Benefits of Ductless HVAC for Commercial Buildings
HVAC systems are an integral part of all businesses. The ability to regulate temperature, moisture levels and indoor air quality is important for customer and employee comfort, as well as protecting products you may stock in-house.
Many commercial buildings have their heating and cooling system located on the roof of their building. This option uses multiple lines of ductwork that runs throughout rooms or offices and around the structure, which leads to varying temperatures depending on the part of the building. Most of the time you have one thermostat controlling the temperature for numerous people.
There is another option that is becoming increasingly popular among business owners: Ductless Mini Split Systems.
What is Ductless Mini Split?
A ductless HVAC system does not use air ducts to operate. They are referred to as “mini-splits” because they are made up of two parts: one or more indoor units and one outdoor unit connected by refrigerant tubing, a drain line and electrical wiring. This allows the unit(s) to heat or cool the space without requiring ductwork. They are smaller versions of traditional HVAC systems, hence the “mini.” There are single-zone systems, that are used for heating or cooling one targeted space, or there are multi-zone systems which combine one outdoor unit with up to five indoor units, allowing for personalized comfort in each zone.
Benefits of a Ductless Mini Split System
Precise and consistent temperature control
Each zone has its own thermostat so employees can adjust the temperature to their preferred comfort level. When a space is not being utilized the unit can be turned off without affecting other zones.
Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Each indoor air-handling unit has a built-in filter to remove allergens and pollutants, such as dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and viruses from the air. This significantly improves your indoor air quality and decreases risk of illness or allergies.
Quiet Performance
Since the compressor is located outside, the only thing you will hear is the fan needed to move the air.
Energy Efficient
According to Energy Star, because ductless systems transfer instead of generate heat, Energy Star certified ductless mini-split heat pumps use 60% less energy than standard electric heating systems.
When to Choose a Mini Split System for a Commercial Space
If available space is limited, a ducted HVAC infrastructure is not already in place or if you are adding an addition to an existing building, zoned heating and cooling is worth consideration.
If you already have a traditional ducted HVAC system, it is usually most cost-efficient to stay with that set-up.
Many restaurants choose ductless systems and have installed units in buildings lacking ductwork, on screened-in patios and enclosed decks.
Maintenance Needs for Ductless Mini Splits
In order to keep your ductless systems at optimal performance it is important to perform regular preventative maintenance. This includes:
Change or clean air filters when they get dirty
Keep outdoor unit clean and free of obstructions
Check refrigerant levels
Keep coils clean and free of debris (especially outdoors)
Keep drains clear
If this sounds like a lot to keep up with, we are here to help. One of our factory-trained technicians are on hand for preventative maintenance for all of your HVAC systems.
There are various solutions to commercial heating and cooling needs and we can help you find the best fit for your business.
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