The Most Important Commercial HVAC System Components
Whether you're an HVAC technician working with multiple businesses or you handle HVAC and other maintenance for a single company, it's vital to have the right components to ensure the systems in your care work as they should. Commercial HVAC systems have more complicated components and subcomponents than residential options, meaning breakdowns in one area can cause damage to other areas and require additional repairs.
This makes commercial and residential systems very different from one another and means commercial HVAC systems require more than what's needed for a household unit. Having access to the right parts quickly can mean getting a commercial HVAC system up and running as efficiently as possible. That helps a business's employees and customers stay comfortable and reduces downtime. Here's what to know about key HVAC system components.
Cooling Equipment: Air Conditioner & Chiller
The air conditioner in a commercial HVAC system is one of the parts that are most similar to a residential system. It removes heat and dehumidifies air, but it's not the only component that matters. Many people think that the air conditioner and chiller cool the building, but in reality, they work together with numerous other components for comfortable air. With everything you need for commercial HVAC systems, you can ensure the air conditioner and chiller work correctly and don't put other components at risk.
Heating Equipment: Furnace & Boiler
Commercial furnaces and boilers need to be tested on a regular schedule, as do other parts of the HVAC system. This includes the fire dampers, and quality fire damper accessories can make testing easier. It's important not to put off testing the furnace and boiler, as they're needed to keep the building warm in the winter months. These components use the same ductwork as the air conditioner to move air throughout the building.
Thermal Expansion Valve
Just like grilles and diffusers, thermal expansion valves are vital HVAC system components. This valve removes pressure and allows liquid refrigerant to expand, turning that refrigerant into a vapor. This ensures precise flow as refrigerant makes its way into the evaporator coil. Precision matters for a thermal expansion valve and helps increase the system's efficiency.
Air Handler & Ventilation System
The air handler in a commercial HVAC system includes the blower and evaporator coil. This is the component that circulates air through the system, and the coil holds cooled refrigerant that the air crosses as it makes its way to the ductwork. The coil is the subcomponent most likely to need repair, but multiple other parts of the air handler can require maintenance or replacement.
An exhaust fan is an essential part of the ventilation system, which also includes the ductwork. No matter how well an HVAC system works, it won't be efficient and provide comfortable air to a commercial building if the ventilation system is ineffective. The heated or cooled air discharged by the system needs to make its way to the right places via the ducts, and any air that needs to be exhausted should be removed through the use of fans.
Compressor: The Heart of Cooling Systems
Compressors and motors need to work properly in order to keep businesses cool and comfortable, and most HVAC professionals consider the compressor to be the "heart" of the system. The compressor starts the cooling cycle by compressing the refrigerant and raising its temperature. While that may seem counterintuitive to cooling the building, the compressed refrigerant is then in a state where it can make its way to the condenser, where the main process of actual cooling takes place.
Of all the HVAC system components, this is the one that most people are familiar with. It's also one of the most common areas for a breakdown. If you need to repair a commercial HVAC system that isn't providing cooling, checking the compressor is one of the first considerations. Because these components work hard every time the unit is used for cooling, they can wear out and need replacement far sooner than non-moving parts such as ductwork.
Thermostat & Controls
Helping to create energy efficiency can boost value for businesses. One of the ways to do that is to improve efficiency through retrofitting, and that process includes thermostats and controls. When you choose energy-efficient thermostats and other HVAC controls, you can help companies reduce their energy consumption and lower their power bills.
Over time, the right commercial HVAC controls provide businesses with opportunities to adjust more than just the temperature in the building. This allows them to make choices that are better aligned with their goals and initiatives, as well as encouraging them to focus on cost-cutting measures that don't reduce value to employees and customers.
Gas Detectors & Safety Features
Safety is vital with commercial HVAC systems, and gas monitors can help you determine whether there are leaks in the system that could put lives at risk. Carbon monoxide is the most common harmful gas that may be emitted by an HVAC system, but there are others, such as nitrogen dioxide. Some low-voltage monitors can alert a business to a potential problem.
Additionally, consider recommending a strobe option that provides both audible and visual notifications. They are less likely to be missed, and that can help employees and customers evacuate the building as quickly as possible. There are several different types of sensors to detect harmful gasses and protect businesses. The right detector depends on the specifics of the business and the details of the HVAC system.
Find High-Quality Commercial HVAC Parts Today
The best commercial HVAC parts contribute to comfortable businesses and happy customers while also adding a layer of protection and reducing the risk of breakdowns. When you need high-quality parts for commercial systems, HVAC Jack has you covered. Check out our website for other HVAC equipment; many are in stock today for quick delivery! We'll help you get what you need so you can get the job done.