Commercial vs. Residential Systems: What’s the Real Difference?

Both homes and businesses in Tucson count on their cooling and heating systems to provide year-round comfort. However, you might wonder how commercial and residential systems differ. For example, why can’t you install a commercial air conditioner unit at your home to cool your home more rapidly during the summertime? There are actually several key differences between commercial and residential cooling and heating systems, which are outlined below.  

System Capacity

One of the most important distinctions between home heating and air conditioning systems and commercial ones is their size. Commercial spaces occupy much more square footage than homes, and they may have features like high ceilings, open floor plans, and the use of other commercial appliances that make it harder to maintain a consistent temperature. Therefore, commercial systems must be much larger to cool and heat the entire building. A typical residential air conditioning unit would quickly become overloaded trying to cool a commercial building. 

System Design and Complexity

Commercial buildings are often much more complex in their design and layout than single family homes. They may feature specialized facilities like labs or server rooms, have multiple units like different offices or retail spaces that require individual temperature controls, or house commercial kitchens. To accommodate these features, commercial systems need more complex designs and mechanisms that would not be necessary in a home heating and air conditioning setup. For example, commercial and industrial systems often utilize dampers and actuators to enable precise control over airflow, while residential systems do not require these components. 

System Placement

Because commercial systems are so large and loud, they are often placed on rooftops. With residential systems, they may be placed on the roof or at ground level on the side of the home or in the front or back yard. This placement can make it easier to access residential units, which can be helpful when scheduling maintenance and repairs. 

Operational Costs and Maintenance Needs

It is likely no surprise that commercial cooling and heating systems cost more to operate than residential systems because they are larger and more complex. These systems can also be costlier to maintain because not every cooling and heating company in Tucson services commercial and industrial systems. Commercial service is more specialized, although both residential and commercial service should always be performed by a trained and experienced professional. Additionally, both residential and commercial systems require annual maintenance to optimize their efficiency and prolong their lifespan. 

With B & J Refrigeration, you can address all your cooling and heating needs, whether you need a seasonal tune-up for your residential air conditioner unit or a complete overhaul of your commercial system. Our highly skilled team has been serving Southern Arizona for more than 50 years, and we are happy to provide an estimate for your cooling and heating needs.