When choosing HVAC companies, you must know their expertise, whether for residential or commercial HVAC systems. Although many HVAC companies offer both systems, it is still best to understand their differences.
HVAC residential contractors often repair, replace, and maintain centralized air conditioning and heating units on single-family homes. In contrast, HVAC companies, for commercial units, are more familiar with bigger HVAC units installed in larger spaces like malls and office buildings.
To understand the differences between the two, here are the primary distinctions between residential and commercial HVAC systems:
Size and Power
The power of HVAC units is usually determined by the size of the space they need to heat or cool. Since buildings have a much larger area than homes, one main difference is the size and power of the units. Larger areas need a commercial HVAC system, which is bigger and has more power. Technicians who are experts in commercial HVAC systems know that these units need to be working effectively without using so much power to prevent problems with the rest of the electrical system.
Complexity
For residential HVAC units, the system is quite straightforward to understand. HVAC residential contractors usually install units that can operate in a single-family dwelling with fixed requirements. Commercial HVAC units need to be segmented into different office spaces and departments that demand different cooling and heating needs. This system is usually expected to have several thermostats that control various areas of the building.
Exhaust, Drainage, and Ventilation
Exhaust and drainage are typically larger and have more parts in commercial HVAC systems than in residential ones. While the residential HVAC system needs to drain into one pan placed outside the house, its commercial counterparts require a comprehensive drainage system with multiple pipes and pans to guarantee proper drainage. On the other hand, to ensure appropriate ventilation, commercial HVAC systems demand larger-scale ventilation than their residential counterparts.
Location
Residential HVAC units contain an outdoor condenser that is typically placed near an outside wall and an indoor unit that filters the air. Commercial HVAC units, on the other hand, are strategically located on the rooftops of the building. The units’ location is based on foot traffic, accessibility, available space, and possible noise.
Manufacture and Installation
Since the two HVAC systems are used differently, they are manufactured and installed in a way that best suits their intended environments. Residential HVAC units are standalone systems and cannot be changed once already installed. In contrast, commercial HVAC units are designed to be customized to accommodate the changing heating and cooling needs of the building.
Maintenance Cost
Since residential HVAC units have a more straightforward and less complicated design than commercial HVAC, it is easier to maintain and require lower maintenance costs. Homeowners can sometimes perform essential basic maintenance, like changing the air filters, to maintain indoor air quality. However, it is not always recommended for commercial HVAC units, since it requires extensive support to ensure that the system is properly functioning.