4 Differences Between Residential And Commercial HVAC Systems

While you should call your local HVAC expert when you experience any heating or cooling issues, it is important to call the right one. Their skills do not always translate across all HVAC types. For example, you might have an expert or handyman that you rely on to fix your residential system. But, just because they may be a genius at keeping your home HVAC running doesn’t mean that they have the skills to maintain your commercial HVAC. This post will go over four key differences between residential and commercial systems so you can know who to call.

1. Commercial HVAC systems offer more power

You don’t always think about how much more volume is in your commercial building than your home. The additional rooms, extra people heating it up, and the extra air volume require a much more powerful HVAC system to cool and heat properly. Also, commercial HVACs must run for much longer periods.

In fact, commercial units are often custom-designed for the space they occupy. You can’t have a unit that is too big or too small. Specialized contractors inspect the space and recommend the unit, ductwork system, and other necessary equipment.

Conversely, residential units are smaller. These cool and heat smaller spaces, deal with fewer people, and don’t often run for as long as commercial units. Also, these units are often standard. You will pick one that is designed to fill the volume in your home, but these are much more standardized.

As you can probably guess, the problems that plague a commercial system may not always be the same as those affecting a residential system.

2. Different types of HVAC units are located in different places

Where commercial and residential units are placed also differs significantly. Due to the size and scope of commercial systems, they are often kept on roofs. Conversely, residential units are stored next to or behind a house. So, for a commercial unit, you need a technician that is comfortable working on a roof.

For a residential HVAC system, access is much easier. Some units are split, so some equipment will be located in an attic. If this is the case, you will need a technician that is comfortable working in tight, hot spaces.

3. Residential and commercial units are packaged differently

HVAC systems consist of two primary components: the evaporator and compressor. Commercial systems often package these together, combining the heating and cooling systems into a single unit. On the other hand, residential HVACs are often split. The evaporator is kept indoors while the compressor is kept outdoors.

Also, while commercial systems are easier to access and maintain, they are also far more complex. These systems often use multiple thermostats to maintain temperatures, which allows them to cool and heat in zones. Residential units are usually built to handle one specific zone, although this can be customized.

4. Commercial HVAC systems are more customizable than residential

Commercial systems must be flexible. They can be upgraded or downgraded by adding and removing modules to increase cooling or heating capability. A modular system allows the building to stay adaptive. For example, a business may not always be full, so you don’t need to run at 100 percent capacity all the time. Since they are modular, the internal structure of commercial HVAC systems is far more complex than residential systems.

Conversely, residential systems are usually standalone. You may not be able to increase or decrease capability by adding or removing components. You shouldn’t have to unless you are adding a addition. Also, if you have a unit that is too big, it will cycle on and off too frequently, degrading its ability to tackle humidity. This is why HVAC technicians choose the right size unit based on your home’s size.

Contact an experienced local HVAC company

Technicians need experience dealing with your type of HVAC unit. A commercial technician may not realize the limitations of residential units. On the other hand, residential technicians may not understand the complexity of commercial units. So, you need someone who has a background in your type of unit.

Hiring a professional local HVAC company will help keep your system in top condition. At Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo, Texas, we understand the different types of HVAC system and can repair, maintain, and install both commercial and residential systems. We offer Commercial, Residential, and Industrial services throughout the Texas Panhandle. You can reach us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our services. We are available to help 24 hours a day.