Choosing an HVAC System 227

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN

SELECTING UNITARY SYSTEMS

A solid understanding of the various types of commercial

HVAC systems and their selection is important because if you are
the energy manager or facilities engineer the position often calls
for being the owner’s representative to work with others to en-
sure that the owner gets the environmental system that will best
fit his needs. The following are some of the advantages and dis-
advantages to consider when selecting unitary systems.
Unitary systems can provide heating and cooling capability
at all times independent of other spaces in the building but basic
systems do not provide close humidity control. However, close
humidity control is not needed for most applications. Close hu-
midity control, if needed, in computer room applications or the
like, can be accomplished by selecting special purpose packaged
units. An advantage of unitary systems is only the one unit and
one temperature zone is affected if a unit malfunctions. One
drawback of unitary units is that the operating sound levels can
be high. Another is that appearance can be unappealing. Other
disadvantages are that air filtration options may be limited and
outdoor air economizers are not always available to provide low
cost cooling. Condensate can be a problem if proper removal is
not provided.

Control of Temperature and Airflow

Individual room control (on/off and temperature) is simple
and inexpensive. However, because temperature control is usu-
ally two-position, there can be swings in room temperature. The
room occupant has limited adjustment on air distribution but air-
flow quantity is fixed by design. Ventilation air is provided when-
ever the conditioner operates. Ventilation air is fixed by design as
are the sizes of the cooling and condenser coils.

One Manufacturer is Responsible for the Final Unit

Manufacturer-matched components have certified ratings
228 HVAC Fundamentals

and performance data and factory assembly allows improved

quality control and reliability. There are a number of manufactur-
ers, so units are readily available, but equipment life may be short
(10-15 years) as compared to larger equipment which may have
life expectancies of 20-25 years. Manufacturers’ instructions and
multiple-unit arrangements simplify the installation through rep-
etition of tasks.

Maintenance and Operation

Generally, trained operators are not required and less me-
chanical and electrical space is required than with central systems.
However, maintaining the units is more difficult because of the
many pieces of equipment and their location, which is usually in
occupied spaces.

Costs and Energy Efficiency

Initial cost is usually low but operating cost may be higher
than for central systems. This will be the case when the unitary
equipment efficiency is less than that of the central system com-
ponents. Also, energy use may be greater because fixed unit size
increments require over-sizing for some applications. However,
for applications such as leased office space, energy use can be
metered directly to each tenant. Units can be installed to condi-
tion just one space at a time as a building is completed, remod-
eled, or as individual areas are leased and occupied. Another
energy management opportunity with unitary systems is that
units serving unoccupied spaces can be turned off locally or from
a central point, without affecting occupied spaces.