The Difference Between Commercial & Residential HVAC Systems

 

The Difference Between Commercial & Residential HVAC Systems

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There are various types of HVAC systems, including the two major types, residential and commercial HVAC systems. Residential HVAC systems are typically used in homes and possibly small businesses. Commercial HVAC systems are used in office buildings, large retail stores, warehouses and other large buildings.

While both systems are responsible for the same functions of heating, ventilating and cooling, they have a few differences. This includes the amount of power needed, size, location, complexity, responsibility, drainage and the way they’re manufactured. Some HVAC companies specialize in both, while some specialize in one or the other, which helps to explain why the services differ as well.

There are exceptions when it comes to some of these differences,  but for the most part, this is how they vary.

Residential HVAC

Size

A commercial HVAC system is much larger than a residential HVAC system. This visible difference doesn’t need too much explaining. Bigger buildings need bigger HVAC systems because of the amount of space they need to serve. They’re also more complex in terms of dampers and thermostats.

Due to the size difference and the size of the areas they both serve, the amount of power differs as well. The commercial HVAC system needs a much higher level of power to function.

Location

Residential HVAC systems are typically placed on the side of the house or in the backyard. Commercial HVAC systems are typically placed on the roof of the building, some located in swamp coolers. The roof is the most ideal location for multiple reasons:

  • The building can use the indoor space in a more beneficial way than the HVAC system would. If the HVAC system can function properly on the roof, the interior might as well be used for something more useful and attractive.
  • A large HVAC system would cause a great deal of noise pollution in the building, possibly disrupting guests and others who occupy it.
  • It allows for easy maintenance. The technicians will not have to interfere with whatever the building is used for.
  • With the amount of traffic in commercial buildings, having the system on the roof prevents damages and vandalism

HVAC Exhaust

Complexity

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Just like the size of a commercial system is the reason it’s found on the roof, the complexity contributes as well. Commercial HVAC systems are more complex than residential HVAC systems. Commercial HVAC systems have to take types of rooms into consideration and be more adaptable. Depending on the room and what it’s used for, the temperature may have to vary. It could also depend on the amount of people occupying the building, if there are scheduled events and functions that call for different temperatures and the type of building or business. home depot HVAC Toronto

What’s being made in the building? What’s being sold in the buildin g? What’s the building used for? Are there items that need to be in a certain temperature? These are the types of questions one must take into consideration with commercial HVAC systems and that’s why they’re overall more complex. Another difference that impacts the complexity is that residential HVAC systems have windows, therefore needing less to alleviate exhaust.

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