Commercial and Residential HVAC units share many similarities but contain many differences as well. While some HVAC manufacturing companies produce units for both markets, others specialize in one or the other. The biggest differences have to do with size, and whether the unit is packaged or split. Commercial systems are typically modular in nature, which makes them more flexible and expandable. These units are for business applications and can serve very large office buildings to small shops. Many times the HVAC unit is installed when the building is first being constructed presenting a problem later for when the unit is eventually in need of replacement. Commercial units because of their size and complexity usually require more highly trained technicians to install and service the equipment. This type of HVAC unit is designed to serve multiple zones and is capable of providing heating as well as cooling to the building. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) sets Minimum Ventilation Rates in Breathing Zone standards as to how much fresh air must be delivered for the number of occupants in a given room. HVAC units are measured in tonnage or CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), while ASHRAE advises 20 CFM per person in a health club, only 5 CFM per person is recommended for a library.
Most HVAC systems contain a condenser section that is set up outdoors and an evaporator section that is installed indoors. Residential condenser sections are mostly installed on the ground and are hooked up to ducts wherein commercial applications the condenser section is usually placed on rooftops and the evaporator section is placed indoors. Both commercial and residential outdoor units are susceptible to weather damage and vandalism. Residential units are also usually much smaller than commercial units but cannot be expanded, if more cooling is needed the unit must be replaced. Companies that install HVAC equipment usually include both commercial and residential installs and have a product line card where they sell HVAC units from several different brands.
The United CoolAir Way
United CoolAir produces light commercial HVAC units from 1 to 100-ton capacities in both packaged and splittable variations. These units are mostly installed completely indoors and come in both horizontal and vertical configurations. The product line even includes ceiling mounted air conditioning units. With air-cooled, water-cooled and chilled water solutions, retrofitting is made much easier than their competitors. United CoolAir units are created in modular sections that fit through a standard doorway and use Quick Connect refrigerant fittings so that the units never lose their original factory charge. With a distributor base that encompasses the entire USA and Canada, there is always an all-indoor solution near you.
