Commercial Vs. Residential Models in Air Conditioning – What’s the Difference?

The mechanics of how an air conditioner works don’t change between the home, business, or vehicle, but each system must be adapted to a slightly different environment. 

The most prominent difference between residential and commercial air conditioning systems is size: commercial air conditioners are generally designed to push a far larger volume of air, and because of this there are a few things regarding size requirements that distinguish them from the average residential system.

Commercial air conditioning systems:

These systems often require a bigger power draw than a standard residential system.  Businesses hold more people per day than homes. This means that the system hats compensate for the extra body heat created.  Additionally, computers and office equipment will produce more heat as well.  These systems have to run more often for larger volumes of air.  This often requires more power than a standard residential system.  Determining the power and size requirements for a commercial system is a technical skill that experienced commercial AC technicians have.

Residential Air Conditioning Units:

These HVAC units have a single condenser unit outside, and a central unit connected to a system of ducts.  Commercial systems are often based on a rooftop unit.  Rooftop systems save space and minimize noise interference.  Many commercial properties have flat roofs that allow for this type of installation, whereas residential houses will usually have an angled roof which isn’t conducive.  Keeping all the equipment in one place helps with service and repair, but commercial systems are often far more complex.

Additional Differences:

Commercial systems need to cool a larger area. These are often broken down into different temperature zones each controlled by their own thermostat. With different temperature zones, people can save energy costs by adjusting the cooling needs for low-traffic versus high-traffic areas, for example, storage closets versus an open office area.  However, although these zones have traditionally been a distinction between commercial and residential systems, temperature zones have become more and more popular in some residential systems.

Due to the complex nature of commercial systems, they require a more diverse drainage system.  Most residential systems only require a single drain, but commercial systems might need multiple drip pans and drainage pipes to handle more water.

Commercial systems are more complex, as they service a larger volume of air in a more complex way.  Although some of the distinctions are becoming more uncertain as residences adopt some of the traditionally commercial features, there is still a sharp divide in how each system handles cooling needs, as well as the service and installation requirements. 

The technicians at All Day Air Cooling & Heating are experienced in handling both kinds of systems, including a wide range of commercial industries.  Contact us today at (239) 357-0727 with any questions you might have about any commercial or residential heating or cooling needs. You may also visit our website at www.alldayaircooling.com to learn more.

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