Commercial HVAC Heating & Air Services for Tulsa, Skiatook & More: Trust Comfort Class
Not only does Comfort Class serve residential customers throughout the Skiatook and Tulsa area, we also take care of the heating and cooling needs of all types of businesses. For light commercial HVAC services near your, we can help. Reach out now with questions.
HVAC Services for Your Business: Who Do We Serve?
We’re happy to offer commercial heating and cooling services to light commercial businesses, retail stores, restaurants, churches, apartments, and housing complexes. Comfort Class offers HVAC installation, maintenance agreements, and service on light commercial jobs.
When it comes to our commercial HVAC services, with Comfort Class you can always count on:
- Free, no-pressure estimates
- Professional work with up-front, competitive pricing
- Fast response times to all service requests
- Experienced and qualified technicians
- Service knowledge for most major HVAC brands
- Friendly, personal service that’s always respectful of your job-site
How Often Should a Commercial HVAC System Be Serviced?
Generally, commercial HVAC systems should be serviced by a professional twice a year – once in the spring for cooling and once in the fall for heating. Routine maintenance extends system lifespan, improves indoor air quality, reduces energy bills, and helps to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Additional servicing may be recommended if the building has high occupancy or sensitive environments (think labs, server rooms, etc), or if the HVAC system is older or heavily used.
How Long Does a Commercial HVAC System Typically Last?
The lifespan of a commercial HVAC system can vary depending on the type of system, how well it’s maintained, and the demands placed upon it. Rooftop units, split systems, and cooling towers generally last around 15 – 20 years, while chillers and boilers can last around 20 – 30 years.
That said, a system that isn’t properly maintained won’t last as long. Neglecting professional maintenance and servicing can take years off of your commercial HVAC appliance, especially if it experiences a lot of use.
For the best results, be sure to invest in proper sizing and installation by an experienced HVAC technician, and be sure to book tune-ups twice a year, as well. In addition, keep the system clean and unobstructed, replace filters and worn parts as needed, and consider upgrading components (like adding a smart thermostat) to reduce stress on the system.
What Size Hvac System Do I Need for My Commercial Building?
If you own a commercial space, choosing the right sized heating and cooling setup is not only vital for ensuring the comfort of your employees and customers, but for protecting your investment and keeping your air cleaner.
Oversized systems may short cycle, leading to inconsistent temperatures, higher energy costs, and unnecessary wear. Undersized systems will struggle to keep up, causing discomfort, inefficiency, and eventual failure from overuse.
Here’s everything you should be considering:
- Building square footage: A common baseline is about 20 – 25 BTUs per square foot, but that can vary, so make sure this isn’t the only thing you’re basing your decision on.
- Occupancy levels: Buildings with high foot traffic or many workers may require more ventilation and have a higher demand on heating/cooling needs overall.
- Building design and layout: Ceiling height, window size, insulation quality, and open space all affect load calculations.
- Purpose of the building: A restaurant, office, retail store, and warehouse all have different HVAC needs, depending on what’s being stored there.
- Local climate: Local weather conditions greatly influence HVAC sizing needs – in this area, you’ll need something good for both the hotter summers and chillier winters.
Commercial HVAC contractors use Manual N, a standard load calculation method developed by Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), to determine precise sizing. Make sure you’ve got it right by having a licensed contractor perform a full load calculation before installing or replacing a system.
What’s the Difference Between Commercial & Residential HVAC Systems?
Are commercial HVAC maintenance needs really all that different from a residential maintenance plan? While the basic purpose of residential and commercial HVAC systems is the same (heating and cooling the space), there are significant differences in their design, size, complexity, and function.
Think about it – the distinct needs of homes compared to commercial buildings (offices, retail stores, industrial facilities, etc.) are quite different, so it’s not surprising their heating and cooling needs will vary.
- Sizing Differences
One of the biggest differences between commercial and residential HVAC systems is size. Residential HVAC systems will typically be smaller, while commercial systems need to meet the demands of expansive spaces, like warehouses, office buildings, or shopping centers.
In addition, a commercial system may need to cool multiple floors, maintain consistent temperatures across larger open areas, and serve many occupants. This requires more power and higher capacity units, often with the ability to run simultaneously in different zones of the building.
- Complexity Variations
Residential HVAC systems are generally pretty straightforward. Most homes use a furnace and central air conditioning unit connected through a ductwork system. These setups are typically standardized because residential heating and cooling needs are fairly predictable.
On the flip side, commercial HVAC systems often need to be customizable, making them more complex overall. We’re talking about multiple components for one system – rooftop units (RTUs), chillers, cooling towers, boilers, variable air volume (VAV) systems, and more. Commercial spaces also often require more advanced zoning systems and control panels.
- Installation Location
In most residential homes, HVAC components are installed in the basement, attic, or side of the house. These installations are designed to be discreet and compact, as to not affect the overall aesthetic of the space.
Commercial systems, especially in larger buildings, are commonly installed on the roof. This saves valuable interior space and keeps the noise of large equipment away from occupied areas. Rooftop installation also makes it easier to service the equipment without disrupting daily business operations.
- Zoning & Control
Residential systems usually use a single thermostat to control the entire home. Commercial systems typically require more detailed zoning capabilities. Different areas of a commercial building may serve different purposes – like offices, meeting rooms, lobbies, or kitchens – all requiring distinct temperature and ventilation settings.
- Cost & Energy Usage
Commercial HVAC systems come with a higher upfront cost due to their size, complexity, and installation requirements. Operating costs are also higher, not just because of the larger systems, but due to the energy demand of maintaining comfort in larger, often more populated buildings.
Residential systems are typically on a smaller scale, requiring less energy overall.
What Typically Causes Commercial HVAC Systems To Fail?
Disruptions in commercial HVAC systems aren’t just inconvenient – they can stop operations and cause you to lose significant income. What are the biggest reasons an HVAC system in a commercial space will fail?
- Lack of maintenance. Dirty filters, clogged coils, and neglected components can cause the system to overheat or underperform.
- Age of system. Parts wear out over time, and older systems are more prone to failure.
- Improper installation. Incorrect sizing or poor ductwork design reduces efficiency and shortens lifespan.
- Refrigerant leaks. Low refrigerant levels can lead to poor cooling performance and compressor failure.
- Electrical problems. Faulty wiring, capacitor failure, or motor issues can shut the system down entirely.
- Blocked or leaky ducts. Malfunctioning ductwork can reduce airflow and put extra stress on the system.
- Thermostat malfunctions. If the thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, it can cause erratic operation – or even complete shutdowns.
- Weather and environmental exposure. Rooftop units are especially vulnerable to damage from storms, hail, debris, and pests.
You can work to avoid breakdowns by scheduling routine inspections and servicing with a professional (twice per year), replacing worn parts before they fully break down, monitoring the system and your monthly bills for big changes or fluctuations, and using smart thermostats and sensors to detect irregularities early.
Be aware of warning signs that your system may need attention. Things like inconsistent temperatures, unusual noises, strange odors, thermostat issues, poor airflow, frequent cycling, and essentially anything unusual or out of the norm should not be ignored.
Comfort Class Heating & Cooling Services: Helping You With Care & Integrity
Comfort Class has been meeting the residential and commercial needs of customers all across the Skiatook area for years. Discover why so many satisfied businesses turn to Comfort Class for all their Skiatook and Tulsa commercial HVAC repair and service needs. Call or reach out online today.
Our experts are trained to cover all of your heating and cooling needs. Make us your go-to HVAC service provider.