With the ever-increasing cost of energy and a growing need to keep a business’s premises cool, many companies have looked to reducing the amount of electricity they use to maintain the temperature. If a business is looking to find the most efficient and cost-effective way to cool their building, they will likely be considering installing either a chilled water system or air conditioning HVAC system. Both air conditioning and chilled water systems are common ways to cool commercial buildings, but which option is the better choice? To help make this decision easier, this blog post looks at the pros and cons of each cooling system, and compares the two, examining their respective advantages and disadvantages for commercial businesses. By the end of this post, you will have a good idea of which system is best for your business’s needs.
When it comes to cooling a commercial building, one of the most common solutions used is a chilled water system. This system works by drawing in a steady stream of cold water and then circulating it throughout the building. The cooling effect comes from the heat transfer between the warmer air inside the building and the colder water that is being circulated. It’s a reliable and efficient way to cool down large spaces without taking up too much energy or resources.
Chilled water systems rely on a number of components, including chillers—which are machines that cool the water; cooling towers—which are used to dissipate excess heat; and pumps—which are used to circulate the cold water throughout the building. Additionally, a chilled water system requires a well-insulated piping system to ensure that the cold water is not lost in transit. All of these components come together to form a chilled water system that can effectively cool large commercial buildings.
Air conditioning is the process of cooling and dehumidifying the air in a particular space to create a more comfortable living or working environment. This is most commonly accomplished through the use of an air conditioning unit, which is typically powered by electricity or natural gas. In addition to cooling the air, modern air conditioning systems can also help regulate humidity levels, improve air quality, and reduce allergens. Air conditioning systems are widely used in both residential and commercial spaces to achieve efficient climate control.
When considering the appropriate climate control system for your commercial business, it’s important to understand the difference between air conditioning and a chilled water system. While both systems provide effective air cooling, they have different components and key benefits.
An air conditioning system operates by circulating a refrigerant such as Freon through a set of coils, while a chilled water system utilizes a network of pumps and pipes, and a chiller to cool the air. Both systems can be used to maintain the temperature and moisture content of the air in the space, but there are some distinct differences that must be taken into consideration depending on the size and type of facility being cooled.
Air conditioning systems are typically cheaper to install and maintain, making them especially attractive for smaller businesses that don’t need extreme cooling. They also tend to be more energy efficient than chilled water systems, which require energy to run pumps and chillers. On the other hand, chilled water systems may be more cost effective for larger businesses that need to keep their spaces cool for longer periods of time.
Chilled water systems are also capable of meeting extreme cooling demands more effectively, due to their larger cooling capacity. Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose an air conditioning system or a chilled water system for your commercial business should be based on several factors such as size, energy efficiency, and cooling capacity.
Chilled water systems offer many advantages to commercial businesses, but they also come with their own drawbacks. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of chilled water systems to consider when deciding whether this type of system is right for you.
Pros:
Cons:
Air conditioning is a popular option for commercial businesses in hot climates, providing an energy-efficient way to cool down the interior of a building. However, there are both pros and cons to air conditioning that should be taken into consideration when comparing it to other cooling solutions such as chilled water systems.
The major advantage of air conditioning is its convenience; it requires little maintenance and installation, can be easily adjusted to create the desired temperature in a room, and is comparatively quiet. Air conditioning systems can also be relatively inexpensive to buy and install, depending on the size and complexity of the system needed for the job.
One key disadvantage of air conditioning is that it relies on electricity to operate, making it somewhat costly in terms of energy consumption. Additionally, air conditioning is not as effective at cooling large areas or buildings with high ceilings as it is at cooling smaller rooms. It can also be difficult to control the humidity in a room using air conditioning, which can cause issues like mold growth and uncomfortable air.
When considering the purchase of a chilled water system vs air conditioning for a commercial business, cost is an important factor to consider. For small to medium size businesses, air conditioning can often be more economical in the short term. An air conditioning system requires lower installation costs and less maintenance than a chilled water system. Additionally, purchasing a unit or two is much less expensive than a larger chilled water system. On the other hand, chiller water systems can offer long-term savings, especially considering multiple units over time. As such, when comparing the cost of a chilled water system vs air conditioning for commercial businesses, it is important to consider both short-term and long-term costs.
In terms of upfront costs, the purchase of a chilled water system will be much more expensive than air conditioning. The components can be costly, and furthermore, installation can be complex and costly. In comparison, air conditioning units are relatively inexpensive, and installation is generally easier and faster than a chilled water system. Furthermore, chillers can require higher running costs due to their large motors and fans, while air conditioning systems can offer lower running costs thanks to modern technology.
On the other hand, whilst initial costs are higher, chilled water systems can offer long-term savings due to the potential of using the system over multiple units. As the equipment is expensive, most businesses will purchase it with the intention of using it for several years. Over time, the cumulative price of multiple air conditioning units can often exceed that of a single chilled water system. Ultimately, when comparing the cost of a chilled water system vs air conditioning for commercial businesses, it is important to consider both short-term and long-term implications.
When it comes to cooling down commercial spaces, chilled water systems and air conditioning both have their advantages and disadvantages. Air conditioning is simpler and generally more affordable, but its higher energy costs can sometimes be a deterrent for businesses. On the other hand, chilled water systems are more energy-efficient, but require more components and complexities in their installation and maintenance.
Ultimately, the best system for cooling a commercial business will depend on the size, budget, and energy needs of the business. Those considering a chilled water system vs air conditioning should do plenty of research and talk to experts to determine which of these systems is the best choice for their commercial space.
For professional assistance with your HVAC system, choose Galgon HVAC & Mechanical Service. Our commercial HVAC system services are guaranteed to address all of your HVAC system needs, from installation to repair and preventive maintenance. Give us a call at (404) 352-1500 and let’s talk about what we can do for your HVAC system today!
When temperatures rise, your business suffers in more ways than one. There are many reasons why it’s important to have a functional, efficient commercial air conditioning system at your disposal.
The use of commercial air conditioners accounts for nearly 20% of a building’s total energy use, which puts a huge strain on electricity systems around the world, while also driving up emissions.
However, not all commercial AC systems are created equal. It’s important to understand how the different types of AC systems operate to ensure you get the most from your investment.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the differences between different commercial AC systems and give you pointers on which one may be best for your business.
Why do we need commercial air conditioners?
There are many reasons why businesses need commercial conditioning systems. From occupant comfort to maintaining the integrity of equipment or infrastructure, AC plays a pivotal role in balancing the indoor environment of a building and, as data shows, the productivity and wellbeing of its occupants.
Whatever the need may be, there are a number of must-have features that every good commercial air conditioning system should come with as standard. Among them are the following:
Air humidification
Air dehumidification
Ventilation
Air filtration
Heating air or water
Cooling air or water
What are the Different Types of Air Conditioning Systems?
There are three main types of commercial air conditioning systems: single split, multi split, and VRV (or VRF). These three types differ in a number of ways, based on the system’s capacity, the number of air ducts and the refrigeration and cooling method used. Knowing the differences among commercial air conditioning systems will help you decide which system is best for your business.
What is Central Air Conditioning?
Central air conditioning is a system that uses a central source of cool air and then ducts it to different areas of the building. Most central air conditioning systems are split systems. They work by using a compressor, fan and condenser in a central air conditioning unit. Then, the air is passed through to the rooms through ducts or air distribution units. The advantage of central AC is that it’s energy-efficient and can be used in commercial buildings of any size. It can also be programmed to provide continuous cooling. That way, you don’t have to turn it on and off manually when it’s warmer outside. The main disadvantage is that it can be loud and will use a lot of power.
What is ductless air conditioning?
Ductless air conditioning is a system that uses a small AC connected to the ductwork that brings in air from outside. It’s like a mini central air conditioner installed in the ceiling. The advantage of this system is that it’s compact and quiet. However, it’s a bit less efficient than a central air conditioner. The small capacity means that it’s difficult to deploy this in large numbers across large connected spaces. If used in this way, it can also be much more expensive than ducted air conditioning.
What are Single Split Air Conditioning Systems?
Single split air conditioning systems are the most popular type of commercial AC system and they’re also the most cost-effective. The reason why they are the most common air conditioning system is that they’re easy to install, are compatible with most spaces, and require minimal maintenance.
Single split systems are commonly used for retrofitting existing buildings. The single split system’s low-cost makes it ideal for replacing an older system or adding AC to an existing building without altering the structure. Single split systems are compatible with most spaces, but some larger spaces such as gyms require the use of multiple units or the more complex multi split system.
In brief: Single split AC systems are best used for smaller spaces such as offices, retail stores, and restaurants.
What are Multi Split Air Conditioning Systems?
Also known as split system air conditioning, multi split air conditioning systems have single indoor and multiple outdoor units connected by complex ductwork. They’re the least common type of commercial AC system but are also the most cost-effective for larger spaces. Multi split air conditioning systems are typically cheaper than VRF systems because they don’t require refrigeration and cooling technology. This means they’re less expensive to install and operate but also require less electricity.
Unlike single split systems, which are suitable for most spaces, multi split systems are best used for spaces with high ceilings, are located in large open areas, or have vast indoor areas. Multi split systems can also be used to retrofit older buildings because the indoor units can be used with existing ductwork. This makes the system installation process easier because existing ductwork doesn’t need to be rerouted.
In brief: Multi split AC systems are best suited for gyms, auditoriums, large stores, and restaurants.
What are VRV/VRF Air Conditioning Systems?
Variable refrigerant volume (VRV) and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning systems are the most expensive type of commercial air conditioning systems. These systems are made up of multiple indoor units and multiple outdoor units connected by ductwork. These systems make use of refrigeration and cooling technology and therefore require electricity.
VRV or VRF systems are best suited for large spaces such as gyms, auditoriums, large stores, and restaurants because the systems have large refrigeration units.
This type of system is also the only commercial air conditioning system that requires an HVAC contractor. VRV or VRF air conditioning systems require a contractor because they require special air ductwork and are much more complex than single split or multi split air conditioning systems.
VRV is a technology invented by Daikin that alternates the refrigerant volume in a system to match the precise requirements of a building. It’s now common to find VRV or VRF systems that maintain a set temperature and ensure that the system shuts off automatically when no occupants are detected in a room. This sustainable feature helps businesses save on energy costs while reducing carbon emissions.
The future of air conditioning
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), says that the growing demand for air conditioners is one of the most critical blind spots in today’s energy debate. “Setting higher efficiency standards for cooling is one of the easiest steps governments can take to reduce the need for new power plants, cut emissions and reduce costs at the same time.”
Over the next three decades, the use of air conditioning will rise exponentially. It can easily become a significant driver of global electricity demand and, in turn, carbon emissions. It’s estimated that by 2050, around two-thirds of households around the world could have an air conditioner. The countries accounting for at least half of this number will be China, India and Indonesia.
In the ongoing quest to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, it’s now more important than ever to ensure that our buildings are as efficient and sustainable as possible. This starts with understanding how our buildings work.
At Beringar, we’re at the vanguard of building intelligence. Through the use of our connected sensors and ESG dashboard, building owners, investors and operators can now understand their buildings in greater detail, enabling them to make significant business decisions based on the data we collect.
If you’re interested in learning more about the sensors and the platform, book a demo today.