Strong HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems are essential for commercial buildings to maintain comfortable temperatures in large areas. Office buildings require heavy-duty equipment with capacities of up to hundreds of tons, whereas residential units cool individual residences. To select the most suitable HVAC system for their facility’s size and requirements, building owners must carefully consider the various system types.
In this article, we’ll review all the commercial HVAC types and provide you with some recommendations from our specialists on how to choose the best one for your business
What is a Commercial HVAC System?
Commercial HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) describes the system and technology that regulates indoor temperature, air circulation, and humidity of commercial buildings. These systems usually include heating and cooling equipment, air distribution systems, and, in some cases, controls, energy recovery systems, and other additional technologies.
How HVAC Systems for Commercial Buildings Work
Fundamentally, all commercial HVAC types work as a complete environmental control system.
The refrigeration cycle, which powers all HVAC systems, uses refrigerants to expel heat outdoors after absorbing it from the building’s interior. Air handlers that distribute the cooled air throughout the building, pumps and pipes that circulate it, and chillers or compressors that generate cold air or water are the essential parts.
In order to warm the air before circulating it indoors, the system usually uses electricity, gas, or oil. In contrast, cooling uses water-cooled or refrigerant-based systems to remove hot indoor air, remove excess humidity, and cool it.
With the use of fans, ventilation systems can filter interior air that has been circulated and pull in fresh outdoor air while expelling stale or contaminated air. This procedure lessens odors, dilutes gases like carbon dioxide, stops mold growth, and keeps CO2 levels below 1000 parts per million.
Essentially, a well-operating commercial HVAC system guarantees building occupants a healthy interior environment, pleasant temperatures, and fresh air.
Commercial vs Residential HVAC Systems: Key Differences
The purpose of a commercial HVAC system is the same as that of a residential HVAC system: to provide comfortable, high-quality air to building occupants in a 72°F climate with 40–60% humidity. At the same time, they have substantial differences that business owners need to consider to choose the right system and create an optimal environment for work.
1. System Size and Capacity
Commercial HVAC systems are much larger and built to manage multiple zones or floors, while residential units serve smaller areas like single homes.
2. Components and Configuration
Residential systems are simple, standalone units. Commercial systems are modular, often rooftop-mounted, and can be expanded or adjusted as building needs change.
3. Zoning and Control
Commercial setups offer zoned temperature control for different areas, while most residential systems use a single thermostat for the whole home.
4. Ventilation Requirements
Commercial systems use stronger fans and advanced filtration to meet strict air quality standards, unlike simpler residential ventilation.
5. Maintenance and Operation
Larger and more complex commercial systems need regular professional maintenance, whereas residential systems are easier to service.
Types of HVAC Systems for Commercial Buildings
To offer you more clarity on different technologies, let’s look at the most popular types of HVAC systems for commercial buildings by categories that describe key qualities.
Commercial HVAC Types by System Configurations
- Split Systems
Like in a residential unit, split systems are frequently connected to the ductwork of a structure. They are excellent for smaller commercial buildings, such as restaurants, convenience stores, or tiny offices, since they are perfect for residential buildings.
However, you may require a different HVAC unit set for each space you wish to have thermal control over. This clogs the building’s exterior or rooftop. Although it can be costly, zoning can be added to regulate certain areas.
- Single-Split System: One outdoor and one indoor unit; common for small commercial spaces.
- Multi-Split System: One outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units; allows zoning.
- VRF/VRV Systems (Variable Refrigerant Flow/Volume)
In the US, VRF systems are quite recent. VRF systems are extremely complex commercial HVAC systems that were developed in Japan in the early 1980s.
VRF systems are ductless, to put it simply. They use heat recovery systems or heat pumps in place of ductwork, sending refrigerant from a central outside unit that houses all the compressors and condensers. The temperature of each zone is determined by the rate at which refrigerant is delivered to the interior units. Better temperature customization is made possible as a result.
A VRF system’s indoor equipment is quiet and powerful, yet it takes up very little room. Since most indoor units can fit in a building’s elevator and no ductwork is required, installation will also be simple.
- Packaged Systems
In a standard split system, line sets connect an outside unit to an inside half, which is often located in an attic or crawl space. In a packaged system, the “indoor” and “outdoor” components are housed in a single, standalone cabinet outside.
They give you one boxed cabinet that contains all the parts you need to heat and/or cool every room in your house. Typically, packaged systems include a furnace, air conditioner, evaporator coils, condensers, humidifiers, air handlers, and other parts.
- RTU (Rooftop Unit): Pre-assembled units placed on rooftops, serving large open areas.
- Packaged Indoor Units: Self-contained, often floor-mounted.
Types of HVAC Units by Energy Source & Heat Transfer Method
- Direct Expansion (DX)
The units in your house are called direct expansion (DX) split systems. In each zone, they connect an exterior condenser unit to one or more interior evaporator units. In order to absorb and release heat, the units cycle refrigerants in a straight expansion of gas to liquid and back. DX systems are better suited for small commercial buildings than huge complexes, and they look like oversized home A/C units. The associated interior units stop working if one of the external condensers fails, but the other zones remain intact.
- Chillers
Chiller systems come in two primary types:
- Air-Cooled Chiller Systems
- Condenser Water Systems
Condenser water systems are effective for large buildings because they employ refrigerants to transfer heat into circulating water that is cooled by towers. However, because of their intricate infrastructure and water treatment requirements, they are expensive and require a lot of maintenance. Depending on demand, they frequently combine big and small chillers to maximize energy efficiency.
Conversely, air-cooled chillers do not require cooling towers or water systems because they employ fans to release heat into the atmosphere. Air-cooled systems are easier, less expensive to maintain, and perfect for small to mid-sized offices, but they are less effective for very big buildings.
- Heat Pump Systems
This system is a great option for regions with moderate climates since it effectively uses heat transfer technology to provide both heating and cooling capabilities for a commercial building.
Heat pumps’ adaptability comes from their capacity to extract heat from a variety of sources, including the ground, water, and air, and then release it either within for warming or outdoors for cooling.
Typically, a heat pump system consists of one or more interior units connected to an outdoor unit via ducts. They transfer refrigerants through a cycle, absorbing or expelling heat as needed, using sophisticated compressor and heat exchanger technology.
Here are some of the available varieties; each has unique advantages based on the particular requirements of a property:
- Air-Source Heat Pumps
- Water-Source Heat Pumps
- Geothermal (Ground-Source) Heat Pumps
Types of Commercial HVAC by Air Distribution Approaches
Choosing a suitable air-handling configuration—constant air volume (CAV) or variable air volume (VAV)—is a crucial choice in HVAC design. Every option has its own characteristics, and efficiency and comfort are increased by utilizing the appropriate setup.
- CAV (Constant Air Volume)
In a basic CAV system, the supply air temperature is adjusted to accommodate the space’s thermal loads while the supply air flow rate remains constant. The majority of CAV systems are compact and only cover one thermal zone. Simple but less energy-efficient, a constant air volume HVAC system maintains an airflow that is just as high even when no heating or cooling is required. This design is economical for small, stable-use areas, such as storerooms or offices, but it becomes inefficient when zonal comfort control or flexibility is required.
- VAV (Variable Air Volume)
The reverse is true for a variable air volume system. It distributes air at a consistent temperature while altering the airflow volume, as opposed to altering the air’s temperature. This enables the system to react instantly to real-time building circumstances.
A VAV system lowers airflow when a room is empty or already cooled. The technology boosts ventilation to keep a room comfortable if it gets too hot from heavy machinery or occupancy.
How to Choose the Right HVAC Type for a Commercial Building
Numerous criteria, such as size, efficiency requirements, and initial expenses, influence the choice. When selecting among the types of HVAC systems for commercial buildings, here are several factors to consider:
- Size and Capacity
To guarantee appropriate temperature and humidity management in every zone, choose a commercial HVAC system that is in line with the dimensions and design of your building.
- Occupant Density and Use
A busy restaurant kitchen that produces a lot of heat and demands strong ventilation needs a completely different strategy than an average office.
- Requirements
Think about the type that best fits your building’s operational requirements, square footage, building layout, and local climate.
- Energy Efficiency Objectives
In the long run, a larger initial cost can be swiftly offset by the amazing energy savings that today’s technologies can provide.
- Installation
To guarantee correct setup, zoning, and ductwork integration, commercial HVAC systems need to be professionally installed. Collaborate with certified experts like Universal Services who are knowledgeable about local construction codes and large-scale systems.
- Maintenance and Reliability
Because continuous service is necessary for dependability, efficiency, and indoor air quality in commercial settings, pick a system that is easy to access and requires routine maintenance.
What Commercial HVAC System Types Are the Best?
As you can see, each of the systems has its own pros and cons. You can identify the most suited types of commercial HVAC systems based on the requirements of your business and their alignment with the system’s characteristics. To point you in the right direction, we can give you our recommendations:
| Factor | Split System | VRF/VRV | Packaged System |
| Building Size | Ideal for retail stores, small offices, or designated zones | Medium to large offices that have several zones | Small to medium open-planned buildings |
| Zoning | Low-level; 1 indoor unit per zone | High-level; precise control for individual rooms | Works best for big, single-zone spaces |
| Energy Efficiency | Good with the right sizing | Excellent, thanks to zoning and heat recovery | Depends on the chosen efficiency model |
You can contact our HVAC specialists to locate and implement the best solution for your commercial building.
Conclusion
Nowadays, commercial building owners can select from a variety of HVAC solutions, but you need to make sure your investment goes to the right technology. After all, many operational and organizational factors will depend on your choice. Now that you know the main characteristics of different types of HVAC systems for commercial buildings, it’ll be easier to select one. If you’re still unsure about the most suited technology for your business, opt for our commercial HVAC service. Professionals at Universal Services will take care of all the required work to create a comfortable and safe environment for your workers and visitors.
FAQ
- Which business HVAC system uses the least amount of energy?
High-efficiency packaged units and VRF systems usually provide the best energy performance because compressors with changeable speeds and zoning features. However, building layout, occupancy, and temperature all influence the best option.
- Which types of HVAC systems are suitable for large commercial buildings?
Since chilled water or VRF systems offer improved zoning, scalability, and energy efficiency for multi-floor applications, they are frequently used in large office buildings or institutions.
- For small to mid-sized offices, what kind of HVAC system is best?
For smaller buildings, packaged rooftop units (RTUs) or air-cooled systems are frequently the best option because of their easier maintenance and lower installation costs.
- How significant is energy efficiency when choosing an HVAC system for a business?
Extremely high-efficiency systems help achieve sustainability objectives, lower long-term running costs, and qualify for rebates or tax benefits.
- How frequently should an HVAC system be maintained?
Preventive maintenance planning and quarterly inspections are essential for preventing issues and inefficiencies in any system. Most systems should be inspected at least twice a year, once before the heating season and once before the cooling season. Universal services also offer HVAC maintenance services that you can request to preserve performance and avoid malfunctions.
