What Are The Most Common Types Of Commercial Heating Systems?
Heating a commercial building through the winter time is no small feat. Between cold air sweeping in when doors open or an old system that just isn’t par for the course, if you’re a building owner, you have a lot to consider to keep your residents comfortable this winter. Luckily there are several good options available if you’re ready to upgrade your building’s heating system.
Older buildings in particular need an extra dose of attention to make sure their heating systems are properly functioning. We all know how difficult it is to work when we’re uncomfortable, so providing an acceptable, climate controlled atmosphere for your tenants is of top priority. If you’re looking into upgrading your building’s heating system, there are four types of commercial heating systems you should keep in mind:
Solar powered
Oil and gas steam heating
Water based systems
Heat pumps
Solar Powered (Natural Energy)
As a building owner, you are probably always on the lookout for ways to make your building more efficient and cut on costs, without sacrificing the quality of the environment. Building owners who want to decrease the carbon footprint their building produces are often the most interested in solar power energy to heat their buildings. Solar power is a natural energy in which solar collectors on a building’s roof collect heat from the sun to provide energy for warming the building. This option has grown immensely in popularity over the last several years as we realize more clearly how large of an impact business’ energy usage accounts for in America.
The concept of solar panels collecting heat and turning it into warmth may sound too simple, but there is actually quite a lot going on behind the scenes of a solar powered heating system. Known as active solar heating systems, these systems use flat plate solar collectors that control fluid (usually water) to trap heat from the sun, and then use a pipe to transport fluid that absorbs the sun’s heat. The fluid flows through the building and comes through radiators, baseboards and forced air systems. The same concept as oil and gas steam heating is used, but rather than waiting on gas or electricity to heat the fluid up.
Oil And Gas Steam Heating
As the ‘Grandfather’ of heating systems, oil and gas steam heating has long been around to provide heat for commercial buildings. These systems work by using oil or gas to boil and condense steam that will ultimately travel through pipes to heat the building. While there are some positives to these systems, such as high heating temperatures, the time it takes to heat the oil or gas system and then force the condensed steam through pipes is quite long compared to newer system options. Over time, you’ll end up paying quite a bit more to run and maintain an oil or gas heating system in a commercial building.
Water Based Systems
A water based heating system works in a similar manner to how oil and gas heating systems work. Water based heating systems rely on a boiler to heat water, which then flows through radiators throughout commercial buildings. The main downfall of a water based heating system is that the air has to clear each time the heat runs, which makes for a very long, continual process. It’s harder to keep a building consistently warm and comfortable enough using a water based system.
Heat Pumps
Unlike water, oil and gas based heating systems, a heat pump system works by pulling heat from the air and circulating it throughout the building. The technology of a heat pump works in a way similar to a refrigerator, by extracting heat in the area around it and transporting it to where it is needed. The main benefit of a heat pump system is that it is extremely energy efficient and cost effective since it doesn’t rely on a fuel source.
If you opt to use a heat pump to warm your property, you will also need to invest in an electric heater for backup if the air in your building gets too cold to pull heat from.
Commercial Heating Services Around DFW Metroplex
Finding the right HVAC business to trust with your commercial property can be risky business. If you’re a building owner, your property is a huge investment, which is why you should rely on the best of the best for your commercial heating needs. At Superior AC & Heat, we pride ourselves on nearly 40 years of fantastic customer care satisfaction. Our expert technicians are fully trained and equipped to handle any heating issue or emergency you may experience this winter as well as heating system installation.
Don’t let the hope of warmer days ahead shy you away from taking care of your property’s needs. Call us today at (817) 646-8200 to request a quote for your project!
