16 June Choosing the Best Way to Cool Your Building June 16, 2021 By sma Property Maintenance, Property Management apartment, building renovation, commercial hvac, interior maintenance, multi-family property 0 CHOOSING THE BEST WAY TO COOL YOUR BUILDING June 16, 2021 | Maintenance, Management | apartment, interior maintenance, commercial hvac, building renovation, multi-family property If you’re in the market for a new cooling system for your building, you might feel overwhelmed at the amount of different choices there are. Deciding between a whole building system or individual units isn’t as cut and dry as it seems. Duct vs. Ductless While there are many varieties of cooling systems, they can be broken down into two main groups-- duct or ductless. Duct is your standard central air relay that involves multiple fans throughout the building connected by ductwork. The air is cooled in one location (hence “central”) and then distributed where it’s needed. Meanwhile, ductless air refers to either wall or window units that are installed in separate rooms. Instead of the air being cooled in one spot, the units take in the warm air and redisperse it as cold air. A conduit then takes the warm air and moisture and blows it outside. Benefits of Central Air Since central air uses ducts to deliver the cool air, it’s practically invisible. All you see are the small vent openings either on the floor or ceiling. Along with being more aesthetically pleasing, central air cycles out old air in a room and helps keep your tenants healthy, if maintained correctly . With the growth of smart HVAC systems, controlling and managing your whole building has never been easier. Newer ACs also tend to be more energy efficient so you can save more on your monthly utilities. Drawbacks of Central Air As great as central air can be, there are a few shortcomings as well. For instance, installation costs can be expensive, particularly in older buildings. Retrofitting a building that doesn’t already have ductwork in it is a costly and time-consuming process. You’ll also have to budget for regular cleaning of the ducts and other components. It’s easy for mold and mildew to accumulate in a central air system, which can create a health hazard for tenants. Since one system controls a whole unit, there isn’t much customization in different rooms. Benefits of Split System What central air lacks, a ductless, split system can make up for. Placing a unit in each room allows for the area to be controlled individually based on occupancy. This means you won’t have as much “wasted air,” resulting in even lower utility costs. These ductless systems are also easier to install compared to larger central air ones. They can even be quieter than central air thanks to their small size, which your tenants will appreciate. Drawbacks of Ductless With a split system requiring a unit in each room, they can detract from the look of your building. Some can be bulky, and having them protrude from your wall or ceiling isn’t ideal for some. Having dozens of units, you’ll also have to do more upkeep, which can be inconvenient. On extremely hot days, the smaller system will have to work harder to keep an area cool. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for split systems to become overworked and need more regular maintenance. Making a Decision Before you make your final choice, keep these things in mind: The age and size of your building Your budget The existing HVAC system Tenant usage habits Future maintenance You’ll be able to make the right pick that benefits both you and your tenants! National Property Inspections, Inc. can help you with all your commercial property inspection needs. Contact your local inspector to schedule an appointment today! Comments are closed.