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Common Misunderstandings About Commercial HVAC vs. Residential HVAC

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If you own or operate a commercial business, you almost certainly rely on an HVAC system to maintain the proper climate and humidity inside the facility, whether you need it for process, comfort, equipment, or a combination of all three. 

Unfortunately, many people have misconceptions about commercial HVAC systems because they see them through the lens of the smaller and more familiar systems used to heat and cool homes. This creates several common misunderstandings about commercial HVAC systems. In this post we’re going to look at the most frequent of these misunderstandings. This knowledge will help you make better and more informed decisions about how to handle your commercial heating and commercial air conditioning in Toronto, ON

Misunderstanding #1. Commercial and Residential HVAC Systems Are Interchangeable

We put this one first because it’s surprisingly common to believe that there isn’t that much difference between the split AC system that cools your house and the one managing temperatures in your facility. The reality is that commercial HVAC systems—although often using similar principles like refrigerant circulation—are designed to meet different demands. They’re not only larger, they are more complex and can handle the heating, cooling, and ventilation requirements of spaces larger than homes and which generate more internal heat. Trying to use residential equipment for commercial facilities, even small ones, will result in poor performance and wasted energy.

Misunderstanding #2: Cost and Installation Are Comparable

You can’t look at prices for residential HVAC installation and expect you can use that same item on your budget sheet for your commercial business. Commercial HVAC systems cost much more to purchase, install, and maintain—they’re larger, have more advanced components, and use more extensive peripheral systems such as ductwork and zoning in order to allow them to function correctly. 

Misunderstanding #3. Energy Efficiency Is Similar

Energy efficiency is always a top priority for us when installing and servicing commercial HVAC equipment, but we want our clients to understand that the energy efficiency levels of residential and commercial systems are often different. Commercial buildings have different cooling requirements, larger heating and cooling loads, and often much longer running times. Even with the highest-efficiency system in place, it’s much more expensive to operate commercial equipment.

Misunderstanding #4: Maintenance and Repair Practices Are the Same

Although someone who only works on residential HVAC systems can understand the rudimentary nature of commercial systems, they won’t be able to adequately repair or maintain them. Any repair work requires specialized knowledge and training from the technician. When it comes to maintenance, commercial HVAC requires specialized schedules, equipment, and safety considerations. This is one place where we truly excel: we help our customers develop a customized maintenance program for their equipment, which goes beyond the standard commercial maintenance you’ll find elsewhere. We truly optimize your systems so they run the exact way you need them to.

You have the best possible commercial/industrial HVAC company nearby to serve you in the Greater Toronto Area. We’ve served local businesses since 1987.

Advantage Airtech Commercial Ltd. is the Double “A” Name with the Triple “A” Rating. Talk to us today to arrange for a maintenance program or if you need repairs for your commercial equipment. 

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