Some people might think that residential and commercial HVAC are basically the same and while that is true, they still differ in other ways. They both serve the same purpose of creating a comfortable indoor environment, but both require different requirements of installation, repair and maintenance. Understanding the difference between commercial and residential HVAC can help better understand how they work and maintain efficiency.
Size
You’ll find that residential HVAC units are much smaller than commercial HVAC units due to the power it requires to heat or cool a larger space. A family home only needs heating and cooling in a small space while a commercial building will need several thermostat settings for separate office rooms. The larger size also requires mechanical ventilation since many buildings aren’t able to open the window to let in the fresh air. There’s also different components with commercial HVAC like thermostats, compressors, condenser fans, and more. A commercial HVAC would require multiple parts compared to residential HVAC which will only need one. Commercial HVAC systems overall have a complex design and function for it to heat and cool a larger building.
Complexity
Commercial HVAC systems are more complex than residential systems because of the power demands and size of the unit. Larger units need to be more adaptable depending on the type of building, the number of occupants, ventilation, and more. It has to merge these various requirements into an integrated system for it to keep the building comfortable. Residential units are typically relatively stable and can easily accommodate minor changes with a programmable or smart thermostat.
Location
You’ll find that residential HVAC systems are placed at the side of the house or the backyard. They don’t take too much room and usually can fit in these locations. While a commercial system is typically placed on the roof because of its larger size. Having it on the roof has its own positives like saving on space, avoids noise pollution, and great for maintenance since it won’t disturb any of the activities inside the building.
Maintenance
Residential and commercial HVAC systems require maintenance but can differ significantly. The size of a residential HVAC is much smaller so they’re not as complicated to maintain. With commercial HVAC they’re much more complex due to the size, location and the components of the system. You’ll need a professional and skilled technician who can perform the maintenance. Different HVAC techs specialize in different systems so it’s important to find one that can do commercial HVAC. If they aren’t properly maintained they can have very costly repairs that are even more expensive than residential systems. It’s important to have scheduled maintenance done on your residential and commercial HVAC systems so you can avoid any expensive repairs.
Both systems accomplish the same goal in bringing comfort and a healthy indoor space. They differ in their own ways so it’s important to have an expert HVAC technician who has the knowledge and skills in maintaining, repairing and installing on the specific system. Omni Air HVAC has the necessary expertise on all commercial HVAC systems. Our professional team has the knowledge in properly maintaining airflow and comfort for any commercial building. Call Omni Air HVAC for all your commercial HVAC system needs and let us help you make your day easier.