In this guide we discuss the various types of air conditioning (AC) systems available to commercial properties, explaining how they work, the benefits they provide, and the type of buildings they’re suited to.
What are the Different Types of Air Conditioning Systems?
While there are a whole host of variations and slightly different versions out there, AC systems generally fall under three main categories – Single Split Systems, Multi Split Systems and VRF/VRV Systems.
Single Split Systems
Single split installations are one of the most common types of AC systems. They aren’t as expensive as other types of systems and are usually the most appropriate solution for small commercial buildings such as cafés, restaurants, and small offices as they allow for heating and cooling in individual rooms.
This type of system consists of an outdoor unit for every indoor unit. The outdoor unit, which contains the compressor, condenser coil, and the expansion coil (or capillary tubing), is installed either directly on or near the exterior wall of the room you want to cool. The indoor unit comprises of a cooling coil, a long blower, and an air filter.
Rather than requiring ductwork, single split system units are connected via electrical wires and tubing, making the installation process much simpler and easier. However, as each indoor unit requires its own outdoor unit, you need to ensure you have enough external space to house as many outdoor units as you have inside.
Benefits of Single Split Systems
- Cheaper than installing a central system.
- Each system is self-contained, meaning that when one unit breaks down the others won’t be affected and will still operate.
- The parts of air conditioner that make the noise are stored in the outside unit, which means a quieter performing indoor unit.
Multi Split Systems
Multi split systems work in an almost identical way to single split systems. The only difference, however, is that the indoor units don’t need their own outdoor unit – instead, numerous indoor units be connected to single, larger outdoor unit.
Inverter technology is utilised in this type of system, enabling the compressor to operate at variable speeds. It also contains sensors that help detect small changes in temperature and make small adjustments when necessary, helping to cut down on energy that is consumed.
Multi split air conditioning systems are particularly suited to large office spaces, retail shops and other buildings with many walls and/or multiple floors.
It’s worth noting, though, that these systems tend to require more pipework than single units, therefore increasing not only the cost of installation, but also the length of time it takes to install too.
Benefits of Multi Split Systems
- Heat pumps in the system work with heat’s natural inclination to move from warm areas to cool ones, saving both money and energy.
- As fewer outdoor units are required, you don’t need as much outdoor space as you would with a single split system.
- Less outdoor units enable you to preserve the exterior appearance of your building.
- With multi split systems you aren’t restricted to just one type of indoor unit – you have the option to have any combination of wall and ceiling mounted AC units, as well as an air curtain if you wanted.
VRV/VRF Systems
Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems both refer to the same type of AC system and are often the most efficient choice for medium to large-sized properties, like a mixed-use building or hotel.
VRF systems are air-cooled and refrigerant-based, using outdoor condenser units and indoor fan coil units in the same way as more traditional air conditioning systems. However, instead of one large unit pumping air to the whole space, a VRF system incorporates several smaller air handlers which can be controlled individually and piped back to one system. The term variable refrigerant flow comes from the fact that the system provides the ability to control the amount of refrigerant which flows to each of these small air handlers.
Check out our recent blog to find out everything you need to know about VRF Air Conditioning >
There are two types of VRF systems – heat pump and heat recovery. Heat pump systems can provide both heating and cooling, just not at the same time. This means that all zones will either be cooled or heated, which is favourable for open plan areas. Heat recovery systems, on the other hand, allow both heating and cooling to occur simultaneously, which is ideal for buildings with a number of individual rooms. They operate by gathering waste heat from other areas of the building and using it to heat other rooms.
These systems usually involve higher purchase and installation costs and you may also need to consider investing in a backup condenser in case the outside unit fails.
Benefits of VRF Systems –
- They’re flexible in design – a number of outdoor units can be linked together to increase the capacity of the overall system and the indoor units come in many types/sizes which makes them suitable for most applications.
- Simultaneous zonal cooling and heating control.
- Sophisticated controls enable the user to have complete control over their local environment with no adverse impact on the other areas served by the same system.
Commercial Air Conditioning Bristol
Here at MFM, we are one of the leading HVAC contractors in the South West. We specialise in designing, installing and maintaining commercial air conditioning systems of all sizes and are proudly accredited Daikin D1+ installers and Mitsubishi Diamond Quality Partners enabling us to provide extended warranties up to 7 years on installations.
For professional advice on what type of commercial AC system is best for your property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the MFM team today.
See more: How Air Conditioning Works – A Guide for Building Managers