According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems account for 40% of commercial building’s electricity use.

Correctly heating, cooling, and ventilating your commercial property or office is vital. Because it ensures that your employees are comfortable and able to work. But how do you know if your HVAC systems are right for your business?

Keep reading to find out more about commercial HVAC systems and to see if your systems are right for your building.

What Are HVAC for Commercial Buildings?

HVAC systems are the essential parts of both residential and commercial buildings because they ensure it’s kept cool or warm. HVAC systems also ensure that the building is well-ventilated, which means that air quality is at a comfortable level.

Commercial HVAC systems generally last between 10 to 15 years, depending on how much you use it and the maintenance of the system. However, regular maintenance can improve the life of some HVAC systems. For example, some air conditioning units can live longer than 15 years, so always ask your maintenance technician.

How HVAC Systems Work

The heating of a building is achieved by systems that allow air to pass through them (such as radiators and supply air systems). While the cooling of a building relies on air conditioning units that lower the temperature of a room. This is done by allowing air to pass through air-cooled or water-cooled systems. Air conditioning units also help to remove unwanted humidity and moisture from the air.

Ventilation works by cleaning the air in buildings and removing pollution from the air. This is achieved by fans that draw in the air and process it through a filtration system. Ventilation also helps to remove excess moisture in the air too.

What Are the Different Types of HVAC Systems?

There is a whole range of HVAC models and makes, but overall there are three commercial HVAC system types.

The single split system is the most popular and most affordable system, as such, it’s often found in smaller commercial buildings. Single split systems allow you to control heating and cooling individually of your space.

The multi-split system is similar to the single split system but provides better energy efficiency options. You can connect as many as 9 indoor units to one multi-split outdoor unit.

And variable refrigerant flow systems are often used in larger commercial buildings. This offers heating and cooling options that can be controlled throughout the building at the same time.

Improve Your Commercial HVAC System’s Energy Efficiency

There are a few ways in which you can improve your commercial HVAC systems and boost their energy efficiency. The first thing you can do is to regularly get your systems checked by a licensed HVAC expert. HVAC technicians can replace air filters, clean and inspect ducts and coils, repair any air ducts or motors that are faulty, and check your furnace.

Another way to improve your energy efficiency and save money is by switching your system onto an automatic setting. Automatic settings ensure that you preserve energy and don’t heat or cool your commercial building when nobody is there (e.g. at weekends and after work hours).

Check out these air conditioning and heating tips to find out more about how you can keep the costs of your HVAC systems down.

Upgrade or Update Your Commercial HVAC Systems

If you’ve had your HVAC system for longer than 10 to 15 years then it might be time for an upgrade. The best way to find out if your commercial HVAC systems are right for your building or if they need an upgrade is by finding a licensed HVAC technician to inspect it for you.

Get in touch with us to find out if your HVAC systems are right for your commercial building.