Commercial Heat Pumps

Commercial Heat Pumps: What You Need to Know

Commercial air conditioners are ideal for heating and cooling down commercial kitchens and restaurant dining rooms. Depending on your needs, they can come in single- or multi-zone units. Some available units don't require ductwork, so installation is quick and easy. Commercial electric wall heaters are perfect for keeping restaurant entryways, large bathrooms, and lobbies warm.

Some commercial wall air conditioners come equipped with control features such as an electronic touchpad or a remote control to simplify operation. Commercial heaters and commercial air conditioners are available in environmentally friendly designs that use R401A refrigerant. To diminish ambient noise, there are commercial air conditioners that run quietly and efficiently.

Common Questions About Commercial Air Conditioners

What is a commercial heat pump?

A commercial heat pump is a system that heats and cools, and it runs on the same refrigeration cycle that other air conditioning systems use. The main difference between a commercial heat pump and a conventional air conditioning system is that commercial heat pumps can reverse the flow of refrigerant, providing heat or cooling the area where the unit is. This is done by taking external heat and bringing it inside or removing heat from an area and releasing it outside. Although the system seems more complex than typical air conditioning systems, commercial heat pumps feature only two more moving parts than other refrigeration systems and don't require maintenance for the electric heating coils.

What does zoning refer to?

Zoning refers to the environments – or rooms – your ductless commercial air conditioning system manages. These ductless systems individually manage the "zones" using remote thermostats, which control the air flow and temperature for each zone or room.

Should I get a single- or multi-zone unit?

If you only need to add extra heat or cold air to one area of your restaurant, a single-zone unit would be the best option for you. Single-zone commercial wall air conditioners efficiently heat and cool a single room and blend into their environment well. To operate a single-zone unit, you just need to set the temperature and the unit handles the rest. Operation is simple because you only need to worry about setting the temperature on one unit.

If you want to cool five rooms using a single system, then a multi-zone commercial heat pump would be the best choice for you. A multi-zone unit can heat or cool multiple rooms and can be ductless – meaning it doesn't require ductwork. These units consist of an outdoor unit and multiple indoor commercial air conditioners that can be mixed and matched for use in as many as five zones.

What does an ENERGY STAR rating mean?

ENERGY STAR – a voluntary program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – ensures businesses conserve energy and money by being energy efficient. The ENERGY STAR label was created to reduce pollutants, such as greenhouse gas emissions, and support buyers in shopping for products that can diminish utility costs without sacrificing features and performance. Products that receive an ENERGY STAR rating must deliver the features and performance that consumers demand and have increased energy efficiency.