Commercial HVAC Service
The Anatomy of a Commercial HVAC Service Company
The term HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning and as a whole refers to the technology of indoor environmental comfort. Servicing both residential and commercial buildings, HVAC systems can range from very basic to highly sophisticated and complex.
At its most basic, a modern HVAC system consists typically of a heating unit, air conditioning unit, ventilation system and a duct or pipe system to circulate air throughout the building. With new technologies constantly being developed, the most current HVAC systems now incorporate exciting new advances that increase efficiency, lower energy costs, and contribute to more sustainable practices of less energy consumption.
Possibilities for the future in the HVAC industry are evolving into reality as engineers and technicians continue to innovate and to utilize new digital technologies, alternate energy sources and greener refrigerants. But the goal is always the same: to provide the most comfortable, clean, and well-ventilated indoor environment possible.
Servicing People First
A commercial HVAC service company not only services the HVAC system in a commercial building, but more importantly serves the human needs of those using the building. In that way, we are part of a service industry that takes the requirements of human comfort, health and environmental control constantly into account.
A commercial HVAC company needs to listen to its clients to understand what those needs are. Professional advice and recommendations are also integral to maintaining a dialogue between building managers, owners, developers, and the HVAC installers and its service force. Without clear lines of communication, the integrity of a building’s internal workings suffer as the HVAC system may not be properly suited, serviced or maintained for the needs of the building.
Connecting the HVAC System Together
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning units are connected by pipes or ducts throughout the building. Ducts often have circular diffusers to release hot and cool air and pipes may be vented in the walls and into rooms. Each component of the entire HVAC system needs to work together to achieve a seamless operation of quality climate control.
A professional commercial HVAC service company understands the intricacies of each component – heating, ventilation and air conditioning – and how each component operates as a whole. The entire HVAC system depends on the integrity of each of the sub-systems working efficiently and at an optimal performance level.
The Heating Component
Depending on the source used, the heating portion of the HVAC system often involves combustion of fuel within a furnace, boiler or other type of containment unit. Heat is distributed throughout the building by pipe or ducts, with forced air being the most common here in B.C. In Europe, on the other hand, many areas use a hot water design to move the heat throughout the building. Heat pumps are also being used more frequently both here and abroad, with both air source and ground source heat pumps used, depending on the location.
The Ventilation Portion of the HVAC System
When you think of air quality, proper ventilation might come to mind. This is because without adequate ventilation and well managed airflow, mould, mildew, odours and toxic air can be allowed to grow, accumulate or spread. Proper ventilation is vital for the health of a building.
Connecting to the ductwork of a building, the air handling unit (AHU) controls the mechanical ventilation of a building (in addition to simpler natural ventilation such as windows and open vents). The AHU device conditions and circulates the air that is distributed via the building’s ductwork. It typically consists of a blower, heating or cooling elements, filter racks or chambers, sound attenuators, and dampers.
By improving the air quality of a building, the ventilation component of the HVAC system serves an integral purpose in maintaining optimal indoor air quality.
The Air Conditioning Component
Typically, the air conditioning portion of the HVAC system runs via a mechanical refrigeration cycle. Utilizing a chemical refrigerant, a compressor puts the gas under high pressure and then releases the gas to a condensing coil, liquefying the gas. The liquid is then transported to an evaporator and settles back to its original gaseous state, while drawing heat from the surrounding air.
A Commercial HVAC Service Company At Work
When you call an HVAC company and set up an appointment, they will come to your building to inspect and service your equipment, as well as discuss with you any needs or concerns you have regarding the existing HVAC system. A qualified technician will be able to tell you whether you have any potential trouble zones, how much regular maintenance is needed for your system, and whether your equipment is performing as well as it should. They can also inform you of any new equipment you may wish to install and what would work best for your circumstances.
Above all, it is an attention to detail, thoroughness and comprehensive understanding of the system as a whole that a competent and professional commercial HVAC service company will be able to provide.
All too often, very large commercial HVAC companies may begin a building with an assigned technician, but may eventually switch the building over to a series of apprentices. These more junior technicians are not well versed in the specifics of your building, and may not have the skill or competence to spot problems before they become major repair or replacement jobs. Continuity of a reputable technician should not be underestimated.
A commercial HVAC service company that insists on a dedicated technician to your building results in higher accountability and more in-depth knowledge about a building’s particular needs. Advances in equipment also mean that the HVAC service company you choose needs to stay on top of the latest technology and be well versed in the most up-to-date and cutting edge options.
To find out how to get on board with a highly qualified, reputable, and knowledgeable commercial HVAC service company, contact SD ATLAS HVAC today. Service is our passion and we take an enormous amount of pride in the work we provide.
