Types of Air Conditioning Systems

Different Air Conditioning Options for Your Home and Commercial Building

Are you looking for an energy-saving central air conditioning system for your home or commercial building? 

As summer temperatures rise, you might notice your electricity bill creeping up along with it. Although the climate in B.C. is milder than most of Canada, the weather is becoming more challenging to predict. 

If last year’s heat waves are any indication of the summers to come, having a functioning and energy-efficient cooling system is more important than ever. The last thing anyone wants is a broken central air conditioner on a 40°C day.

In this post, we’ll explore the various types of cooling systems available to residential and commercial buildings in BC as well as the best ways to save money while staying cool this summer. 

Different Types of Air Conditioning Systems

Fortunately, there are various ways to cool your home during the warm summer months. Here are the different types of home cooling systems available to British Columbian homeowners and businesses:

Central Air Conditioning

• Many homeowners have central air conditioning systems installed in their houses. 
• A central air conditioning system uses your home’s furnace ducts to spread cooler air throughout the house. 

Air to Air Heat Pumps

• Also known as HVAC systems, air to air heat pumps are capable of heating your home in the winter and cooling it in the summer. 
• A heat pump transports warmer air from inside your house and releases it outside during the summer months. 
• These systems consist of outdoor and indoor units. They are available in four styles: floor mounted, wall mounted, slim duct, and cassette. 

GeoExchange / GeoThermal 

• Similar to air to air heat pumps, GeoExchange systems can cool and heat your space depending on the season. 
• GeoExchange or a geothermal heating/cooling system draws energy from the earth, pond or lakes to heat your home.
• In the summertime, it draws heat from inside your home and releases it into the earth. 

What is the Most Energy-Efficient Way to Cool a House?

Although each home cooling system has its own merits, some are significantly more efficient than others. 

Although most homes have a central air conditioning system, alternatives like the ductless heat pump system and the GeoExchange system use a lot less energy. Geothermal cooling, in particular, can help you save thousands on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. 

If you’re unsure whether a switch to a GeoExchange system is right for you, here are a few of its benefits: 

• Geothermal heating/cooling systems are powered mostly by renewable energy. This reduces your hydro bill by a substantial amount during the summer and winter months. 
• With an average life expectancy of 25-30 years, GeoExchange systems can last for a long time. 
• While the initial price of a geothermal system is not cheap, you would save an estimated $40,000 – $100,000 in energy costs throughout its lifespan.

Another eco-friendly way to cool your home this summer is using ductless heat pumps. Here are some of the main advantages of choosing this option: 

• Since this cooling system is smaller than others, it uses less energy to operate. 
• Multi-split ductless heat pumps give you control over which spaces in your home you want to cool or heat. It prevents energy waste from cooling unoccupied rooms in your home.
• It uses some renewable thermal energy to cool or heat your home. 

Most Common Types of Commercial HVAC Systems

In an increasingly competitive economy, creative and cost-effective solutions are crucial to the success of a business. Installing or switching to an energy-saving cooling system ensures your building stays cool while keeping energy bills low.

If you’re a business owner or facility manager looking for the right commercial HVAC system, the following systems are the most commonly found in commercial buildings:

Ductless Split 

• Most restaurants, cafes, and smaller retail stores use a single split system. 
• This type of commercial HVAC system connects an indoor vent to an outdoor heat pump. 
• Ductless split systems can be easily installed in spaces without existing ductwork. 

Ductless Multi-Split

• Ductless multi-split HVAC systems are a popular choice for larger retail stores, restaurants, and office spaces. 
• Instead of a single indoor vent, the outdoor heat pump is connected to multiple indoor units. 
• Similar to the single split system, ductless multi-split HVAC units require no ductwork. 

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)

• Also known as variable refrigerant volume (VRV), commercial VRF heat pumps are designed to cool large spaces efficiently.
• A growing number of shopping centres and office buildings are opting for this energy-saving HVAC system. 
• VRF systems consist of smaller indoor units that operate at varying speeds and allow for individual zone control within a building. 

Which HVAC System Is Best for a Commercial Building?  

Factors such as the size, layout, and purpose of the space determine which HVAC system is most suitable for your commercial building. 

Cooling a small restaurant space, for example, is light work for a ductless split system. On the other hand, a large office space or apartment building will probably require VRF or VRV heat pumps. 

However, a large area with an open layout such as a gym or assembly hall would benefit less from the zone control of VRV HVAC systems. In this case, ductless multi-split heat pumps might be more appropriate. 

If you want to install or upgrade the central air conditioner in your building to an energy-saving alternative, consider a GeoExchange system. With rising energy costs, investing in a cooling and heating system that uses geothermal energy could save you tens of thousands in the long run. 

How To Beat the Heat and Save Money on Your Energy Bill 

An energy-efficient cooling system is by far the best way to combat the heat and reduce utility costs. Some additional tips to try include: 

• Set your thermostat setting a degree or two higher than you normally would. 
• Use fans to help circulate the colder air from your cooling system. 
• Block the extra heat from the sun with shutters or curtains.
• Avoid using the stove or oven as much as possible. Fire up the grill instead.
• Keep up with air conditioner maintenance to ensure optimal performance from your cooling system. Clean filters are KEY!!

At Lockhart Industries, we know all about staying cool and saving energy in the summer. We’ve been installing, maintaining, and repairing air conditioning systems for homes and businesses across Vancouver Island since 1981.

Whether you’re looking to repair an existing cooling system or upgrade to a more energy-efficient alternative, our team of experts can guide you through the process. 

We can help you find the best cooling system for your home or commercial building. To learn more about your cooling options, give us a call at (250) 748-1731 or send us a message for a free estimate today.