Energy efficiency doesn’t just save you money; it helps your business take one step closer to being more environmentally friendly. One often overlooked factor in achieving energy efficiency is the maintenance of air handling units. When mishandled, these can become inefficient and lead to increased energy consumption.
What Is a Commercial Air Handler?
A commercial air handler is a pivotal component of a building’s HVAC system, exchanging interior air for fresh air from outside. While often confused with furnace units, air handlers serve a distinct purpose.
Unlike furnaces that primarily generate heat, air handlers distribute hot and cold air produced by the furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner throughout the building. This distribution is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment and ensuring good air quality.
Commercial air handlers create a healthy atmosphere in commercial spaces by continuously circulating fresh air.
How Air Handling Units Work
Air handling units bring in outside air and route it through the furnace or air conditioner to recondition the air. The reconditioned air is then supplied to the rest of the building through a network of ducts.
These same ducts also return the air to the air handling unit. Here it’s exchanged for fresh air, maintaining a constant ventilation cycle so the air within the building remains fresh and prevents stagnation.
Air handling units can be customized to meet building needs and can be configured to suit various commercial spaces such as schools, hospitals, and shopping centers. Such flexibility makes them essential to maintaining optimal indoor air quality and comfort.
Indoor Air Quality and Commercial Air Handlers
Improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is critical for occupant comfort and safety, especially in commercial environments where air circulation directly impacts productivity and well-being. Modern commercial air handlers have features like sloped drain pans, high-performance filters, and insulated cabinets to enhance air quality and reduce contaminants.
The insulated cabinet also diminishes motor noise by enabling the mounting of inherently protected motors. These help with operations while maintaining a quieter environment. Additionally, the fan and coil configuration flexibility allows for vertical installation and minimized sound levels. Together these items contribute to a quieter and more effective HVAC system.
Types of Commercial Air Handlers
Several types of commercial air handlers are available, each designed to meet specific building needs. Some common types are explained below:
- Outdoor air handling units: These units bring in fresh air and condition it for distribution throughout the building. They are often used in commercial buildings, schools, and hospitals, where the introduction of outside air is crucial for maintaining IAQ.
- Indoor air handling units: These units condition and recirculate the air within a building. They are commonly installed in commercial buildings, offices, and retail spaces, where maintaining a consistent indoor environment is essential.
- Packaged air handling units: These self-contained units include all necessary components, such as the fan, coil, and controls. They are often used in commercial buildings, schools, and hospitals, providing a compact and resourceful solution for air handling.
- Split air handling units: These systems consist of two separate components—indoor and outdoor—and are often installed in commercial buildings, offices, and retail spaces. They offer installation flexibility and can be tailored to meet building requirements.
All types of commercial air handlers help with IAQ, reduce energy costs, and provide a comfortable indoor environment. They can be customized and configured to suit various commercial spaces so that each environment benefits from optimal air handling and ventilation.
Selecting the Right Commercial Air Handler
Choosing the right commercial air handler depends on various factors, including building size, usage requirements, and environmental considerations. The ENVIRO-TEC MQL is an example of a reliable and customizable air handling unit, offering flexibility to fit diverse commercial spaces such as schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and office buildings. Here are some key points to consider when selecting an air handler:
- Capacity and size: Match the unit to the building’s airflow needs.
- Filtration system: Advanced filters help with IAQ and system efficiency.
- Accessibility: Features like removable access panels simplify maintenance.
- Energy efficiency: Units that cut energy consumption help lower operational costs.
- Advanced technology: Smart technology enhances system performance and ensures reliable and efficient comfort for building occupants.
Benefits of a Well-Chosen Commercial Air Handler
Investing in the right air handler offers multiple benefits:
- Improved IAQ: Reduces airborne contaminants and improves overall ventilation.
- Optimized HVAC performance: Ensures consistent airflow and temperature control.
- Energy efficiency: Lowers energy costs by bolstering system performance.
- Reduced installation and maintenance costs: Factory-assembled units streamline installation, trimming labor costs and time.
- Efficient heat transfer: Air handlers effectively transfer heat, boosting system performance and decreasing air movement within buildings.
Select Your Air Handling Units with Enervise
Selecting and maintaining your commercial air handler isn’t just about keeping your HVAC system running; it’s about optimizing efficiency, reducing energy costs, and improving indoor air quality for a healthier and more comfortable environment. By selecting the right air handling unit and committing to regular maintenance, businesses can amplify system performance, extend equipment lifespan, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Enervise specializes in providing tailored HVAC solutions to ensure your air handling units operate at peak productivity. Whether you need a new installation, an upgrade, or routine maintenance, our expert team is here to help you achieve optimal energy efficiency in your building. Contact us today to learn how we can support your HVAC needs.
