If you are the owner/manager of a commercial or industrial building, you may be wondering what types of HVAC system design is best suited for your space. Commercial air conditioning systems are essential to keeping any occupants of your building comfortable all year round, but are expensive to install and maintain. When it comes time to choose between a central or distributed HVAC system, you want to make sure you choose the best fit for your particular building the first time.
At Air-rite Solutions, we provide high quality commercial HVAC services in Brisbane and throughout South East Queensland. Our team has years of experience working with both central and distributed HVAC systems, so we understand which suits different types of buildings the best.
What is a Central HVAC System?
A central or centralised HVAC system is a type of system that only has one core base which then distributes air to various different locations around the building. These systems use ductwork to move the temperature-controlled air throughout the building.
Pros and Cons of Central HVAC System
One of the key benefits of a central HVAC system is the fact that its robust base is more durable and energy efficient than several separate systems. This also makes HVAC maintenance and repairs easier, as the technicians only have to work on one system, rather than multiple.
Central HVAC systems are also seen as the more aesthetically pleasing option as the core system is hidden away and the only components that may be visible are external ductwork. If you are going for a sleek, minimalist look in your commercial or industrial building, then a central HVAC system will seamlessly fit in with this design choice.
However, there are some drawbacks to installing a central HVAC system. They are more expensive to install than distributed systems, and given the air is all being distributed from a single base, it means that separate rooms or zones don’t have as much control over their temperature.
What is a Distributed HVAC System?
A distributed or decentralised HVAC system is a type of system that only produces air for a specific zone or area, and which is connected to a unit entirely separate from any others in the building.
Pros and Cons of Distributed HVAC System
One of the main benefits of choosing a distributed HVAC system is its lower installation costs. As the system doesn’t have the extensive ductwork of their centralised counterparts, HVAC designers don’t have to worry about making space for all the components as much.
Distributed systems also come with a thermostat for each different zone. Whether you are in a meeting room, kitchen, factory floor, or computer room, you can have precise control over the temperature of each space.
On the other hand, because distributed HVAC systems are split between multiple different units, they do produce more carbon emissions than central ones. For this same reason, they are also less energy efficient and feature overall higher operating costs.
Which is Better for You?
There are benefits to choosing either a central or distributed industrial air conditioning system for your building. Central systems are easier to maintain, are more energy efficient, are better for the environment, and leave less of a visual imprint. On the other hand, distributed systems are cheaper to install, allow for individual thermostats for multiple zones, and don’t take up as much space.
At the end of the day, the best type of system depends on the kind of building you are installing them in. While there are exceptions, here are the types of commercial and public buildings that would likely benefit from a central HVAC system:
- Factories & warehouses
- Swimming pools
- Office buildings
- Libraries
And some buildings that may benefit better from a distributed HVAC system include:
- Schools
- Hotels
- Shopping centres
- Restaurants and cafes
It’s always important to consult an experienced HVAC expert when choosing what type of system is ideal for your building.
Contact Air-rite Solutions
Air-rite Solutions designs, installs, and maintains commercial HVAC systems throughout Brisbane and South East Queensland. If you need help deciding on what type of system is best for your building or business, then contact us today!