How to Choose Air Conditioning Equipment for Your Business

Buying air conditioning equipment for your business can be a challenge. There are so many different types and options to choose from, but you don’t want to end up with something that isn’t powerful enough for your space.

For example, a residential AC unit might have a cooling capacity of up to 20,000 BTU. An industrial unit, however, can pump out over 30,000 BTU.

If you’re looking to spend on installing central air, it could cost you up to £7,000, not including ductwork repair. For a portable AC unit, you could spend as little as £400, but it won’t cool quite as efficiently.

Here are some things to consider when buying air conditioning equipment in the Devon area.

Qualities to Look for

First of all, you need to know what kind of qualities are best suited to your work environment.

While a smaller AC unit is more affordable and takes up less space, it’s also not going to be efficient enough for larger spaces. For cooling an entire office space, you’ll probably need one that utilizes ducts to equally distribute air.

You also want something that isn’t going to make a lot of noise. The larger the unit, the more noise it’s going to produce.

To counteract excess noise, get an air conditioner installed outside of the building. Another benefit of a unit placed outdoors is that it’s hidden away from your employees and your guests.

Look for an AC unit that’s easy to operate. Some come with remote controls to operate from afar, while others can be controlled by a thermostat.

Whatever model you end up getting should be easy to maintain, such as swapping out filters. Regular servicing can help keep your unit operational for its entire lifespan.

Duct vs Ductless

Another thing to consider is whether or not you can install ducts in your business space.

A ductless AC unit works without the use of ducts. Typically, they come in two different forms.

Wall-mounted or window-mounted air conditioners cool the room they’re installed in. There are also mobile AC units that can be placed anywhere, and often come with a venting kit that you can feed outside a window.

While they don’t have enough power or reach to cool an entire office space, it’s a cost-effective way to provide AC for smaller rooms.

Air conditioning with ducts is typically referred to as central air. That’s because ducts can provide air throughout an entire floor.

Although ducted systems would be more effective in cooling a business, they do require ducts to work.

Installing new commercial ductwork can cost your business between £25 to £42 per linear foot. And that’s assuming you’re allowed to install ductwork and have space for it.

Ideally, your building would have already laid ductwork that you would only have to repair before using.

Air Conditioning Equipment Types

Aside from ducted or ductless, air conditioning equipment can be split into further groups, such as monoblock, split air, and multi-split air.

They all provide different cooling capacities and often indicate how they function:

Monoblock

Monoblock refers to an AC unit where the two sets of coils that create the cool air are located in the same body shell. Typically, these are designed to be used inside of a building, rather than outside.

The most common types of a monoblock air conditioner are portable or mounted ones.

Portable units have everything built inside the body. As a result, however, they tend to be loud and have a limited output.

They also take up floor space. A solution to this is a mounted unit.

Mounted units are also considered monoblock in functionality. Some people find it cheaper to use window air conditioners than to install and maintain split systems.

Split Air

Split air conditioners consist of outer and inner components connected to each other. Registrant flows through two copper pipes between the two.

The noisiest and largest component, containing the compressor, is placed outside. The internal component placed inside is much lighter and quiet.

Modern units come with remote control and are usually equipped with heating capabilities.

Split air conditioners come in a wide variety, from mobile units to duct-mounted ones.

Split air units usually only service a single room. The duct-mounted air conditioners are the one exception.

Multi-Split Air

Multi-split air conditioners work similarly to split systems, except there’s more than one indoor component attached to an outside component.

The main benefit of this type of system is that your external condenser unit can hook up to different types of indoor units. You can use a wall-mounted unit in one room and a ceiling-mounted one in another.

For commercial air conditioning without a duct system, this can help provide cool air to every room in your business.

However, if something goes wrong with the outside unit, your indoor AC will shut down as well.

Maintenance

When looking for air conditioning equipment in Devon, try finding something that you can maintain easily. Commercial air conditioning repair can be costly in the long term, especially if you use a ducted system.

There are some signs to be aware of regarding your AC unit’s health.

If the unit is running too cold or too hot, you may need to get it replaced. You may also notice it excessively draining your electricity, resulting in high bills.

It’s possible that your AC is old and needs to be replaced. Any whistling or squealing noises should result in calling in an expert.

Chilling at Work

Comfort is an essential part of creating a positive work environment for your employees. It also helps to beat the heat in the middle of warm summers.

Invest in an air conditioner unit that keeps everyone cool without breaking the bank.

Check out the air conditioning equipment on our website and contact us if you have any questions.