8 Differences Between Residential and Commercial HVAC
Both residential and commercial HVAC equipment generate cool air and heat and provide ventilation. But, it’s fair to say that that’s where the similarities end between the two very different types of temperature control systems. Let’s look at commercial vs residential HVAC, to help clarify what you can expect when buying, installing, and maintaining HVAC equipment for your business or home.
Residential Vs. Commercial HVAC
It's fair to say that there are thousands of differences between commercial and residential HVAC systems, ranging from the smallest component parts to the differences in technical training required for installation and maintenance. In the broadest terms, these are the basic differences between the two general classes of HVAC equipment:
Residential HVAC: Residential HVAC systems are normally smaller and simpler in design than commercial units, and they’re typically ground-mounted. These operate by a furnace or heat pump, air conditioner, and air filtering equipment using vent ducts for air circulation.
Commercial HVAC: Commercial HVAC systems are usually larger and more complex in design than residential units, and they’re typically roof-mounted. These systems heat using either a furnace with vent ducts or a boiler with pipes in a radiant heat system. They cool by producing cold air with cooling towers, water chilling equipment, and distribution through pipes with air-cooling coils.
8 Differences Between Commercial and Residential HVAC
Residential and commercial HVAC systems are different in design, cooling and/or heating processes, installation, maintenance, and costs. They’re also different in size, power, life expectancy, insurance requirements, and other aspects. Here are just some of the fundamental differences between the two classes of HVAC systems:
1. System Size
Commercial HVAC systems are usually built larger than residential options to heat and cool larger cubic spaces. Further, the total occupants and activities in retail stores, office buildings, etc., may impact ambient conditions more than in average residential spaces. For example, continuous traffic through exterior doors, large-scale use of lighting and electronics, open freezer cases, and many other factors can increase the required commercial HVAC capacity.
2. System Structure and Complexity
Residential HVAC systems have fewer components and less complex operations than commercial equipment. Residential HVAC typically consists of a stand-alone unit. In contrast, commercial systems usually require a combination of components and a much larger area for equipment installation, depending on a particular business’s needs.
3. Type of Equipment
Commercial HVAC is a system of connected components designed to serve either an entire building, a single floor, or a segment of the building, using either radiant heaters or furnaces. The AC uses chillers to produce cold air that is then carried through the building in pipes. The equipment used depends on occupant specifications and is often customized for specific heating and cooling needs.
4. Drainage
Drainage pipes are used to release the moisture generated by both residential and commercial HVAC systems. Residential systems usually have one small copper or PVC drainage pipe directed to the home’s yard. Commercial HVAC systems create more moisture and use multiple drain pipes and trays to prevent overflowing.
5. Unit Placement
Residential HVAC units are usually installed in the backyard or a side area near the home. Due to their large size and loud noise, commercial HVAC units are usually installed on the roof of a facility. Commercial properties also often do not have exterior ground space for installing equipment. Roof mounting also keeps the HVAC equipment and people safely apart.
6. Installation
Commercial HVAC installation is more physically difficult than installing a residential system. The commercial equipment is heavier and is usually installed on the roof. Residential units are lighter and usually installed on the ground. For these reasons, and the more complex installation planning for often complicated vent system configuration, etc., commercial installation usually costs more.
7. Energy Consumption
Commercial HVAC systems typically use more electricity than residential systems to heat and cool the larger spaces in commercial buildings. Of course, in either commercial or residential HVAC, inadequate HVAC equipment causes higher utility costs because the equipment must be kept running much more to compensate for insufficient output.
8. Maintenance
Large commercial HVAC systems require more frequent routine professional inspections. These complex HVAC systems cost much more for replacement or major repairs. So, they must be consistently well maintained to avoid the risk of expensive mechanical issues, increased safety risks, and revenue losses due to HVAC downtime.
Choosing the Right HVAC System for Your Building
A small house in a mild climate has different HVAC requirements than a mansion with an indoor pool, gym, theater, 16’ ceilings, and large sun-exposed glass walls in an extreme climate. Likewise, a small boutique in a mild climate doesn’t have the same HVAC needs as a super-Walmart in an extreme climate. So, the appropriate kind of HVAC system is naturally based more on building size, materials, occupants, activities, and climate than on property type.
Find Quality Commercial HVAC Parts Today
HVAC Jack stocks the full range of parts for commercial heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Our friendly commercial HVAC parts specialists are available to answer all your questions and help you find the right solutions for your project needs.
For more information on HVAC systems, or to order quality commercial HVAC parts for your business, call HVAC Jack at (630) 448-2218, email sales@hvacjack.com, or browse our website.