What Is The Difference Between Commercial And Residential HVAC System?

No matter what season it is, the temperature inside your home or office should be comfortable. The job of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems is to maintain indoor air quality and temperature at a comfortable level.

What Is The Difference Between Commercial And Residential HVAC System

There are different types of HVAC systems available in the market, each designed for specific needs. You need to know the difference between commercial and residential HVAC systems to make the right choice for your home or office.

At Robert B. Payne, we specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems. Our team of experienced professionals is here to help you choose the right system for your needs and budget. Below we share with you some differences between commercial and residential HVAC systems.

Power

Commercial spaces generally have more square footage and cater to more people than residential spaces. Heating and cooling a larger area requires more power. Commercial HVAC systems are designed to meet the needs of larger spaces. They have a higher capacity and are more powerful than residential HVAC systems. However, power output is less precise in commercial HVAC systems and more precise in residential systems resulting in higher cost efficiency.

Placing

Commercial HVAC systems are usually placed on rooftops because of the large size of the unit. Residential HVAC systems are smaller in size and can be placed on walls or on the ground. Here are the major reasons why commercial HVAC systems are placed on rooftops:

  • Saving Space: There is more space on rooftops for commercial HVAC units.
  • Better Security: Commercial HVAC systems need to be placed in a secure area to prevent unauthorized access. Rooftops provide better security for commercial HVAC units from vandalism and theft.
  • Noise Reduction: Rooftop placement of commercial HVAC units reduces noise from the units. This is important for businesses that want to reduce the noise level inside the building.
  • Ease of Maintenance: Commercial HVAC units placed on rooftops are easier to maintain than units placed on the ground. Service technicians can easily access rooftop units for maintenance and repairs. This also avoids disrupting the business operations inside the building.

Complexity

Commercial HVAC systems are more complex than residential HVAC systems. They have more components and controls to heat and cool large spaces efficiently. This complexity also makes commercial HVAC systems more expensive to install and maintain. They often have eight basic components and usually need to be more adaptable to the building they serve than residential systems. As a result, along with basic components to control and distribute heating and cooling, commercial systems also need extra components to control treated air in the different zones of the property. This is because different areas or rooms in a commercial space can have different heating and cooling needs at different times of the day and night. Commercial systems may also have more advanced systems for exhaust mitigation.

System Mechanics

Commercial HVAC systems are more flexible than residential HVAC systems. This is because commercial systems need to meet the fluctuating requirements of businesses as operations go up or down. Commercial HVAC systems are modular and can be easily expanded or reconfigured to meet changing needs. Residential HVAC systems are less flexible and not as easily changed. This is due to the fact that homes are generally occupied by the same people and have more consistent heating and cooling needs. Because the parts of a commercial unit are all in one place, maintenance and upgrading are easier than with a residential unit.

Drainage

The drainage system for a commercial HVAC system is more complex than for a residential system. This is because commercial HVAC systems have multiple units to cool different areas or zones in the property. As a result, the drainage system needs to be able to handle the increased water output from the multiple units. The drainage system for a residential HVAC system is less complex because there is only one unit to cool the entire home. It is usually a pan located outside the house.

Equipment

In a residential HVAC system, the evaporator is usually located inside the house while the compressor is located outdoors. This is called a split unit and extra components are hardly seen. In a commercial HVAC system, you may find other components like blowers, thermostats, and others that help control the heating and cooling in different zones of the building at different times. This is in view of the fact that commercial HVAC systems are more complex than residential systems and they carry out cooling and heating functions in one unit instead of a split unit.

Maintenance Cost

The maintenance cost of a commercial HVAC system is higher than that of a residential system. This is understandable since commercial HVAC systems are more complex and have more components than residential systems. They also need to be serviced more often because they are used more frequently. The frequency of use also means that there is a higher chance of wear and tear, which can lead to higher repair costs.

Cost of a Commercial HVAC System

The upfront cost of commercial HVAC systems is higher than residential systems. The average cost of an elementary commercial HVAC system is $4,000 to $5,000. The installation of a commercial system is also more expensive because it is more complex. There are several factors that influence the initial cost of a commercial HVAC system, such as:

  • The brand and quality of the equipment
  • Extra system features
  • The unit’s capacity
  • Your location and climate
  • SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating)

It is worth mentioning that commercial HVAC systems of good quality and higher energy efficiency will pay for themselves in the long run through lower energy bills, lower maintenance costs, and extended warranty periods.

Now that you know the difference between commercial and residential HVAC systems, you can decide which type of system is right for your needs. If you need a more flexible and easily expandable system for your business, then a commercial HVAC system is the way to go. If you have a smaller space with more consistent heating and cooling needs, then a residential HVAC system will be sufficient. Keep in mind that commercial systems come with a higher upfront cost, but they offer greater energy efficiency and lower long-term costs.

Do You Need a 5-Star HVAC Contractor?

The increased complexity of commercial HVAC systems also requires trained professionals for installation and repairs. It is important to hire a reputable commercial HVAC contractor with the experience and expertise to install and maintain your system.

At Robert B. Payne, we have the experience and expertise to help you choose the right HVAC system for your commercial or residential space. Our team of certified professionals provides quality installation, repair, and maintenance services for all types of HVAC systems. Contact us today at 540-373-5876 to schedule a consultation.