What is the difference between residential and commercial HVAC?
You may think all heating and cooling systems are the same, whether they are in a home or businesses. While residential and commercial HVAC operate similarly, there are some major differences, as outlined below.
- Commercial HVAC is much more powerful. Commercial buildings are generally larger than residential spaces and require larger more powerful units for heating and cooling.
- Many commercial HVAC systems are housed on the roof. Because of the size and weight needed for a commercial system, rooftops are usually the best area to support these units.
- Commercial systems are typically combined into one system, whereas residential systems consist of an outdoor and indoor unit.
- Commercial units are modular. They can be added to or taken away from as needed.
Commercial systems also require technicians specially trained to handle them when they are installed or repaired. If your commercial heating and cooling system needs to be repaired or you are looking to install a new system, and you need commercial HVAC services in Fort Worth, TX, turn to the professionals at West-O-Plex A/C & Heating. We offer a complete range of commercial as well as residential services. Call us today at 817-244-2511 to find out how we can help you meet your heating and cooling needs.
What is the difference between HVAC and air conditioning?
You often hear air conditioning and HVAC used interchangeably. If you were wondering what the difference is, basically there is no difference. HVAC, which stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, encompasses air conditioning. When you need your commercial air conditioner repaired, for instance, you’ll call out commercial HVAC services to check out the system. If you have problems with your heater, you’ll call out the same services to look at it. In most homes or businesses the heating and cooling systems are combined either as one big unit or part of an overall system.
How do commercial HVAC systems work?
Although commercial HVAC systems are much larger and more powerful than residential systems, they operate in a similar fashion. The cooling cycle, for instance, operates following these steps.
- The refrigerant is compressed by the compressor, which increases the pressure and temperature.
- The condenser blows hot outside air over the refrigerant vapor, liquefying it.
- An expansion valve cools the refrigerant by converting it into a low-pressure liquid.
- The evaporator transfers heat to turn the cool liquid into a warm gas.
What are the components of a commercial HVAC system?
As with operation, the components of a commercial HVAC system are similar to residential system. The system relies on the following components throughout the heating and cooling cycle, and anytime a part malfunctions it could affect the whole system’s operation. This is why your HVAC system needs to be well maintained at all times.
The main components include:
- A heat exchanger, which absorbs heat and warms cool air when the furnace is turned on.
- The blower motor powers the fan that forces warm air from the heat exchanger through the ductwork and registers.
- Combustion chamber or burner is where the furnace adds air to fuel for proper combustion.
- The condenser coil or compressor cools the home by compressing and condensing refrigerant from gas to liquid in a continual cycle.
- The evaporator coil allows the refrigerant to evaporate from liquid to a gas faster.
- The thermostat regulates the temperature and when either the heater or cooler turns on or off.
When you need commercial HVAC parts repaired or replaced, you’ll want to get help from qualified technicians like those at West-O-Plex A/C & Heating.
What is considered light commercial HVAC?
While many commercial buildings require large, powerful systems, not all businesses will need a big system. Light commercial HVAC systems are often used for smaller businesses like restaurants, shops or small offices. One of the most popular light commercial systems is the single split system, which normally self-contained units consisting of an air conditioner and a furnace evaporator coil. These units are normally very affordable, and because they are self-contained, if one unit goes down, the other units still work. There are also lighter packaged units of three to 10 tons that are similar to heavier units. They usually cost more to run than a single split but are space saving.
Commercial HVAC preventive maintenance
Whether light or heavy, you want to make sure your commercial system runs smoothly all the time. Any component breakdown can cause the whole system to malfunction and lead to costly repairs. To make sure your system functions as it should all year long, you should have the system regularly maintained by professionals like those at West-O-Plex A/C & Heating. Maintenance should be performed at least twice per year, once in the late winter or spring for the air conditioning, and once in the late summer or early fall for the heating. Maintenance plans tend to be inexpensive and will save you money in the long run.
How much are commercial HVAC units
The cost of a commercial HVAC unit will vary, primarily by the size of the unit being installed. If you have a small business with one cooling zone you can expect to pay $3 to $4 per square foot. A larger business might expect to pay $7.50 to $10.50 per square foot. The type of brand you choose as well as labor costs will also affect the price. The bigger the building, the more powerful the HVAC system will need to be.
Commercial HVAC service near me
If you are looking for reliable commercial HVAC in Fort Worth, TX, you need to search no further than West-O-Plex A/C & Heating. We offer a full range of commercial and residential services. Reach out to us today and find out how we can help by calling 817-244-2511.