How To Size a Commercial HVAC System

Whether you’re building a new commercial property or have to upgrade your building’s existing heating and cooling components, you’ll need an expert to help with commercial HVAC in Dayton, Ohio. Your installation project can’t move forward until you determine the ideal commercial HVAC sizing for the building. How exactly do contractors figure out how to size your new system?

In this guide, the professionals at A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling share everything you should know about installing your commercial HVAC equipment. Understanding the proper sizing calculations and choosing an installer to go through these steps ensures the best results. 

The Importance of Proper HVAC Sizing for Commercial Spaces

Before we dive into the key factors for commercial HVAC sizing, it’s important to understand why this step is so important for building owners and property managers. You must strike the perfect balance with your system and not install HVAC equipment that’s too large or too small for the space. Incorrect sizing of the HVAC system can have the following consequences:

• Increased wear and tear: A system that’s too small will have to work harder while an oversized one will often short cycle as it heats and cools the space. The equipment may see excessive wear and tear that requires costly repairs or premature replacement. 
• Higher energy costs: Your HVAC system won’t be at its maximum energy efficiency if you don’t select the right size. The heater and air conditioner will struggle to keep the space comfortable and will drive up your utility bills as a result. 
• Poor humidity and temperature control: The reduced energy efficiency can also contribute to insufficient temperature and humidity control, which makes the building more prone to indoor air quality issues. 
• Complex installation process: Installers will have a tougher time equipping your building with HVAC equipment if it’s not sized correctly. 

Make sure you select a contractor specializing in light commercial HVAC services who can correctly size your new system and help you avoid the issues above. 

Top Six Things To Consider When Sizing a Commercial HVAC System

When it comes to commercial HVAC sizing, it’s not as simple as choosing equipment marked as small, medium, or large. The size of the system refers to its tonnage and the number of British Thermal Units it can generate or remove within an hour. BTU calculation involves knowing a few details about your building, so the sizing process can be fairly complex. 

In order to figure out the proper HVAC zoning system, technicians have to assess various criteria. Check out the six biggest factors that go into figuring out the ideal load capacity of your new HVAC system. 

1. The Size of the Building

The square footage of your building plays a crucial role in HVAC load calculation. Experts have to account for the total space that your system needs to heat or cool, including certain unoccupied spaces. You’ll likely need a higher-ton HVAC system for a larger building and can scale down the size if you operate a smaller commercial space. 

Below are some general recommendations for sizing commercial HVAC systems based on the property’s square footage:

• 21,000 BTUs for spaces between 1,000 and 1,200 square feet
• 23,000 BTUs for buildings with 1,200 to 1,400 square feet
• 30,000 BTUs for properties sized between 1,500 and 2,000 square feet

2. Building Location

External factors can determine how hard your HVAC system needs to work. For example, if your building sits in direct sunlight for most of the day, it will probably retain extra heat. This affects the load capacity of your air conditioner and requires you to select a more powerful system for temperature and humidity control. 

You’ll also have to consider the local climate and average temperatures you can expect each season. Living somewhere with freezing winters will require a robust heating system whereas buildings in a more temperate climate can adjust their BTU output. 

3. Ceiling Height

Say you have a small commercial building but it features high ceilings. This can affect your commercial HVAC sizing since any heat your system produces will rise. The rooms may not feel comfortable despite the heat working because of this. 

4. The Number of Windows and Their Condition

Professionals can’t ignore the building’s windows in their calculations. Spaces with a lot of windows can let in plenty of natural light and help the internal temperature rise. The age and condition of the windows also matter since windows without a strong seal can release temperature-controlled air and make the building uncomfortable. 

5. Insulation and Ductwork

Your building’s duct sizing and airflow requirements prove critical when installing a new commercial HVAC system. If you’re installing a system in a newly constructed building, make sure that you support the ventilation with fans and sufficient insulation. 

HVAC replacement services should involve checking your ductwork for gaps or damage and sealing any cracks in the air ducts. Installing a new HVAC system with faulty ductwork won’t do much to lower your energy bills since heat and cool air can escape through the cracks. This will also be a good time to assess your building’s insulation and add more to retain the indoor temperature. 

6. Heat and Humidity Levels in Certain Rooms

Commercial HVAC sizing will likely vary across different industries because of changes in temperature and humidity levels. For example, humidity levels will be naturally higher in restaurant kitchens or gym locker rooms over an office building. The use of the space will impact what kind of heating and cooling system it needs. 

Enhance Your Commercial HVAC System With A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling

Whether you’re planning HVAC during new construction or have an existing system that needs replacing in your commercial building, A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling can help you install the proper equipment. Our trained technicians understand the proper approach to commercial HVAC sizing and promise to install a high-quality HVAC system that supports all of your comfort and ventilation needs. 

Reach out to A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling if you’re due for a new commercial HVAC system. Call (937) 865-2325 to schedule a consultation and learn more today.