Commercial Air Conditioning FAQs

Commercial air conditioning systems see heavy use, day in and day out, year after year. They work hard to keep customers and employees comfortable at your commercial property. 

 

In today’s post, Omnia360 facility solutions, a premier facility management company in Cincinnati, answers frequently asked questions about commercial air conditioning for your business. 

 

What’s the difference between residential and commercial air conditioning units?

Think of a commercial HVAC system as a larger, more complex version of your home’s HVAC unit. 

 

What is a commercial air conditioning system? 

Commercial systems have a multitude of packaged units with their own thermostats so that different rooms and floors (zones) can regulate their temps. Due to their size and scope, ventilation is more complex, involving a convoluted network of pipes and drains. 

 

Lastly, the tech is more advanced than a normal HVAC system; most buildings have AC units with economizers that use logic controllers and sensors to push out heat and bring in cool outside air.

 

What’s the average cost of commercial air conditioning repair? 

Due to how robust a commercial HVAC system is, it’s typically more expensive than repairing the AC in your home. 

 

  • $75 to $200 depending on the contracting company. 
  • Parts also vary in complexity, ranging from $2,000 to $3,000.

 

Should I hire an HVAC company or an FM company for AC service work? 

It depends on how much maintenance coverage your building needs. 

 

If it’s more than HVAC: plumbing, janitorial work, or landscaping, then and facility management company will save you thousands of dollars throughout the year. 

 

If it’s just a few one-off repairs to your HVAC system, hiring a commercial AC repair company near you is advisable. 

 

How much money does a commercial HVAC system cost? 

Businesses can expect to pay between $7.50 and $10.50 per square foot for AC systems. Market research suggests that commercial costs are expected to rise due to factors like skilled labor shortage and ever-increasing costs for new constructions. 

 

What are the six types of commercial HVAC systems? 

  • Single-split system

Single-split system, every indoor unit connects to an exterior unit. Whenever you need more AC, you can just add more units to each room. Ideal for smaller spaces, like coffee shops, corner offices, and similarly sized locations. Not ideal for large offices.

  • Multi-split system 

Ductless multi-split systems — unlike single-split systems — connect up to five indoor units to one outdoor unit, giving each room individual temperature control settings. Ideal for large commercial properties, not for smaller office spaces. 

 

  • Heat Pump

The heat pump just works to push and pull air from the interior to the exterior of your building, reversing directions whenever cold or warm air is needed. It’s great for schools and sports facilities but often fails in colder climates, like Cincinnati, Ohio, where temps sink below 40 degrees. 

 

  • VRF or VRV system

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) or variable refrigerant volume (VRV) consists of a heat pump that uses refrigerant in the heating and cooling lines, with multiple evaporator connections to a single condensing unit. 

 

  • VAV system

Variable air volume (VAV) systems give consistent, comfortable temps by varying airflow levels. It’s perfect for small offices or commercial spaces where parts of a building need to be heated and other parts cooled off. Some VAV systems are in a single unit, but serve multiple areas (zones). 

 

  • CAV system 

Constant air volume (CAV) systems provide consistent airflow by adjusting the air supply temperature setting. Perfect for spaces with large areas, few windows, or openings, like showrooms or exhibition halls. Not ideal for buildings with multiple floors requiring multiple heating and cooling zones. 

 

What type of AC is best for commercial use? 

Variable refrigerant flow systems are well-fitted for large commercial buildings; they’re easy to control, energy-efficient, and long-lasting. 

 

Multi-zone mini-split systems are the best choices for commercial buildings with multiple offices or rooms, each requiring independent thermostat control. 

 

How long does a commercial AC last? 

10 to 15 years. More with preventative maintenance and careful use. 

 

Which AC unit lasts the longest? 

Longevity will depend on the manufacturer. Some quality brand names include:

 

HVAC systems that use a two-stage mechanism (like mini-split systems) tend to last longer because they don’t have frequent “on” and “off” cycles. 

 

Factors that affect your HVAC’s longevity: 

  • Wear n’ tear. 
  • Preventative maintenance.
  • Incorrect installations lead to premature system failure and minor, repeated breakdowns.

 

That’s why it’s important that you choose a reputable HVAC contractor with a track record of quality installations. 

 

What size commercial AC do I need for my building? 

It depends on the size of the building, average external temperature to building design, orientation, and purpose. 

 

Commercial HVAC systems are measured in tons — British Thermal Units (Btu) and can range between 2 and 30 tons. Generally, it takes 25 Btu to cool 1 square foot. 

 

You’ll need to determine the heating and cooling load required for your commercial property. That requires some math: “How to Perform a Quick Load Calculation.”

 

Be Warned: Choosing the wrong size negatively affects energy costs, system performance, and how much maintenance is required. 

 

What is the most efficient commercial HVAC system? 

Choosing a great HVAC system will depend on factors like building design, air quality, and energy efficiency. Other considerations include your budget, how many rooms or floors your building has, and how long you expect the system to last. 

 

Which AC is the most powerful for my commercial property? 

To find the most powerful AC system, check and compare the BTUs and heating/cooling power input (Watts) of each AC product on third-party wholesale websites

 

Ask Yourself: Does this unit handle hot summer weather well? 

Depending on your business’s location, as well as your building’s age and design, your employees and customers might feel like they’re inside a toaster oven during the summer months. That is, if you don’t buy the right-size AC unit for your space. 

 

The right size will depend on your building’s layout. So if it’s too large or oversized for your small office space, you’ll run up energy costs for nothing. If it’s too small for your two-story building, your unit won’t keep up with the demand. 

 

Commercial HVAC System Repair & Maintenance 24/7 Support

Our facility management services provide you with 24/7 support to maintain all facets of your commercial building, from commercial HVAC repair to plumbing, janitorial cleanup, and landscaping. Schedule your FREE assessment today: 833.360.6642.

 

6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Commercial HVAC System

HVAC systems for commercial office buildings are pressured to perform day in and day out, providing cool and warm air for multiple floors and rooms. Over time, they undergo a lot of wear and tear. 

That can mean more and more out-of-pocket costs towards HVAC maintenance or repair — pretty expensive. Then again, buying a new commercial HVAC unit is not cheap either. 

 

So, here’s the real question: 

How do you know it’s time to replace your commercial HVAC system?

Omnia360 in Cincinnati, Ohio explains the tell-tale six signs that just scream “you’re due a replacement!” 

 

1. Strange Noises and Sudden Stops 

If you’re hearing grinding, rattling, clunking, squealing, or hissing sounds, it’s likely that a component is loose or broken. An aging or broken HVAC system can emit bad smells, sometimes musky odors or burning scents. 

 

Short cycling, or sudden stops and starts, indicate that it’s not getting enough power to operate continuously, or that it’s overheating, forcing the components to work harder to compensate for the impaired performance. 

 

2. Your HVAC Unit is Over 10 Years Old

Sometimes it’s better to replace an old unit outright than to repair its individual parts. It’s more cost effective and proves to be a better investment for the long run.

Naturally, older models often lack the same level of functionality or technological improvements seen with more up-to-date models of commercial HVAC systems. Upgrading could be an excellent investment to your building’s overall energy efficiency. 

 

3. Office Air Quality is Getting Worse 

It’s hard to ignore it. Employees and customers alike notice. Stuffy, difficult-to-breath air could be indicative of a leak in your HVAC system. It’s a sure sign that air isn’t being filtered through your heating and cooling system correctly. 

 

While this could be due to damaged ductwork in your building, it can also be due to damages in your HVAC system. For instance, a broken furnace can lead to carbon monoxide (a deadly gas) leaking through the indoor air vents. 

 

4. Rising Electric Bills 

Skyrocketing utility bills out of nowhere? It’s a sign that your HVAC unit is just not performing and due to age or malfunctioning parts, it has to draw more and more power to run, hiking up your monthly energy bill. 

 

Completing a full HVAC replacement will ultimately save you on operational costs in the long term. A new air conditioner and furnace will give relief to more than just your checkbook. Your employees and customers will be more comfortable. 

 

5. Non-Eco-Friendly HVAC Parts 

If your HVAC system is decades old, it’s probably not acclimated to the new eco-friendly functional designs that newer models have. Many older models use a refrigerant called R-22, which contains chlorine that can pose a threat when leaked into the air. 

 

Most units that use R-22 have been phased out and replaced with up-to-date models. If you have an older model that’s not eco-friendly, you’ll want to replace your business’s HVAC system as soon as your budget allows. 

 

6. Inconsistent Office Temperatures 

Freezing in one room, humid and hot in the one right next to it. It’s a sign that your HVAC unit isn’t performing well. The reasons for uneven office temperatures are numerous:

 

  • A damaged thermostat
  • Clogged air filters
  • Leaking duct system 
  • Damaged blower motors
  • Low refrigerant levels

 

Ignoring the signs and keeping your current commercial HVAC system will leave you with an uncomfortable place to work and higher energy bills. You might have to think differently about an HVAC replacement. It’s an investment, not an expense. 

 

Hire Comprehensive Building Maintenance Services in Cincinnati

If you’re looking for 24/7 comprehensive HVAC, plumbing, and electrical maintenance for your office building, all from a single source, consider partnering with Omnia360 in Cincinnati, Ohio: (833) 360-6642.

Types of Refrigerants Used in Commercial Air Conditioning Units

Refrigerant is a chemical compound that helps air conditioners do their job by absorbing heat from the air inside a home or business and leaving cool air behind. Knowing the different types of refrigerants used in commercial air conditioning systems can help business owners comply with refrigerant regulations and make eco-friendly choices when purchasing new HVAC equipment.

Read about some of the most common types of refrigerants used for commercial air conditioning, including details on what they’re made of and their environmental impact, in today’s blog from Omnia360 Facility Solutions.

R-12

This type of refrigerant is methane-based and is made with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These are nontoxic, nonflammable chemicals that contain carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. R-12 is known to contribute to global warming and, therefore, was banned in 1994. However, if you have older HVAC equipment, it may still use R-12 refrigerant.

R-22

This type of refrigerant is also known as Freon. It’s made with CFCs, but it contains less chlorine, so it’s less harmful to the environment. Although it’s not as dangerous as R-12, it’s not considered “eco-friendly” by any means and will be phased out by 2030 due to international environmental concerns.

R-290

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly commercial air conditioning refrigerant, R-290 is a good option. It’s propane-based and flammable (which affects its ability to be shipped), but it adheres to the EPA’s SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) program.

R-410A

This type of chlorine-free refrigerant is made with industrial chemicals called hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). It’s also known as Puron. It was developed as an alternative to Freon. In comparison, Puron is more eco-friendly and also more efficient than Freon.

R-513a

This type of refrigerant is another eco-friendly option for commercial air conditioning. It’s a hydro-fluoro olefin (HFO)-based refrigerant, organic compounds made of fluorine, hydrogen, and carbon. Also known as Option XP10, R-513a is a highly efficient refrigerant option for air conditioning and is unknown to harm the earth’s ozone layer.

Need Help Choosing Refrigerant For Your Commercial Air Conditioning Needs?

Contact Omnia 360 Facility Solutions. Our licensed HVAC technicians can offer trustworthy guidance to help you make the best choice for your business. We offer customized HVAC services and packages to meet the unique needs of your business and budget, so if you’d like a quote or you want to schedule service, call us today.

How to Save Money on Your Commercial Facility’s Cooling Bills This Summer

The costs of cooling a commercial facility can be extremely high but keeping employees and patrons comfortable is typically a high priority among business owners. If high energy costs are a concern for you, there are several ways you can save money on your building’s cooling expenses this summer. Even if your commercial building isn’t built with the most energy-efficient building materials, these tips from Omnia360 Facility Solutions can help prevent unnecessary energy spending.

Program the thermostat

If you haven’t done it already, program your facility’s thermostat to coincide with working hours and peak seasons. If you keep the thermostat at 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, consider turning it up to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature difference won’t be noticeable, but you’ll still save a significant amount on cooling expenses.

Clean vents

Dust and dirt buildup can make it difficult for your HVAC system to breathe. For your system to work correctly, it should be regularly cleaned and clear of dust and debris. To accomplish this, you can establish a monthly HVAC cleaning task list or add it to your existing cleanliness procedures.

Prioritize proper sealing and insulation

If you have a properly insulated and sealed commercial facility, you can reduce your energy output by up to 10 percent, which is a significant amount of money saved over time. If your building is already insulated, an HVAC contractor can recommend improvements to your existing insulation to provide cost benefits.

Invest in an energy-efficient HVAC system

This may not be a financially viable solution for all businesses, but investing in an energy-efficient HVAC system can reduce your cooling costs dramatically if you have the budget and your energy consumption is very high. This is especially true if your commercial facility is outfitted with older HVAC equipment. 

Schedule annual maintenance

Scheduling bi-annual maintenance inspections and tune-ups will ensure that the HVAC equipment in your commercial facility is working as efficiently as possible. It can also prevent costly repairs and replacement costs by catching issues early on.

Want a Pro to Take a Look at Your Commercial Facility’s HVAC Equipment?

Contact Omnia360 Facility Solutions for professional recommendations and maintenance services that will help reduce your cooling expenses this summer. We provide customized services and packages to save you time and money.

The Most Common Problems With Commercial HVAC Systems in Cincinnati Ohio

Maintaining a commercial HVAC system is an essential task for a business owner. Not only does it keep employees and patrons comfortable while they’re on-site, but it also ensures that energy bills don’t get out of control and health risks are eliminated due to well-maintained HVAC equipment.

Unfortunately, many things can go wrong with the equipment, primarily if it’s not maintained correctly. Here are some of the most common problems with commercial HVAC equipment and how to fix them brought to you by Omnia360.

Issues With the Drain Line

The drain line is an essential part of HVAC equipment because it diverts moisture away from the primary unit. However, sometimes it can get clogged with debris, algae, or even develop mold growth over time. This can result in leaks, water damage, and an unhealthy work environment for employees.

Improperly Sized Equipment

Often, HVAC equipment is either too large or too small for the space. If it’s too small, it won’t be able to cool or heat the building thoroughly, resulting in an uncomfortable environment for employees and patrons alike. If the HVAC equipment is too large, it won’t run efficiently, and business owners will pay the price with increased energy costs. Fortunately, inefficient heating and cooling can be resolved by investing in properly sized equipment, which an HVAC contractor can recommend.

Leaky Ductwork

Leaky ductwork is extremely common in both residential and commercial buildings. If your ventilation system has leaks or cracks, it will allow conditioned air to escape, which means the commercial HVAC equipment will have to work longer and harder to heat or cool the space. It’s also likely the main reason why a commercial building is too hot or too cold and why the energy bill is so high. Properly sealing ductwork will ensure that the space is efficiently heated or cooled, so it’s more comfortable. It will also extend the lifespan of the equipment.

Strange Noises

Weird noises like clinking or banging might occur when the HVAC equipment is first turned on. However, this isn’t normal and shouldn’t be happening. More than likely, these sounds indicate a more significant issue, such as ventilation joints that aren’t fitting together correctly or loose bolts throughout the system. An HVAC contractor can investigate these strange noises, provide adequate solutions to avoid any significant issues, and ensure the system is working safely and correctly.

Need Commercial HVAC Service? Contact Omnia360 Facility Solutions

If you’ve noticed any of these issues with your commercial HVAC equipment, Omnia360 Facility Solutions can help. We offer customized, cost-effective, and efficient packages so you can work with one single provider instead of several. Contact us today for more details! We’re happy to create a service package that is right for you and your business.

Why You Should Hire a Facility Management Company for HVAC and Plumbing Work

You have a large facility with extensive plumbing and HVAC systems, and you need the ability to make repairs and keep operations running. Most of the equipment requires minimal maintenance. Breakdowns are rare but difficult to predict.

It’s likely you don’t spend much time thinking about commercial HVAC and plumbing services. But when a breakdown occurs, quick, quality repair service is priority one.

In situations like this, you should hire a facility management company for HVAC and plumbing work, like Omnia360 Facility Solutions. Learn why in today’s blog.

Large System

Your HVAC and plumbing systems are large and often complicated. Ducts and pipes intertwine with your factory equipment, chemicals, and storage areas. It takes a lot to keep up with the complexities of huge, facility-wide systems. Yet you don’t need staff on hand to deal with regular maintenance issues. 

A facility management company like Omnia360 can keep specialists on hand for a variety of reasons. We can come to your place to perform monthly maintenance checks on pipes, drains, ducts, thermostats, and electrical wiring. Or you can simply keep us on call for when something goes wrong and you need repairs done quickly and efficiently to minimize downtime.

Old System

Perhaps your facility is in a building that’s 50 years old. Your pipes are about that age. Or perhaps you have a boiler that runs on oil rather than modern utilities. 

Omnia360’s facility management experts can provide a technician who becomes familiar with the eccentricities of an aging system. When something is amiss, we’ll send someone out to take care of the problem.

Monthly Maintenance

Commercial HVAC systems need monthly maintenance checks to optimize functional performance and prevent problems before they become emergencies. The same is true with plumbing when you have exposed pipes in your building. Hiring a company like Omnia360 lets you schedule monthly maintenance with a facility expert who knows what to look for in commercial HVAC and plumbing systems.

Contact Omnia360, A Facility Management Company

Don’t leave your HVAC and plumbing maintenance to just anyone. We’re a facility management company employing a wide range of solutions for your commercial building. Contact Omnia360 online or call toll-free 1-833-360-6642 for more details on how we can help your facility manager keep up with HVAC and plumbing maintenance.