Right HVAC Systems for commercial buildings in Colorado

Colorado is a prime location for businesses because of its stunning Rocky Mountain scenery and hosts huge number of commercial buildings. Its important to choose right HVAC systems for commercial buildings in Colorado at greater altitudes. However, because of its high altitude, such buildings have to face greater challenges related to building design, particularly when it comes to HVAC systems.

Therefore, understanding the impact of elevation and choosing the right HVAC system is important for commercial buildings at high altitudes to ensure maximum comfort to their occupants without compromising energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

In this brief guide, let us explore how to choose the right HVAC systems for commercial buildings in Colorado at greater altitudes.

What are the challenges at higher altitudes?

As the altitude increases, the air pressure and density decrease because of thinning of air. This has a huge impact on HVAC systems in two ways:

• Reduced cooling capacity

Since standard air conditioners rely on the latent heat of condensation to cool air, at higher altitudes they struggle because, with the rise in altitude, thinner air holds less moisture. 

As per the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), air conditioning capacity can decrease by up to 3.5% for rise in every 1000 feet of elevation.

• Increased heating requirements

Not just cooling, heating is also affected at higher altitudes. Usually in such altitudes remain the colder temperatures. This means a more amount of heating system is needed to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. 

How to choose the right HVAC system for higher altitudes?

Here, let us discuss several factors that contribute to selecting the right HVAC system for high-altitude commercial buildings in Colorado:

1. Building size and occupancy

If the commercial building has had a higher number of occupants then it will obviously require a more powerful HVAC system.

2. Climate Zone

Colorado is a state with significant regional climate variations. So, you need to be clear about the specific zone’s heating and cooling needs to choose the right HVAC system.

3. Building insulation and air sealing

If the commercial building is insulated properly and air–sealed, then it can help minimize heat transfer and HVAC load.

Best HVAC Systems for High-Altitude Commercial Buildings

For commercial buildings at high altitudes, there are quite a lot of options in HVAC systems to choose from including:

1. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems

These are ductless HVAC systems that offer higher efficient zoned climate control. It is ideal for buildings that require different temperature needs. Such systems can adjust the refrigerant flow to each zone as per their requirement helping to optimize comfort and efficiency.

2. Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS)

DOAS offers excellent air ventilation as they efficiently treat outdoor air separately from conditioned air. So, this becomes beneficial, particularly for commercial buildings at higher altitudes where there is drier air, and thus ensures proper indoor air quality.

3. Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)

They are highly effective systems that capture heat and moisture from exhaust air and transfer them to incoming fresh air. This helps to reduce the energy required for heating and humidification at high altitudes.

4. High-efficiency Geothermal Heat Pumps

These systems use the Earth’s constant temperature for both heating and cooling. Though the installation cost of this type of system is initially higher, they can offer significant energy efficiency and long-term savings, especially in locations with higher energy needs.

Additional things to consider

Well, HVAC systems are one thing to consider to optimize your heating and cooling in commercial buildings at higher altitudes. But there are a few other things that are important to maintain optimum temperature.

For example, for large buildings, it is highly recommended that they go for oversized equipment. Selecting such systems having higher capacity than what is calculated for lower altitudes helps to compensate for reduced energy. Similarly, you must also consult HVAC professionals like Everest Mechanical to adjust HVAC system settings for operating at higher altitudes. This is another way to maximize its performance. And needless to say, regular maintenance is an important factor. This ensures that HVAC equipment is running smoothly without consuming much power.

Conclusion

So, when you understand the unique challenges faced by commercial buildings at higher altitudes and the different types of HVAC systems designed for such altitudes, you will be able to make better decisions in choosing the right HVAC system for such locations. And this will help businesses in Colorado ensure their occupants are comfortable along with saving huge on their energy bills. 

Everest Mechanical: For high-altitude commercial buildings HVAC needs

Now that you understand the unique challenges commercial buildings face with their HVAC system, we recommend getting in touch with Everest Mechanical, a trusted name in the field of HVAC services in Colorado. 

We have expert technicians who understand the unique challenges and have the right skills and knowledge to help you get the best HVAC system installed at your commercial buildings. 

Our technicians are experienced, trained, and certified and are well-versed with all the proficiency needed to work with the latest high-altitude HVAC solutions including the ones mentioned earlier (VRF systems, DOAS, and ERVs). We work closely with our clients to assess their building requirements and recommend the optimal system as well as help with proper installation and adjustment for best performance.

We have branches all over Colorado, in Arvada, Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Estes Park, Longmont, and nearby regions. So, for all your HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance needs, contact Everest Mechanicals now, and enjoy peace of mind for all your heating and cooling requirements.