Significant Differences Between Commercial and Residential HVAC
There are significant differences between the systems a residential technician works on and installs versus the systems a commercial tech will repair and install. With a home, the equipment needs to heat or cool a smaller space, while, in a business, the systems are more extensive due to the area the equipment needs to heat or cool. Some of the major differences include:
- The location of the units is different. In a residential system, the air handler lives inside, while the condenser unit sits outside the house. A commercial unit will usually be located either on the roof or in a utility room with other mechanical equipment.
- The complexity between the two is vastly different. Therefore, the cost to repair the two is miles apart. The two do run similarly, but a commercial/industrial unit's repair will cost more than a residential one because the equipment is more intricate.
- Because of the commercial equipment size, it has many more parts than a residential unit. More parts equal more problems, and more issues equal more money spent on repairs.
Size of the Units
Usually, the larger the area, the larger the unit needs to be. The equipment is sized based on the area that it serves. Other factors play into the unit’s sizing, such as windows, doors, and insulation R values.
Residential units are usually smaller than commercial units because of heat load or cooling load. Commercial buildings generally have more glass windows and higher ceilings, which require larger capacity systems to condition the air. Some commercial buildings require multiple units due to the size of the building.
The Complexity of HVAC Systems
Here is a list of how heat and cooling units are complex:
- Many commercial HVAC units can bring outside air into the building to cool the building if the outside air is cooler than it is inside. This feature helps businesses save on utilities.
- Residential systems usually only heat and cool one area. In contrast, in a commercial system, there may be large open spaces and multiple closed-off rooms cooled/ heated by the same system, with every zone trying to maintain a set temperature.
- Many commercial buildings usually have multiple rooftop units or a chiller system to cover numerous areas. A home usually has only one split system to heat or cool the house.
Maintenance of the HVAC System and the Different Types of Systems
There are many types of residential and commercial systems. Here is the list of the many types of HVAC units:
- Heat Pumps - used in both residential and commercial applications.
- Chillers - commercial/industrial use only.
- 90% Gas Furnaces - used in both residential and commercial applications.
- Electric Heaters - used in both residential and commercial applications.
- Conventional AC Systems - used in both residential and commercial applications.
- Rooftop Units - commercial/industrial only.
Preventative maintenance on an HVAC unit is essential and needs to be completed annually. Here's a list of some of what a technician will check, clean, and replace during an annual maintenance check:
- Condenser and evaporator coils need to be cleaned annually.
- All electrical connections need to be checked and tightened regularly.
- The system should be tested for proper operation.
- The refrigerant charge should be verified.
About Skovron Mechanical Services LLC
Skovron Mechanical Services provides top-notch commercial and residential services in the Manchester area. They are there 24/7 for all heating and air conditioning needs. Call Skovron today and let one of their experienced commercial AC technicians in Manchester handle the problem.
