Different Types Of Commercial Air Conditioners: Which Is Best For Your Needs?

When it comes to keeping your commercial space comfortable year-round, understanding the different types of air conditioning systems available is crucial. Whether you’re managing a small retail shop or overseeing a large industrial facility, choosing the right commercial air conditioning solution can significantly impact your comfort, energy efficiency, and bottom line.

What Sets Commercial Air Conditioning Apart?

Commercial air conditioner types are a different breed compared to their residential counterparts. These systems are designed to cool larger spaces, handle heavier loads, and provide more precise temperature control across multiple zones. Unlike domestic units, commercial systems of air conditioning need to account for various factors such as building size, occupancy patterns, heat-generating equipment, and specific business requirements.

Understanding The Different Types of Air Conditioning Systems

Let’s dive into the main types of air conditioning solutions available for commercial properties in Australia, helping you make an informed decision for your business needs.

Single Split Systems

Single split systems are the simplest form of commercial air conditioning, consisting of one outdoor unit connected to one indoor unit. They’re perfect for smaller commercial spaces such as:

• Small retail shops
• Cafes and restaurants
• Individual offices
• Medical clinics

These systems are cost-effective and easy to install, making them an excellent choice for businesses just starting out or those with smaller spaces to cool. You can also choose to install single units in a couple or a few rooms of a commercial premise, if you want only to cool select areas. Single split systems offer the flexibility to control temperatures in individual rooms or areas independently.

Ducted Multi-Systems

Ducted multi-systems represent a step up in terms of cooling capacity and coverage. These systems can cool multiple rooms or zones through a network of ducts, making them ideal for:

• Medium-sized offices
• Retail spaces
• Healthcare facilities
• Educational institutions

What sets ducted systems apart is their ability to provide consistent cooling throughout an entire floor or building while remaining largely invisible to occupants. The only visible elements are the discrete vents in the ceiling or walls, maintaining your space’s professional appearance.

Rooftop Package Units

Rooftop systems are all-in-one units that combine both the condensing unit and air handler in a single package. These systems are particularly well-suited for:

• Large retail stores
• Supermarkets
• Warehouses
• Manufacturing facilities

The main advantage of rooftop units is their space-saving design. By placing the entire system on the roof, you free up valuable floor and wall space. They’re also easier to maintain since all components are accessible in one location.

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems

Variable refrigerant flow or “VRF” systems represent the cutting edge of commercial air conditioning technology these days. These sophisticated systems can simultaneously heat and cool different zones within a building, making them perfect for:

• Hotels and resorts
• Large office buildings
• Multi-storey retail complexes
• Modern healthcare facilities

What makes VRF systems unique is their ability to vary the refrigerant flow to each indoor unit, providing precise temperature control and exceptional energy efficiency. While they require a bigger initial investment, the long-term energy savings often justify the cost for corporations and government departments.

Choosing the Right System for Your Business

When selecting from the above types of air conditioning, Australian businesses should consider several key factors, which include:

Building Size and Layout

The physical dimensions and configuration of your space play a crucial role in determining the most suitable air conditioning system. A sprawling single-storey retail space might benefit most from a rooftop system, while a multi-storey office building could be better served by a VRF system that can efficiently manage different zones across multiple levels.

Number of Temperature Control Zones

Consider how many distinct areas in your building require independent temperature control. Modern workplaces often need different temperatures for various areas. For instance, server rooms require constant cooling, while customer-facing areas might need adjustable temperatures throughout the day. VRF and ducted multi systems excel in buildings requiring multiple temperature zones, while single split systems work well for spaces needing just one or two zones.

Energy Efficiency Requirements

In today’s climate-conscious world, energy efficiency isn’t just about reducing bills; it’s also about sustainability and corporate responsibility. Modern VRF systems offer exceptional energy efficiency through their ability to vary cooling capacity based on demand. However, even simpler systems like split units now come with impressive energy ratings, making them viable options for budget-conscious businesses still wanting to minimise their environmental impact.

Budget Constraints

While your initial purchase price is important, it’s essential to consider the total cost of ownership, too. This includes installation costs, ongoing maintenance requirements, expected lifespan, and energy consumption. A more expensive system might actually prove more economical in the long run through reduced operating costs and improved reliability.

Future Expansion Plans

Your air conditioning system should be able to accommodate your firm’s future needs. If you’re planning to expand your premises or increase your workforce, choosing a system with the capability to scale up could save you from costly replacements down the track. Modular systems like VRF or multi-split configurations offer excellent flexibility for future expansion.

Local Climate Conditions

The Gympie, Wide Bay, and South Burnett regions experience distinct seasonal changes, and your air conditioning system needs to handle everything from scorching summer days to cooler winter months. Some systems perform better in certain climate conditions, so it’s crucial to choose one that’s well-suited to our local weather patterns. Get in touch with our team, and we will provide recommendations based on how air conditioning works in different systems and what will be best for your building structure and work setup.  

Ready to Upgrade Your Commercial Air Conditioning?

If you’re in Gympie, the Wide Bay region, or South Burnett area and looking to install, upgrade, or maintain your commercial air conditioning system, TSR is here to help. As a local, family-owned business with more than 30 years of experience, we take pride in delivering exceptional support 24 hours a day. Call us to book a service for your current AC systems or have us complete some repairs on it. You can also get a quote for a whole new air conditioning setup for your premises.

Our expert team can help you navigate the various types of air conditioning systems available and find the perfect solution for your commercial space. We stay up to date on the latest technologies so you don’t have to! With TSR, you’re not just getting an air conditioning system but a partner committed to your comfort and success. Call us now on 07 5482 8100 and experience why we’ve been the region’s trusted choice for commercial air conditioning for so many years.