As temperatures continue to rise in the UK during summer and drop during the winter, many businesses look to install heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure their workplaces are a comfortable temperature year-round. With several types of HVAC systems, knowing which one to choose isn’t easy.
Calmec has worked within the industry for over 35 years and has recommended and provided a range of businesses and sectors with efficient heating and cooling systems.
In this blog, we explain the different types of HVAC systems available and suggest when each one might be used.
Split Systems
One of the most common types of heating and cooling systems in the UK is the Split System.
These systems have two separate units, one indoors and the other outdoors. The indoor unit includes the evaporator coil and air handler, while the outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser.
The indoor unit will use gas to heat the space, and the outdoor unit cools the air and pushes it back inside.
Systems like these use a thermostat to control the indoor temperature and trigger the system to switch on and off.
These can work without ductwork, making them suitable for buildings where installing additional ductwork might be difficult.
Additionally, they can work well where there are needs for different temperatures within one building.
Hybrid Split Systems
This type of HVAC system has a similar structure to the split systems, as they have two units.
The difference is that the indoor unit that heats the space doesn’t solely rely on gas to warm the air. While it can use gas, it can also switch to electric power.
Electric power can be slower to heat a space, however, it can give the building owner more control over energy consumption, helping them to reduce energy bills.
Packaged Systems
There are several types of package systems to choose from.
- Packaged Air Conditioners – all components are contained in one unit which is typically installed on the roof or a concrete slab beside the building and will use ventilation to get the cool air into the room.
- Packaged Heat Pumps – also have one unit that changes the temperature of the air, but these units include heat pumps so they can heat and cool the air.
- Packaged Gas-Electric Systems – provide cooling and heating but combine an air conditioner with a gas furnace rather than electric or renewable sources.
Because these systems are compact to one unit, they are smaller and take up less space than a split system will. This makes them suitable for smaller buildings where space is of value.
Heat Pump Systems
As energy prices rise and the search for environmentally friendly solutions becomes a priority for businesses, heat source pumps are becoming increasingly popular.
These HVAC systems come in two forms:
- Ground Heat Source Pumps – pipes in the ground absorb the temperature of the ground and use this to heat and cool a space.
- Air Source Heat Pumps – transfer heat between the building and the outside air.
These solutions are incredibly efficient and will help your business reduce energy bills significantly but they necessitate ductwork within the building for air to move throughout.
They can also enhance your sustainability status as they utilise renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels.
Zoned Systems
Sometimes, you won’t want every area in your commercial building to be the same temperature. Perhaps you have a busy kitchen that gets hot quickly and a spacious dining room where people feel a draft. In this case, a zoned system would best suit your needs.
This type of HVAC system uses dampers in the ductwork to control airflow into each room. These dampers can partially close, restricting air into one area and forcing it into another, which will quickly adjust the temperatures of each space.
Zoned systems are ideal for larger spaces where various temperatures are required from one system. They are better than having several systems because there will only be one unit. However, they rely on ductwork to transport the warm or cool air through the building to each
Get Advice On The Types Of HVAC Systems
If you are looking to install an HVAC system in your commercial building, don’t guess which one would be best for you.
Our accredited team are experts in every HVAC system and can help you work out which one might be best for your situation.
At Calmec, we work with our clients to deliver bespoke air conditioning, heating and ventilation solutions. Each system is designed on our CAD design system so you can understand how it would work and where it would fit within your building.
We ensure our systems are efficient and work at their optimal levels, reducing your energy bills where possible and keeping you, your staff and guests comfortable.
Not only will we design and install your system, but we can also provide ongoing support with our maintenance service. Our engineers will visit your site at least once a year to test, inspect and clean your system thoroughly, preventing major breakdowns and ensuring the longevity and performance of the system.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your heating and cooling needs and work out which type of HVAC system would suit your business. Call us on 01202 070 280 or complete our online contact form to request a callback.
