There are multiple types of HVAC systems. The two major types can be described as commercial and residential HVAC systems. The main difference comes down to the size of the unit. Residential homes use a smaller system where commercial buildings require a much bigger unit to cool all of the space. Even both do the same functions of heating and cooling a building, there are some slight differences. Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning will cover these differences to further our customers understanding of their HVAC systems.
Commercial HVAC Systems Are Larger & More Complex
The size of a commercial HVAC system verses a residential HVAC system is an obvious fact. As stated before the larger the building, the larger the HVAC system is required. Power demands are equal to the size of the HVAC system. If you’re running a commercial building expect a much larger bill than your residential home energy bill. The commercial HVAC system is also more complex in terms of dampers and thermostats.
Ground or Roof Mounted HVAC Units
Location will differ on home and commercial HVAC systems too. Home HVAC units most often are placed on the ground near the house; usually on the side or back of the home and occasionally even on the roof. Commercial buildings will almost every time be located on the roof; and for many good reasons. To begin with, these units are larger and take far more space. Therefore the roof serves the space needed without crowding the ground. Noises caused by the larger HVAC unit can be rather distracting and undesirable. Keeping the unit high and way from people avoids this problem. Another reason is that maintenance can be done without invading anyone’s space and give the technician plenty of room to work without worrying about the safety of crowded areas.
Complexity of HVAC Systems
Another distinguishing feature is the complexity of the two systems. Obviously the commercial building has many rooms and multiple floors, not to mention more people. This requires more cooling or heating power and proper air ducting to each area. Where a residential home only has one to two floors, sometimes three max, the rooms to cool or heat are much smaller. The complexity of a residential HVAC system is far less, due to the size of the building.
HVAC Preventive Maintenance
Responsibility differs from the two HVAC systems greatly. Residential HVAC system are easily enough to maintain without the need of a technician coming out every month to change the air filters. Whereas a professional will need to handle all maintenance and repair of a commercial HVAC system.
HVAC Condensate Drain Line & System
The drainage systems for a residential unit will have one drainage pan where a commercial HVAC unit will have multiple pans and piping for its drainage due to the size difference of the two. Again, the bigger the unit, the bigger the drainage system will be.
Residential & Commercial HVAC Services in Springfield, Granby, Holyoke, South Hadley, Monson, Chicopee City & Agawam Massachusetts
For the basic differences of the two HVAC systems, these are the basics. Manufacturing and the age of the unit will differ, of course, but as the old models die out and get replaced with the more modern HVAC systems, the more energy efficient they become. Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning can help all our customers whether they have residential needs or commercial HVAC repairs, we can service everyone. For all your HVAC needs, Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning is just a phone call away.
