What Is an Air Conditioner?
An air conditioner is a mechanical system that removes heat and humidity from an indoor space by transferring that heat to another place (typically outdoors) using the refrigeration cycle. In commercial applications, “air conditioner” can mean a packaged rooftop unit, split system, chiller, or other equipment that provides cooling for an entire building, a floor, or a zone.
How Does an Air Conditioner Work?
An air conditioner works by circulating refrigerant through a closed loop. Inside the building, the refrigerant absorbs heat in the evaporator coil and evaporates from a liquid to a gas. The compressor then pressurizes this refrigerant gas, raising its temperature. The hot, high‑pressure gas flows to the outdoor condenser coil, where it releases heat to the outside air and condenses back into a liquid. The refrigerant then passes through an expansion device, which lowers its pressure and temperature before returning to the evaporator coil to repeat the cycle. This process cools indoor air and helps regulate humidity.
Types of Commercial Air Conditioning Systems
Commercial HVAC systems come in various configurations to suit different building sizes and applications. Here are some of the most common types:
- Single-Split Systems: Ideal for smaller commercial spaces like small offices, server rooms, or boutiques, these systems connect one indoor unit to one outdoor unit. They offer independent temperature control for individual rooms.
- Multi-Split Systems: Similar to single-split systems, but they connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit. This saves space and is suitable for larger retail spaces, restaurants, and doctors' offices.
- Packaged Rooftop Units (RTUs): These are all-in-one units that house all the major components in a single cabinet, typically mounted on the roof. RTUs are a popular choice for small to mid-size commercial buildings as they are easy to install and maintain.
- Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems: A system that distributes refrigerant throughout the building in lieu of water or air. The technology uses refrigerant as a cooling and heating medium. VRF systems can provide simultaneous heating and cooling to different zones, making them highly energy-efficient and ideal for hotels, hospitals, and large office buildings.
- Chiller Systems: Commonly used in medium- to large-sized commercial buildings, chillers cool water that is distributed through a piping network to coils in air‑handling units or hydronic terminal units to cool the air. They are highly efficient for larger applied cooling applications.
Whether you're planning infrastructure upgrades or new construction, contact your local Trane representative to determine which type of commercial air conditioner will work best for your facility.
