What is a commercial air conditioning system and how is it different from home AC?

While all AC units generally work the same way, commercial air conditioning systems are quite different from those used in homes. Commercial systems are larger, more powerful, require different maintenance and look different compared to home systems. This is because the demands and expectations for air conditioning in a workplace are not the same as in a home.

You can even see a recent example of a commercial air conditioning installation by clicking here.

What is commercial air conditioning?

Commercial air conditioning involves heating and cooling non-residential buildings and may also be called commercial HVAC. (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning). These systems are designed to be flexible and capable of meeting the needs of various work environments. You will likely see commercial air conditioning in places like offices, retail stores and hospitals.

What are the different types of commercial air conditioning system?

As commercial AC is designed for use in a workplace, the units can be very different from those in a home. The types of systems used in a commercial space include;

Ceiling Cassettes

With their compact and space saving design, celling cassette air conditioners do not take up any floor or wall space. From their high central position in a room, they evenly distribute steady heating and cooling in all directions. This make ceiling cassettes like the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries FDT common in retail environments and offices.

Ceiling Suspended

Similar to ceiling cassettes, ceiling suspended air conditioners are also great for locations with limited wall and floor space. But unlike ceiling cassettes they cannot blend into the ceiling and are mounted beneath. They only provide horizontal airflow too, which makes them perfect for wide open spaces. As suspended units like the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries FDE can cover large open areas, its great for open plan offices and lecture halls.

Ducted air conditioning

Great for temperature control in multiple indoor spaces, ducted air con uses hidden ducts to deliver either heated or cooled air through vents in each room. But ducted air con only needs one indoor AC unit, even when used in multiple rooms. This indoor unit can also be hidden in loft or basement areas in space is limited. Ducted systems such as the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries FDUM can easily cover multiple very large and expansive spaces, such as shopping centres and hotels.

VRF Systems

Able to provide heating and cooling to more than one room at the same time, VRF air conditioners are clever systems that use what is called heat recovery technology. They are scalable too, which means you can add more air conditioners to the same system at a later date if needed. This precision and adaptability makes VRF systems an ideal fit in locations such as office buildings or healthcare facilities.

Chilled Water Systems

Rather than directly using air to generate heating or cooling, chilled water air con systems use water to heat or cool the air instead. This does mean they need a steady water source but they still remain efficient and quiet. Similar to ducted air conditioning, an outdoor unit for a chilled water system can also be hidden. This means it can also be stored in disused parts of a building or in storage areas. Ideal for location with a stable source or water, water cooled AC are common in locations such as data centres or laboratories.

Did you know?

Even wall mounted air conditioning systems can be used commercially with installation in a commercial building in 2024 costing £2500-£5750 for a 2.5-10kw system. You can even get your instant online quote here.

How is commercial air conditioning different from a home AC Unit?

Whilst the operations of an air conditioning system are largely the same whether you have an installation at your home or workplace, there are some differences that are worth bearing in mind. These differences include;

Types of AC Units

Home air conditioning in the UK typically use split wall-mounted systems, which are compact and easy to use. Commercial AC systems have more variety to meet the different needs of various buildings and environments. This is why commercial air conditioning systems will include air conditioning units designed to save space by being on the ceiling or in storage areas.

Size and Power

Commercial air conditioning systems are typically larger than those used in homes and require more power. This is because they need to handle greater temperature extremes which can be due to heat from heavy machinery or covering larger spaces.

Placement

In homes, air conditioning units are placed based on personal preference, usually on the floor or wall outside. In commercial settings, units are often placed on roofs or in secure areas to prevent tampering and comply with space and safety regulations.

Maintenance requirements

Home air conditioning maintenance is usually linked to the manufacturer’s warranty but it is not a legal requirement. But commercial systems do have requirements based on UK government legislation. For example, commercial AC over 12kw must be maintained/inspected at least once every five years. This requirement alone applies to many medium to large businesses.

Remember

Its important not to overlook the importance of maintaining your air conditioning system. Without yearly maintenance an air conditioning system will lose 5% efficiency every year! This means wear and tear can result in costly repairs too! Worst of all, the life expectancy of an air conditioner can drop up to 35% without maintenance!

Contact us today for more information about commercial AC

For more details on installation of a commercial air conditioner or to get a free quote, contact MAC today! MAC have years of experience installing and maintaining many types of air conditioning system. From Mitsubishi Electric to Daikin, and more. Should you need an AC system for your home or business, MAC provide you with bespoke solutions. Call MAC at 0121 730 4800 or use the free commercial and domestic pricing calculators for an instant quote. You can even reach out via WhatsApp at 07561 570 029 or email at sales@midlandaircon.co.uk.