The Difference Between Commercial and Residential HVAC

The Difference Between Commercial and Residential HVAC

02/20/2020


Both residential and commercial HVAC units serve the purpose of cooling, ventilating, and heating your space. However, they vary drastically in terms of parts and mechanisms as your home needs and comfort are different from those at any non-residential building. Let’s dive into some of the differences you are likely to come across between non-residential and residential furnace and cooling systems.

HVAC Size

Typically, commercial HVAC systems are considerably larger compared to the models used at home. Buildings usually are huge, which requires a big heating and conditioning unit to attain your needs and comfort. Also, non-residential systems are more complex, demanding more power to run compared to their residential counterparts.

System Placement

As discussed above, non-residential buildings have HVAC units that are large, demanding more storage space. Most home heating and air conditioning units are installed in the crawlspace, basement, and sometimes in the house. An HVAC professional will recommend installing your commercial HVAC on the roof to avoid noise pollution within the working environment and to save on space.

Split System or Packaged System

The complexity in non-residential HVAC units is combined as a single packaged system. Commercial units come with multiple thermostats and elements to manage air conditioning and temperature conditions in various parts of a building. The complexity is apparent as it comes with more cables, switches, and buttons. On the other hand, residential HVAC units basically come in a split system that is available in two parts: the furnace located indoors and the air conditioner situated outside. On the downside, your home air conditioning and heating system are limited to modification and expansion.

Maintenance, Repair and Installation Costs

Generally, the expenses incurred in maintaining, repairing, or installing a non-residential HVAC unit will be higher compared to the one you use at home. Factors such as the size, complexity, and mechanism of the systems play a significant role in determining the costs associated with the services. You may also want to pay attention to the HVAC professionals you’ve hired for the services. For the non-residential unit, you’ll need highly experienced and qualified technicians for quality services.

Mechanism Used

Manufacturers design home and non-residential systems differently. The mechanism used in a non-residential unit is modular, while the residential counterparts utilize standalone systems. The mechanism of packaging every element as one in the non-residential systems, allows for easy modification and maintenance.

At the bottom line, both units are designed to achieve the same goal in different circumstances. Now that you are in the know about the differences, contact Command Service Center to get connected to an HVAC professional for all your heating, and air conditioning needs regardless of whether it is for commercial or home use.


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