Running a business requires a lot of work, including keeping your employees, customers, and clients happy, but a poorly functioning HVAC system can make the workplace uncomfortable or send customers to competitors. If your system has been showing signs of wear and tear or age, it may be time to upgrade to a newer model. First, however, check out these four tips when choosing an HVAC system so you choose the right one for your business.

Choose the Right Type of Heating and Cooling

One of the first choices you should make is what type of heating and cooling you prefer, such as forced air or radiant heat. Forced air systems use heating and cooling coils, which change the temperature of the air. The air is then forcibly pushed out via vents to warm or cool the working space. The benefit of forced air heating and cooling is the effectiveness. It will heat or cool your business fast, but it can be energy inefficient, especially during the winter. The hot air often rises, sending cold air down to the working space.

Radiant heat is another option. With radiant heat, electric coils, or liquid-filled tubes sit under the flooring material. Typically, this is most beneficial for heating because the heat naturally rises, creating an even temperature in the working space. This can also be used to cool offices on hot days, but it is not as effective as forced-air options. Regardless of which system you choose, however, don't forget to consider additional equipment, such as ceiling fans, evaporative coolers, etc.

Determine If You Need Multiple Zones

Another option to consider is zoned heating and cooling. Both residential and commercial HVAC systems come in options for single and multiple zones. In most cases, you'll determine how many zones you need based on the size and type of building. For example, if you run a small boutique, you probably only need a single zone. On the other hand, if you have a huge building with people performing vastly different tasks, a multi-zone system is a must.

The benefit of a multi-zone system is that it allows you to heat/cool zones differently. Your office workers on the top floor of a business, for example, may need more energy and cold air than office workers on the bottom floor to stay comfortably cool in the summer. With a zoned system, you can ensure everyone is comfortable without wasting energy or straining the system.

Know the Pros and Cons of a Ducted System

If you choose a forced-air system for cooling or both, you'll also need to choose between a ducted and ductless system. Ducts are one of the biggest reasons forced-air systems are less efficient. The air is heated or cooled and then sent through ducts to be expelled in the working space. However, if the ducts have holes or aren't insulated well, the air can gain or lose heat before it reaches you, wasting energy. This type of HVAC system is often called a packaged system because everything is contained in one unit, stored outside the building.

A ductless system works a little differently. Like a traditional forced-air ducted HVAC system, a split-system contains an outdoor unit, but inside units are also necessary. These units are where the air is heated or cooled and expelled into the working space. Like packaged systems have multiple vents that release the heated/cooled air, you'll also likely need multiple indoor units. Instead of ducts, this system relies on tubes and wires, making them much more energy efficient.

A bad HVAC system can drain money, cause health issues and demotivate employees. For this reason, it's imperative you chose the right system for your company. If you would like more information regarding HVAC systems, installation, or repairs, contact a company like Robison  Air.