Especially if you are a small business that is still getting on your feet, one of your primary goals should be to attract as many qualified customers to your premises as possible. Beyond that though you want them and your employees to want to stick around as long as possible and the latter to be happy to maintain their peak performance. If people walk into your business and are freezing or sweating, trying to stick it out a little bit longer until they buy whatever they want to buy and then just skip out – you won’t exactly be reaching your peak sales and efficiency.
On top of that, maybe you believe you’re doing as much as you can to keep a comfortable business environment, but you’ve got a bad design and it’s overworking to produce the same amount of energy. Different businesses also have completely different facilities with greatly varying challenges. When it comes to small offices, this is especially relevant, since you like to manage meeting rooms, areas for different departments, break areas, and usually – equipment.
With that in mind, there are a lot of factors to balance in determining which HVAC system you want to account for your own particular needs. Today though, we are going to walk you through the main factors to consider, talk about the popular systems being installed today, and help you make your own decision.
The Checklist
HVAC models in New York City first and foremost should contend with a few simple considerations.
Layout
If you have a really open type of facility where the air is going to naturally blow exactly where it needs to, the single-source system is going to serve you wonderfully whereas if you’re highly compartmentalized, a ductless one will be the wise choice.Ceiling height also plays a role—taller spaces need more cooling and heating power to maintain comfort.
Occupancy
How crowded your office is day in and day hour, as well as how long they stick around inside, affects how much heat is generated. Computers, sprinters, lighting, and other electronics all produce heat, which can mean you may have to churn out a lot more cool air. If all you have is three employees working on logistics, your needs will seriously differ from a busy design studio with ten workstations running all day.
Building Type and Insulation
Older buildings tend to rely a lot more on cellulose and fiberglass which usually means they will have to churn out a lot more heat than newer buildings that use closed-cell spray foam and other more innovative insulation. Single pane windows and air leaks are also more typical in such older edifices. If the insulation is bad, there is nothing to keep the cool or the heat inside, so it won’t matter how much energy is used, it won’t get trapped well. That will also mean an uneven temperature. So assess how good the insulation is too.
If you have a modern office, it will likely have better capacity, making a smaller system a possibility for you too.
Existing infrastructure
Do you already have ducts in your office? That’s going to be a big determinant in what system you use, since offices are often bigger and more complex than homes, and vents are expensive and take a long time to install. Since we’re assuming that you’rer a fledgling business owner or someone who just may have a small side operation that needs a workspace, the mini-split is going going to be what the doctor ordered. They’re frequently more conducive to NYC repairs as well, which happen to take place in tight spaces normally.
Types of HVAC Systems for a Small Office
Here are some great systems that work well in small office facilities.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
As just mentioned above, these do well since they operate using an outdoor condenser connected to one or more indoor air-handling units via small refrigerant lines. They don’t require ductwork, which makes them ideal for older buildings or offices with limited installation space. These also are very unnoticeable unlike the older HVAC systems, which have vents displayed everywhere. Mini-splits only require a little hole in the wall and that’s it. These newer systems do come at a higher cost though.
Packaged Rooftop Units
These combine all heating and cooling components into one outdoor unit, usually placed on the roof. Conditioned air is then delvered via ducts into the office space. It saves indoor floor space as well as keeping noise and equipment out of sight. Technicians love them for how easy to maintain they are. However, it requires roof space and structural support; efficiency can be lower for very small offices; rooftop access is needed for servicing.
Split Systems
These ones are a combo – featuring an outdoor unit for cooling and an indoor air handler or furnace for heating, connected by ducts. This is a common setup for buildings that already have ductwork. They’re proven and widely available and can provide consistent comfort throughout the office. They’re also good for spaces already fitted with ducts.
Variable Refrigerant Flow
VRFs use advanced technology to modulate refrigerant flow for precise temperature control in multiple zones. They are known for:
- exceptional energy efficiency
- excellent comfort control
- scalability
That said, they feature higher installation costs and offer more capacity than a small office would need in addition to highly specialized technicians.
Portable Units
These self-contained units are best suited for very small offices, temporary setups, or supplemental cooling/heating. They are noisy and have limted capacity but they are quite inexpensive, easy to install, and entail no major modifications to the building.
Parameters
Mini-splits will cost more up front to buy and less to operate – if you don’t have a lot of them. But it might not be a choice anyway if that’s what your business demands. Think ahead to make sure you don’t make a cruddy, hasty decision you’ll have to live with for a long time.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
These make it really easy to determine how much energy you’ll be required to consume if you go ahead and purchase a particular system. Energy Start Certification Signals that the unit meets strict energy efficiency guidelines. An efficient system may cost more upfront but can quickly pay for itself through reduced utility bills.
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
- Energy Efficiency Ratio
- Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
Noise Levels
In a small office, noise is a productivity killer. Even a steady hum can be distracting during meetings or phone calls. Check the system’s decibel rating, especially for indoor units, and prioritize models designed for quiet operation.
Design
Clunky and unsightly objects on the walls don’t look as good and it’ll bother some more than others. Mini splits only require a little hole in the wall and don’t surround the place with vents.
