Selecting a new heating and cooling system for your commercial establishment can be a complicated and daunting task. With a plethora of options available in the market, making the right choice is a real challenge. Builders, commercial building owners and property managers should have the right information to make an informed decision. Here are a few tips for selecting a suitable commercial cooling and heating system,

1. Start with your Building:

Deciding upon your needs prior to selecting your system is essential to ensure you achieve the desired end result. Taking measurements of the rooms in your building and knowing their volumes will help you in deciding the amount of power a system would need. In addition, find out what is the most economical source of energy available in your locality. Moreover, if it is an existing building that has never been properly assessed, it may be due for an inspection as it may have mold growths and materials such as asbestos insulation that must be removed before installing a new system.

2. Budget Matters:

Your budget has a big say in the decision-making process. If you have a tight budget, it becomes imperative to identify the bare minimum of your heating and cooling requirements. On the other hand, if your budget allows for wider considerations, you can go for added comforts such as radiant floor heating, humidification or a filtration system. Sometimes, an extension of your existing system or the addition of a small-area heater could be sufficient to meet your thermal requirements. Before making a choice, try to find out if there are rebates or energy credits offered for certain types of equipment, and whether alternative fuels such as solar or wind-powered equipment is an option in your region.

3. Optimal Size and Capacity:

Work out the most efficient and economical heating and cooling system. From step one you would have worked out your building size and capacity. Choose the solution that adequately services that or else excessive heating will translate into higher running costs. Moreover, this causes frequent switching on and off of the system which is an additional wear and tear of the components. This in turn reduces the economic life of the system. On the other hand, if the system is too small, you may find that it doesn’t heat/cool as desired.

4. Energy Efficiency:

Heating and cooling systems contributes significantly to energy consumption and costs. The efficiency of a cooling system is expressed as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and that of a heat pump is expressed as the Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF). Higher SEER and HSPF values are preferable; they can mean more expensive systems, but with lower operating costs. Understanding the occupancy type of your commercial setup and long-term cost of maintenance will aid in selecting an energy-efficient system.

5. System Maintenance:

Chilled water/boiler systems, specifically the chiller, cooling tower, boiler, and heat exchanger, require preventive maintenance to a greater extent when compared with DX (direct expansion) unitary systems. A DX split or packaged system comprises only a few components, which are readily available in the market and can be replaced at a minimal cost. Duct systems normally require minimal maintenance if quality materials, closure systems, sealants, and higher “R” value insulation are used.

6. Building Automation:

Control systems save energy by ensuring that the system is on only when necessary. A programmable thermostat is an economical option that reduces energy costs by enabling you to control the temperature in your building with automatic settings. A multipurpose commercial building may have different thermal requirements across its rooms and floors. Dividing the building into multiple heating and cooling zones to determine the temperature needs of each floor and room would be a good control strategy. Instead of using a central sensor point, you can use control systems and conserve energy by not overheating or over-cooling any area. This can help you easily meet the thermal requirements of all areas of your building.

7. Buy Local:

When you purchase a system from a local company, it would be easy for you to check their credentials. Moreover, you can immediately acquire on-site services from your system supplier, whenever necessary. Heating and cooling installations require the occasional checkup, and if your service man can attend quickly, it can reduce maintenance downtime.

HVAC systems have evolved and gotten better with time. Striking a balance between your building’s thermal needs and heating/cooling system is the name of the game. The heating and cooling system is a key consideration as it relates to the comfort of the building inhabitants you are building for. Moreover, the maintenance costs also need to be weighted. The tips set forth in this article we hope will help you find a good HVAC solution.

All Climate Solutions Pty Ltd has over 30 years of experience in the heating & cooling systems industry in Melbourne, Australia. We supply all major brands and fittings with personalized service and take control of your heating & air-conditioning systems from the initial consultation to installation and after sales service. You can also follow us on Facebook.