At Air-rite Solutions, we get a lot of commercial air conditioning FAQs. As HVAC contractors, we pride ourselves on having a deep understanding of the industry and the inner-workings of the technology itself so we can deliver high-quality services to our clients in Brisbane and around South East Queensland.
If you’ve ever wondered how commercial air conditioning in Brisbane works or the importance of ventilation for inner office rooms, then this article has all the answers you need.
How does commercial air conditioning work?
Generally speaking, there are two types of commercial air conditioning systems – those being central and distributed HVAC systems.
Central HVAC systems have one core base that distributes the air to the different rooms and locations throughout a building via ductwork. These types of systems tend to be more durable and energy efficient, while being easier to maintain and repair due to their centralised design.
Distributed HVAC systems are designed to only provide air to a particular room or area, and aren’t connected to any other systems in the building. These systems have a lower installation cost, and have a thermostat for each system or zone.
The type of commercial building you are looking to get HVAC for will determine which system is best. To find out more, read our article Benefits of Central vs Distributed HVAC System Design.
Do internal offices in commercial buildings require air conditioning?
It’s important for every area of a commercial building to have access to clean, healthy air, while having its indoor temperature controlled so it is a safe and comfortable place for people to work in. There are legal and workplace health and safety regulations that outline the requirements of an indoor commercial building’s air quality, and installing a HVAC system that provides air to internal offices is the best way to ensure your building remains compliant.
Air ventilation helps prevent harmful bacteria from forming inside an office that can have detrimental health effects on workers, guests, clients, or anyone who uses that space. Internal offices may not have access to windows that can let in sunlight and fresh air to help eradicate this bacteria. That’s why you need a solution like a commercial HVAC system to ensure the room is continually being provided with air that is safe to breathe.
To find out more, read our article HVAC Systems: What is Ventilation and Why Do We Need It?
Do you need planning permission for commercial air conditioning?
When it comes to commercial air conditioning installation, the requirements for planning permission, often referred to as development approval or consent, can vary depending on the state or territory and local council regulations. For the installation of a commercial air conditioning system, it may depend on several factors, including the size and type of the system, the location of the property, heritage considerations, and the potential impact on neighbouring properties.
For larger systems or where external changes to a building are required, planning permission may be necessary. It’s often the case that if the installation affects the external appearance of the building or is above a certain size, you might need to seek approval. This could include considerations like noise levels, visual impact, and environmental factors.
Who is responsible for air conditioning repairs in a commercial lease?
In Queensland, the responsibility for air conditioning repairs in a commercial lease typically depends on the terms of the lease agreement itself. Generally, the lease will outline the maintenance obligations of both the landlord and the tenant.
In many commercial leases, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structure of the building and its essential services, which can include the air conditioning system. However, tenants may be responsible for the repair and maintenance of fixtures and fittings they have installed, or as specified in the lease.
Are new air conditioners more energy efficient?
Many newer air conditioning systems are designed to be more energy efficient through the introduction of new technologies. There has been a movement in the Australian HVAC industry to electrify air conditioning systems. While it’s understood not every commercial building will be able to achieve this, systems should still be able to improve their overall efficiency by adopting a hybrid design between electricity and coal.
Modern air conditioners also incorporate improved technology that enhances performance with less energy consumption. For example, they often have better compressors and fans, which are more effective in circulating air while using less power.
To find out more about this topic, read our article HVAC and Energy Efficiency Trends.
How can you reduce air conditioning costs in commercial buildings?
HVAC systems are the leading contributor to power bills for Australian commercial buildings. However, there are multiple ways to reduce air conditioning operating costs in commercial buildings.
- Install programmable thermostats to control temperature and operating times efficiently.
- Conduct regular maintenance to keep the system running at peak efficiency.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient models with higher energy star ratings to lower power consumption.
- Insulate and seal the building properly to reduce the load on the air conditioning system.
- Use zoning and ventilation strategies to cool only occupied spaces.
- Implement energy management systems to monitor and optimise air conditioner use.
To find out more, read our article Understanding HVAC Energy Breakdown in Commercial Buildings.
Contact Air-rite Solutions
Naturally, there are several more questions you may have about commercial air conditioning. If any of your questions weren’t answered in this article, then we recommend you contact us today so we can get you all the information you need as soon as possible.
