Commercial HVAC Design Considerations for Workshops, Warehouses, and Garages

Commercial HVAC Design Considerations for Workshops, Warehouses, and Garages

Commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are the key to staying cool during a hot summer or warm during winter’s bitter cold. When you’re heating and cooling a garage, warehouse, or workshop, special attention must be made in regards to the air quality and frequently opening garage bay doors. 

The HVAC systems going into these commercial spaces present challenges that need to be addressed. It starts by assessing exactly what activities happen within the walls, what local codes require, and the region’s temperatures.

Climate Considerations in the Chicagoland Area

No matter how large or small you need a commercial HVAC system to be, it needs to handle Chicago’s climate. The system needs to be able to stand up to:

• Extreme Temperatures: Chicago is known for bitter cold winters and hot, humid summers. The hottest temperature recorded in Chicago was 105. The lowest was -26. The city also has a record wind chill of -60 set back in 1985.
• High Humidity: Summer humidity levels impact everyone in the city. Stagnant, hot, moist air inside your building increases the risk of mold and equipment damage. It also makes it very hard to work.
• Poor Air Quality: Chicago’s more industrial neighborhoods have poor air quality, and many of these areas have garages, warehouses, and workshops.
• Temperature Swings: Occasional temperature swings in a day or less are common. Some of history’s greatest temperature swings have seen the temperature go from the 70s to the teens in 12 hours, to rapid plummets from the 80s to the 60s in less than three minutes.

The Building’s Square Footage and Usage

No matter what commercial HVAC system is selected, it needs to adequately remove humidity and airborne fumes and contaminants, while also heating or cooling the air. The unit that’s chosen needs to match your building’s square footage and intended usage.

Depending on whether you have a garage, workshop, or warehouse, you need to pay close attention to:

Garages:

• High ceilings are required for lifts, but that makes it hard to keep the space cool or warm enough.
• HVAC equipment is going to be exposed to items like paint, automotive cleaners, fuel additives, and dirt and dust from cars. 
• Temperatures fluctuate each time a garage bay door opens to bring a car inside or move a repaired or inspected car back outside. Equipment like butane torches and welders also increases the temperature inside a garage.
• Ventilation systems need to be equipped to handle dangerous emissions like carbon monoxide and automotive exhaust fumes. They also need to consider any fluids or cleaners stored within the garage that could get onto the HVAC equipment.

Warehouses:

• Equipment from industrial machines generates a lot of heat and will impact an HVAC system’s efficiency.
• Large, open floor plans with high ceilings make it hard to ensure the hot or cold air circulates evenly, no matter where workers are.
• Offices are smaller spaces with doors and walls, while the floor areas are open and harder to keep cool due to the open space. One area may get too cold while another is too warm if you don’t have individual zones.
• Open garage doors at loading docks allow hot or cool air to escape the building and force the HVAC to work harder to compensate for the temperature change.
• Temperature-sensitive equipment and goods must be kept at the proper humidity and temperature levels to prevent damage or loss.

Workshops:

• Filtration of air to ensure tiny particles are removed from the air.
• Temperature control to ensure air from ducts reaches all areas of the workshop, to ensure occupants are comfortable, no matter the season.
• Ventilation of dust and fumes from kilns, ovens, painting, welding, and woodworking.

Important Commercial HVAC Design Considerations

Once you have an idea of what you need the commercial HVAC system to do, take time to consider these important considerations.

1. Air Distribution: 

Ceiling heights impact airflow. If you have high ceilings, it’s important to make sure that fans in the ducts and exhaust systems provide adequate airflow.

2. Commercial HVAC Equipment Selection: 

You have a budget to stick to, but you need to consider the energy bills generated by the equipment you choose. If you spent a few hundred more for a system that reduces your energy consumption by 10%, it may be worth the slightly higher cost.

3. Load Calculations: 

How many people are in the building? Is the building adequately insulated? How much heat is gained through large windows or machinery? What construction materials is the building made of?

4. Ventilation Needs:

What do local codes require for businesses in your industry? How many people are in the building, and what fumes or contaminants are they exposed to?

One of the best ways to ensure your commercial heating and cooling system is energy efficient is to match the equipment to your space and needs. Beyond those concerns, you also need to consider the type of commercial HVAC equipment and features they include:

• Adaptability: If your business grows, you’ll need a system that is easy to expand.
• Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV): Preheats or cools the outdoor air with the exhaust to reduce energy bills.
• Filtration: Specialized filtration is important if you’re running a manufacturing business, such as metal fabrication, extrusion, or coffee roasting, where the fumes must be addressed to prevent smoke or chemical inhalation.
• Maintenance: Being able to keep commercial HVAC equipment maintained properly is important. In between cleanings by HVAC professionals, your team needs to be able to handle filter changes and simple maintenance tasks.
• Rooftop Units: Great for large warehouses with plenty of roof space.
• Smart Thermostats: Smart technology like thermostats allows systems to learn when workers or occupants leave for the day and return. When a building isn’t occupied, the temperature is lowered to save energy.
• Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems – Ideal for energy efficiency and the ability to have different zones. Separate zones help when you’re cooling offices and large, open warehouse floors. 

Work With a Commercial HVAC Expert

One thing is important. No matter what size space you’re looking to heat and cool, you need a local commercial HVAC expert. It’s important that you partner with HVAC technicians who understand the climate and local building codes.

Before you choose a partner for your business’s HVAC needs, ask questions. You want to know the following.

• How long has the commercial HVAC company been in business?
• Are the HVAC installers and technicians licensed? Are they NATE Certified?
• Do they go through background checks?
• Is there a 100% satisfaction guarantee?
• Have they worked with businesses like yours?
• Are you likely to get hit with a surprise bill, or is pricing by the job?
• What do other customers have to say?

Air Blue Heating and Cooling has been helping Chicagoland commercial clients for more than 30 years. Our energy-efficient commercial HVAC systems are ideal for large open spaces like warehouses, garages, and workshops. Reach us online for a free quote.