Businesses working from smaller properties often ask JLA’s HVAC team whether cheaper domestic air-con units are a better investment than their commercial equivalents.
But when you’re weighing up performance, durability and compliance, we believe a commercial system is still your best option – even despite a higher cost.
In this post, we look at the key differences between domestic and commercial air conditioning – and explain why going commercial is almost always the right choice.
Commercial vs domestic AC: size and capacity
By design, commercial air conditioning systems are usually much larger and more powerful than their domestic counterparts. This is to help users control the temperature in much larger commercial properties like high-street shops, health clinics, care homes and shared office spaces.
Domestic units, on the other hand, are usually designed to cool smaller spaces like living rooms and bedrooms, and tend to lack power – and have to work harder – in larger spaces.
How durable are commercial AC units?
Commercial units are designed to run continuously during business hours and often all year round for effective climate control. This means they’re made from more durable components that can withstand wear and tear, making them much more reliable than domestic models which are used more intermittently, or even seasonally.
Assuming it’s been regularly serviced and maintained by an HVAC specialist, the lifespan of a commercial air conditioning unit should be around 15 years – far longer than most residential models.
Commercial units are more complex, but offer more options
Commercial air conditioning systems often involve multiple interconnecting units, with features including heat recovery and zoning that allow users to warm or cool different rooms within the same building. JLA’s commercial units can be wall- or ceiling-mounted:
Power inverter wall-mounted system
The sleek JLAWM range blends a host of outstanding features with a sophisticated pure white, flat panel, streamlined design. These units combine high seasonal efficiency and extreme flexibility with advanced control options and whisper-quiet operation. Plus, they’re easy to install.
4-way blow ceiling cassette system
The JLACS Standard Inverter range is a ceiling cassette system that rolls a host of outstanding features into a smart design. Offering advanced climate control options, the range provides real flexibility while being cost-effective throughout its life cycle.
How much will commercial AC cost?
Considering size, coverage, features and even their build quality, residential air conditioning systems are usually a lot cheaper to purchase upfront. Commercial models, meanwhile, offer far more in terms of features and performance, but tend to be more expensive.
However, there are always flexible funding options to help you spread the cost. Take JLA’s all-inclusive Total Care package, which offers the latest technology with nothing to pay upfront, inclusive servicing and repairs, and no hidden costs, for a single monthly fee.
You should also be able to access a range of service and breakdown contracts for existing commercial units; these will help you prolong your equipment’s service life while making sure it’s running safely and efficiently.
What about regulations and compliance?
When it comes to air conditioning, organisations across the UK must comply with legislation and regulations to keep their people and properties safe. Commercial environments are held to much more stringent standards for AC, which also covers regular servicing and maintenance. As standard, your organisation is expected to carry out:
- Refrigerant checks to optimise efficiency and identify leaks
- Filter inspections to ensure there’s a constant supply of clean, filtered air
- Cleaning of debris to remove potentially harmful waste
- Electrical maintenance
- Lubrication of moving parts to minimise wear and tear
- Inspection for blockages and signs of corrosion
- Annual leak testing for systems up to 5 CO2 tonnes, or every 6 months for systems up to 50 CO2 tonnes
Failing to meet these standards could mean bigger problems down the line – including health risks, costly downtime, or even fines.
Is installation different for commercial AC?
With residential systems, installation is often straightforward – properties are likely to be smaller, and you’ll usually need fewer units. Commercial systems should be installed by industry professionals due to strict regulations, standards and the complexity of the work required.
If you’d like help installing a compliant, cost-effective system for your organisation, why not contact us today?
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