Commercial air conditioning is something you’ve probably thought about if you own or run your own business. There’s nothing different about commercial air conditioning systems compared with domestic systems. The mechanics are the same, except that it’s likely a system on business premises will be larger.
So what do you need to know about commercial air conditioning to make an informed decision? We’ll go through the types of air conditioning you can install and 4 reasons why it will benefit your property.
Types of Commercial Air Conditioning
There are 2 main types of commercial air conditioning:
- Split system
- Multi split system
- Central or ducted system
Each of these types of air conditioning have their own benefits and are suitable for different properties.
Split system
Split air conditioning systems are the most affordable option for commercial air conditioning and are suitable for small business properties. They can provide heating and cooling to specific rooms, so are ideal for small offices that only need one room controlled.
Split systems have inner and outer units. Piping and electric cable connects them together, which allows the refrigerant (the cooling agent) to flow to and from each unit. The outside unit is the largest, and most noisy, part of the system. The inside unit is much smaller and quieter so can be placed in the room that you need heating or cooling.
Multi split system
A multi split air conditioning system works in a similar way to split systems, except that they can be connected to up to 5 indoor units to one outdoor unit. These systems are ideal for businesses that need lots of rooms heated or cooled, but don’t have much outside space to house lots of units.
Multi split commercial air conditioning systems are perfect if you want to be able to use different types of unit, like wall-mounted and ceiling cassette units. You can find out more about these types of unit on our blog.
The main benefit to multi split systems is that you can heat or cool each indoor unit independently. So if you have a unit in your boardroom and your main office, you don’t have to waste money or energy heating or cooling the boardroom when no one is using the space.
Central systems
The USA and Canada commonly use central systems for commercial air conditioning, where they build properties with air conditioning included. They use ducts and grills to disperse air around a property, hence why they are sometimes called ducted systems. One internal central unit heats and cools the air, and often sits in a basement or loft.
The internal unit is connected to an external unit which is home to the condenser and compressor. You’ll usually find it installed on the ground at the back or side of the property. But in commercial properties, sometimes you can combine the internal and external units into one external unit. That means you don’t have to worry about space inside your premises.
Central air conditioning systems are quite bulky as they need space for the ducting. They’re also expensive because of this reason, so aren’t commonly used in the UK and Europe. But if it’s an option you’re considering, get in touch with us and we’ll be able to give you a quote.
Why should I install air conditioning in my commercial property?
There are plenty of good reasons why you should install commercial air conditioning. Your staff will be happier and more productive, while you’ll protect your electronics and enjoy a cost-effective solution to heating and cooling.
1. Increase productivity
Whether your business is an office, workshop or retail store, you’ll increase productivity by installing adequate climate control. Studies have found that for every degree above the average temperature it gets outside, productivity drops by 3%.
If summers carry on the way that they have been in recent years, that could mean that every time the temperature rises to 25 degrees, each employee could waste up to an hour of an 8-hour day.
Similarly, research has also shown that colder workplaces decrease productivity. This proves just how important it is to have a good climate control system.
2. Reduce absenteeism
Related to productivity, commercial air conditioning will keep your staff healthier, therefore reducing the amount of time they’re off sick. Keeping the workplace at a cool temperature will reduce the likelihood of germs thriving, including viruses, so air conditioning is extremely important in today’s working world.
3. Keep your customers happy
If you work in a customer-facing business, this makes commercial air conditioning even more of a priority. If customers walk into your premises and feel uncomfortable, they might leave without spending any money with you.
You want to create a pleasant environment for your customers, so they stay long enough to buy your products.
4. Reduce your costs
Although air conditioning is a significant investment and uses electricity, it can still save you money in the long term if you have to use lots of fans to cool down your commercial property. Since air conditioning systems are essentially heat pumps, you can use them to heat your workplace too – so you’ll save money on your heating bills in the long run.
What is the best commercial air conditioning system to install?
When it comes down to it, you might find that split or multi split air con systems are the best option for you, especially if you have a small premises where only 1 or 2 rooms need to be heated or cooled. They are the most inexpensive option and give you control over your spaces at any given time.
However, if you’re building your own commercial property from scratch or are having an extensive refurbishment, you might want to think about central air conditioning. If you involve your air conditioning installer from the start of the process, they will be able to recommend the space you need for the ducting and other elements.
We can help you decide which air conditioning system is best for your commercial property. Simply fill in the form below and we’ll arrange to come and give you a free, no-obligation quote.
