What Is the Difference Between Commercial and Residential HVAC Systems?

San Rafael

(415) 942-6565

Santa Rosa

(707) 452-3464

The HVAC system is one of the most important inventions of our time. HVAC systems are designed to control air temperatures and air quality in buildings. In addition, an HVAC system works round the year to maintain indoor comfort levels.

HVAC systems can be categorized into two types-residential systems and commercial systems. As the names suggest, commercial systems are used in commercial buildings, and residential systems are used in homes.

Here are some differences between commercial and residential HVAC systems.

Power
Commercial buildings are usually larger and more varied than homes, and more people use them. As a result, commercial spaces require a higher tonnage output, which is why commercial HVAC systems are more powerful than their residential counterparts.

Whether you are planning to install an HVAC system in your office or home, some factors to consider when sizing your unit are the total square footage, peak usage hours, and the number of occupants.

Complexity
Commercial systems are more complex than residential HVAC systems. This is because they use a complex design. A residential system usually has eight parts. A commercial system usually uses additional components along with the basic components to control the amount of conditioned air in different zones of the building.

Commercial systems also need advanced systems for exhaust alleviation. In contrast, these are not necessary for most residential installations.

Ease of Maintenance
Residential systems are relatively easy to maintain. Usually, little maintenance before the beginning of the cooling and heating seasons is enough to keep the system up and running smoothly.

Maintaining a commercial system is a more complicated and time-consuming task. Commercial systems may also require additional monitoring. Additional monitoring requirements and maintenance complexity make maintaining commercial HVAC systems a costly endeavor.

Placement
Commercial systems are bulky. They take up more space than residential systems and are usually installed on rooftops. Therefore, placing a commercial system on the rooftop of the building will help save space.

Commercial systems need a more significant amount of security against vandalism and tampering. Placing them on rooftops is a great way to allow for controlled access. In addition, many businesses install HVAC systems on rooftops to minimize noise disruption.

Structural features of residential HVAC systems make rooftop installation less desirable. The components of a residential HVAC system can be placed behind or beside the home.

Drainage
Most residential systems have a single pan that safely collects water that drips off the evaporator coil placed outside the home. A commercial system has a more complex drainage system. Most systems use a network of pipes and pans to collect water and prevent overflow.

Need HVAC repair services near you in Petaluma? Look no further than John Owens Services. Whether you need help choosing the right HVAC system for your home or office or want to maintain an existing system, we have got you covered. To schedule an inspection, call 707-452-3464.

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The John Owens Way

Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.

San Rafael
(415) 942-6565
Santa Rosa
(707) 452-3464

01

Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your home’s systems running well all year long. We’ll help you gain efficiency and save money.

02

Repair

When something breaks down, our team will get to you fast. We’ll find the problem and fix it to get you back to normal.

03

Replacement

When it’s time to replace something in your home, we’ll help you get a top quality product that matches your specific needs.
San Rafael
(415) 942-6565
Santa Rosa
(707) 452-3464