiple indoor units can be connected to the same outdoor unit. For commercial businesses, some can have all their internal units connected to one outdoor unit.
As all the internal units need to connect to the same outdoor unit, wherever this may be situated onsite, the installation process is more time-consuming. With more pipework to put in place, there is also a higher cost with multi-split systems. That being said, these air conditioning systems do save money and energy once they are up and running. The system’s heat pumps are designed to work with the heat’s movement from warm to cooler areas.
Despite all the internal units sharing an outdoor system, it is possible to set all your air conditioning units independently. The multi-split system utilises inverter technology, which allows the compressor to run at different speeds. With sensors that are programmed to detect variations in temperature, your system can automatically adapt, helping to reduce the amount of energy the device is using.
This air conditioning is recommended for larger office and commercial spaces, including retail shops and buildings with multiple floors and walls. With only one outside unit to house, less outdoor space is needed, and there is no need for the units to clutter your exterior appearance. What’s more, the internal units come in all shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose from wall and ceiling-mounted units.
The VRF/VRV System
The VRF/VRV System is the most efficient type of HVAC system for larger buildings. It can heat and cool simultaneously, making it perfect for buildings with multiple zones. It is known for its flexibility and energy-saving capabilities.
More Information
The Variable Refrigerant Flow or Variable Refrigerant Volume System is the most efficient HVAC system available, 30% more efficient than ducted systems. The recommended choice for medium to large-sized commercial properties, mixed-use buildings or large hotels often install this system.
The VRF/VRV system is a refrigerant-based, air-cooled conditioning system. It consists of a condenser unit outside and a fan coil unit inside, similar to traditional air conditioning systems. The difference, however, lies in how the system pumps the air into space. Other systems use one large unit to pump the air out, but the VRF/VRV system uses multiple, smaller air handlers. Each of these can be controlled separately and piped back into one system. This system is unique as it is able to control the amount of refrigerant that reaches these air handlers.
Within VRF/VRV systems, there are two sub-categories: heat recovery and heat pump. As this type of commercial HVAC is completely ductless, it has to rely on an alternative method to send out the refrigerant. Heat recovery allows for the system to heat and cool at the same time, therefore being an ideal option for heating properties with lots of individual rooms. They work by collecting waste heat from other areas of the building and using this to heat other rooms. Heat pump systems are able to heat and cool, just not at the same time. In open-plan areas, they allow all zones to receive the same heating/cooling.
As these systems are more suitable for larger commercial spaces, it is only expected that they are the most expensive option. It is also recommended with these systems that a backup condenser be installed just in case. However, as they have more money, they do come with more sophisticated controls and flexibility. With a VRF/VRV system, organisations can have complete control over their environment.
The Cost of Commercial HVAC Systems
The cost of a commercial system can vary depending on the size and complexity of the building.
Below are approximate costs for installation in the UK:
- Small office (1,000 sq ft): £5,000 – £9,000
- Medium commercial space (5,000 sq ft): £15,000 – £35,000
- Large commercial facilities (10,000+ sq ft): £50,000 – £150,000+
The final cost depends on the energy efficiency, installation complexity, and the size of the building.
UK Regulations and Compliance
All commercial HVAC systems must comply with some essential UK regulations:
- Building Regulations Compliance: Ensure the system meets all building regulations for safety and performance.
- F-Gas Regulations: For systems that use refrigerants, ensure compliance with F-Gas regulations, which govern the use of fluorinated gases.
- Energy Efficiency Requirements: Systems must meet minimum energy efficiency standards to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
- Maintenance Legal Obligations: Commercial properties are legally required to maintain HVAC systems and ensure they are running efficiently, according to UK law.
The Difference Between Commercial HVAC and Residential HVAC
While commercial and residential HVAC systems share the same core principles, they differ in several key areas:
- Size: Commercial HVAC systems are larger and more powerful to accommodate bigger spaces.
- Location: Residential systems typically use a single split unit with outdoor components in gardens and indoor units in lofts or basements. Commercial systems may use rooftop units or multiple configurations.
- Economisers: Unique to commercial setups, economisers draw in outside air for free cooling, improving efficiency and reducing wear, though they’re unsuitable for residential use.
- Zoning: Commercial systems often support multiple zones, allowing customised climate control across large or multi-use spaces.
- Ventilation: With fewer windows, commercial buildings rely heavily on mechanical ventilation to maintain air quality.
- Drainage: Commercial HVAC involves more intricate drainage systems to manage higher humidity levels.
Maintaining Your Commercial HVAC System
To ensure a commercial HVAC system is performing at its best, it needs to undergo regular maintenance and servicing. By investing in the preservation of the system’s lifespan, a business can save a lot of money on larger repairs and replacing the entire system.
Top Tips To Avoid Repairing Your HVAC System
If you schedule your commercial HVAC system for regular servicing and professional cleaning, it is possible to expand the lifespan of each essential component. As an HVAC system has multiple units that combine to produce the entire system, one malfunctioning part can have a huge impact on the system as a whole.
If a part is clogged or has an issue that affects its performance, alongside expected wear and tear, your unit’s lifespan can be reduced by anything between 8 to 15 years. Similarly, these same problems can dramatically affect your system’s energy efficiency from 5% to 40%.
To reduce the chance of these problems affecting your commercial system, it is recommended to arrange at least 4 services each year. Other preventative measures you can take are:
- Spring and Autumn Checkups, including cleaning, inspecting and testing of control systems
- Checking air filters and changing them regularly
- Checking thermostat programming, resetting each season
- Visual inspections of thermostats, drip pan and drain lines.
Using professional services, especially for servicing and cleaning, is highly recommended as they can be trusted to carry out thorough inspections, maintaining your commercial HVAC system at its prime working standard.
Professional Installation, Maintenance and Servicing of HVAC Systems
We have over 25 years of experience in the installation, maintenance, servicing, and repair of commercial HVAC systems. We offer expert guidance to help you choose the right system for your business, and our engineers work with minimal disruption to your operations.
Our services cover the UK, including the Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry, Staffordshire), and extend to the South West and South Wales. We provide ongoing maintenance services to ensure your HVAC system operates at peak efficiency throughout its lifespan.
FAQ
What is the best commercial HVAC system?
The best commercial HVAC system depends on factors like building size, energy efficiency ratings (SEER/SCOP), and the specific needs of the space (e.g., zoning or humidity control). Systems such as VRF/VRV, multi-split, and heat pump-based systems are popular choices due to their efficiency and adaptability.
What are the four main types of HVAC systems?
The four main types of HVAC systems are:
- Single Split Systems: Ideal for small commercial spaces
- Multi-Split Systems: Suitable for larger spaces where multiple indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit
- VRF/VRV Systems: Advanced systems that offer high efficiency and zoned control, ideal for larger commercial buildings
- Packaged HVAC Systems: All-in-one systems that include heating, cooling, and ventilation in a single unit, often used for larger commercial or industrial spaces
What is the difference between HVAC and commercial HVAC?
HVAC refers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in general, applicable to both residential and commercial settings. Commercial HVAC, however, refers to systems specifically designed to manage and control the complex environmental needs of large commercial spaces. These systems are typically more powerful, require more maintenance, and are designed to provide efficiency and comfort over large areas with specific zoning requirements.