Thinking about getting a new HVAC system installed in your office? An HVAC system does more than just heat or cool your office space. It affects productivity, employee energy costs, and can help keep your team more comfortable.
With so many options on the market today, it can feel daunting to pick the right system. There are big price differences between systems and many variables to consider. We’re here to walk you through selecting the perfect HVAC system for your office.
Why Does Your HVAC Matter?
Your office HVAC system heats and cools your space to keep it at a comfortable temperature. If your system can’t keep your office cool when it’s hot outside, or warm when it’s cold, your employees won’t be able to focus.
Research has even shown that productivity levels decrease when temperatures are too high or too low.
It also filters your air and improves air quality. Running your system on poor ventilation will only increase sick days, headaches, and fatigue.
Heating and cooling also make up for about 39% of energy usage in commercial buildings. Make sure you choose the right HVAC system to keep those costs down.
Take stock of your office space.
Know your space: When you’re ready to take HVAC system shopping, you’ll need to know your space inside and out. How big is your office? How many rooms does it have? How much space does furniture take up? Who shares the space with you and how many people are typically working in the office at one time? All these questions matter when picking an HVAC system.
How much sunlight does your office get? Are there rooms that might heat up more than others? Are there problems with insulation? Drafts? Windows? The better you understand your space, the better recommendation you’ll get from contractors.
Here’s a quick look at the most common types of HVAC systems.
Types of HVAC systems:
Split systems
This is the most common type of HVAC system. A split system has two pieces – one indoor unit and one outdoor unit. They’re the most popular for residential and smaller commercial spaces.
Packaged systems
Packaged systems include all components in one outdoor unit. These often are installed on the roof of a building. They’re great for offices with smaller indoor spaces.
Ductless mini-split systems
Want individual control over temperatures in different zones? Ductless mini-split systems are perfect for offices who may need different temperatures in certain rooms. You can cool your conference room while keeping your workstations at a lower temperature. (And save energy while you’re at it!)
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems
Looking for a high-end HVAC solution? HVAC professionals recommend these systems when you have multiple rooms you’d like to heat and cool at the same time.
Pick an Energy Efficient System
Take a look at the energy efficiency ratings of the system.
Find out the SEER rating: SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficiency ratio.” Cooling efficiency is measured in SEER ratings. The higher the better.
Find out the HSPF rating: Heat pumps are measured by HSPF ratings, which stands for “heating seasonal performance factor.” Again, you want this to be as high as possible.
As a general rule, look for HVAC systems with SEER 16+ and HSPF ratings of 8.5+.
Energy Star units meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the federal government. This certification helps you save money on energy costs over time – even if your initial purchase price is higher.
Size the system properly.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is purchasing an HVAC system that is too small or too large for your office space. A system that’s too small will struggle to keep your office at the desired temperature and will have to run constantly.
If your system is too large it will turn on and off too frequently, resulting in higher energy bills and wear and tear on your equipment.
Honest HVAC professionals should walk your office through the proper calculations when selecting a new system. Take square footage, rooms, insulation, windows and office climate into consideration. There’s a precise science to it – don’t try to guess.
Maintenance
- No matter what system you choose, be prepared to provide routine maintenance.
- Change filters every 1–3 months.
- Have professionals inspect your system at least twice a year.
- Budget for repairs as needed.
Consider smart system features. Newer HVAC units have smart technology that can notify you of changes or problems in your system. Taking care of small issues now can save you from costly repairs down the road.
Installation
When it comes to installation, you can expect to pay a wide range of prices. Installation cost depends on the complexity of your system and how long it takes to install.
Systems that aren’t as complex are cheaper to install. Adding ductwork or multiple components can raise your cost. If your office space doesn’t currently have ducts, going with a ductless system may lower your overall price.
Be sure to get quotes from at least 3 qualified contractors. Ask about warranties on both parts and labor.
Budget for Operating Costs
When choosing a new HVAC system, consider your budget for operating costs. Yes, you should pay attention to price, but operating costs over the lifetime of your system are more important.
By investing in an efficient system, you may be able to save thousands on energy costs over time. Learn about peak electricity rates and how your new HVAC system can help reduce energy consumption when rates are highest.
Controls and features
Smart features on newer HVAC systems are quite beneficial and many control features can help you save money:
Programmable thermostat: program your system to only run when your office is open or when there are people inside.
Zone heating and cooling: if you don’t need to heat or cool every part of the office, you won’t have to!
Monitor and control settings remotely with smart features that connect to your smartphone or computer.
Indoor air quality features to look for:
- True HEPA filtration: These filters capture dust, allergens, and bacteria.
- UV lights: help decrease germs and airborne pathogens.
- Humidification: avoid dry air
- Ventilation: brings fresh outside air into your office and dilutes polluted air.
Wrap up
Take stock of your office: Understand your space and how many square feet, rooms, and people share the space with you. Know your budget and reach out to certified contractors to get a professional recommendation. Always seek out 3 quotes or more before hiring a contractor.
Efficiency: Make sure you understand efficiency ratings and how to keep operating costs low with features like programmable thermostats and zoning controls.
Budget, warranty, lifespan: Don’t just look at the price of a new system. How long will it last and what are the warranty options? HVAC systems should last 15–20 years if taken care of.
Shop around, ask questions, and you’ll find the right HVAC system to keep your office comfortable for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of HVAC system is best for an office building?
There are many different HVAC systems, but the most common ones for commercial spaces are split systems, packaged systems, ductless mini-split systems and variable refrigerant flow systems.
How big of an HVAC unit do I need for my office?
That depends on how big your office is. You will want to take into consideration square footage, how many rooms you’ll be heating and cooling, level of insulation, and how many people are typically in the office at once. A certified HVAC contractor should be able to help you determine the best size system for your office.
How can I improve my office HVAC energy efficiency?
Look for HVAC systems with high SEER and HSPF ratings. The higher the better. Energy Star units are certified to save you money on energy costs throughout their lifetime. Even if their initial purchase price is higher.
Can I control different temperatures in different areas?
Yes! If you want individual control over different areas in your office look into a ductless mini-split system or VRV system. You can save money by not cooling or heating rarely used areas.
What kind of maintenance does an HVAC system require?
Your HVAC system will need you to change or clean filters every 1-3 months. You should schedule professional inspections at least twice a year. And like any machine they may need occasional repairs.
How long will my HVAC system last?
With proper maintenance, your HVAC system should last 15-20 years. Regular maintenance and proper sizing can increase the longevity of your system. You can save money by investing in an energy efficient HVAC system.
