The heating and cooling needs for larger commercial facilities are especially complex.
There are unique challenges that can be difficult to overcome.
Industrial HVAC systems tend to send a great deal of hot or cold air into the space all at once. Because cooler air is heavier than warmer air, it sinks toward the floor rather than mixing with the rest of the air. This creates cold spots that are uncomfortable and can result in damage to sensitive machines and technology that aren’t being effectively cooled. There’s also the issue of the HVAC system failing to create enough air circulation. Even running at high speed, there’s a good chance that workers won’t fully enjoy the benefits of the heated or cooled air because it doesn’t flow properly. There’s simply a lot more square footage and indoor air to deal with. Without effective airflow, the facility is more susceptible to sick building syndrome. Concerns with contaminated air quality negatively impact productivity and even put employees at risk of health problems. The bigger the building, the greater the probability of leaks around windows or doorways. These types of facilities typically feature higher ceilings and bigger expanses of roofing, creating more opportunity for energy to escape. It’s also more difficult for building supervisors to become aware of, locate and resolve these problems. There are usually more and bigger doors that are frequently opened for various purposes such as receiving or shipping. Any time the heated/cooled air is allowed to escape and outside air is welcomed in, the HVAC system has a harder time of keeping up with demands.