December 3, 2024
The purpose of residential and commercial HVAC is the same: to keep you comfortable no matter where you are in your home or office, regardless of the season. While the systems share the same primary goal, they differ due to their sizes, parts, engineering, and other factors. It’s essential to understand the differences between the two systems so you are more informed.
The Key Differences Between Residential and Commercial HVAC Systems
Complexity and Structure
Residential and commercial HVAC systems are incredibly different when it comes to complexity and structure. Residential systems are more focused on heating and cooling residential properties of lower square footage than commercial structures. Commercial HVAC units need to provide comfort for much larger spaces. Typical residential systems are single units that provide both heating and cooling.
Commercial systems also must be more flexible depending on the establishment, business type, how many customers enter and exit the building, the number of employees, and whether the system is intended to be used consistently. This equipment usually has several sub-systems for zone temperature control in different spaces throughout the commercial structure. As a result, the sheer complexity of commercial systems regarding the number of components and flexibility is greater, which is another reason the hardware tends to be larger overall.
Drainage Operation
Regardless of the type of HVAC system, the end output is always moisture. Both dripping and collected condensation are normal side effects of HVAC operation. Residential and commercial systems need a place to drain excess moisture, so pipes must be positioned properly for the water to flow out. Residential systems typically have a single pipe leading out to somewhere like a yard. On the other hand, commercial HVAC systems utilize multiple drains. This is due to the sophistication and size of the units that produce more moisture. To ensure continuous and efficient functionality, the proper number of pipes and drainage locations must be considered to eliminate the chance of overflowing.
Energy Consumption
Since commercial HVAC systems are more powerful than residential units, they consume significantly more energy. Commercial HVAC appliances must keep large spaces warm and cool so that customers and employees are comfortable throughout the day. Therefore, commercial HVAC units utilize more power and energy compared to residential units that only provide heating and cooling to residences that are typically smaller than businesses.
Equipment Type
Each HVAC system comprises different internal components and elements that produce the required result. This means the equipment greatly differs based on the system goal and size. A residential HVAC system is much simpler, relatively speaking, than a commercial one since it heats and cools a smaller area with less flexibility and is a standalone infrastructure with indoor and outdoor units. Basic commercial systems are often customized and altered to adapt to specific areas that need to cool off or be heated in various zones throughout a building.
HVAC Placement
The proper exterior placement for a residential HVAC unit is in the backyard, on the side of the house, or in another location. On the other hand, commercial HVAC units are typically placed on the building’s roof due to the loud noises produced by the unit as well as its overall size. Also, many commercial buildings don’t have yards or other spaces to fit a large unit, so the technician must determine the most secure location for the system that is still easy for them to access for repairs and maintenance. Placing a unit on the roof of a commercial property keeps it away from occupants while minimizing noise. For commercial structures in office parks or with more space, the units are commonly placed behind or to the side of the building, away from offices, so that employees can concentrate in a limited distraction environment.
Maintenance Costs
Maintenance expenses depend on the HVAC system. Commercial HVAC equipment usually costs more to maintain due to the intricacy and size of the system. Given the number of vents, connected piping, and related equipment, commercial systems must be inspected, repaired, or maintained more often. On the other hand, a residential HVAC system is much more affordable to maintain due to a lower footprint that doesn’t require as much maintenance or repairs. Regardless of the unit, professionals must regularly maintain HVAC systems to keep them in good working order and produce efficient output.
System Customization
Residential systems are a much more out-of-the-box experience compared to commercial systems. Commercial HVAC units comprise multiple packaged components with individual thermostats, allowing for different climate zones within the same building. This is especially important for multi-office structures. As a result, commercial systems must be customized to fit the needs of the entire building, not just a single space.
System Layout
HVAC systems have differing layouts depending on the structures where they are installed. Residential units are typically standalone, single systems. This means the cooling and heating functionality is sourced within the same system. In contrast, commercial HVAC systems are housed together, so it’s possible to alter the layout to meet the increasing demands of the building occupants.
System Size
The most common difference between residential and commercial HVAC systems is the size. A residential system is significantly smaller than a commercial one because it controls the internal climate for a smaller space. To keep an entire building comfortable throughout the year, a commercial HVAC must be large and powerful enough to reach all floors and corners of the structure. Selecting the wrong system size could result in overloading and wearing of the componentry, thus requiring more frequent maintenance and replacement parts. A larger and more powerful system than the space needs results in more energy consumed than is necessary. Both situations result in higher costs for you or your company.
Upgradability
Commercial HVAC systems are typically more modular, which makes them easier to upgrade to fit different needs. When a property expands or additional offices are added, upgrades to the existing units are much more cost-effective than purchasing new equipment. Companies like Scott-Lee Heating Company can assist with these upgrades to ensure the highest efficiency and proper installation.
Residential units are available as single systems with indoor and outdoor parts. Most are affixed to existing internal ductwork, unless you are building a new home. If you plan to add a massive addition to your home, note that future upgradability might be difficult. You most likely will need a more powerful and efficient system if you are adding space to your home that will need heating and cooling.
Scott-Lee Heating Company is a heating and cooling company servicing the St. Louis, Missouri, area that specializes in residential and commercial HVAC systems and installations. Additionally, we offer furnace and air conditioning repair and maintenance, air quality improvements, HVAC zoning systems, metalwork, and new construction system installation. If you want to discuss your options further for your property, contact the team at Scott-Lee Heating Company today! Our HVAC professionals are standing by, waiting to answer all your questions regarding residential HVAC!