When it comes to industrial AC units and systems, size matters. However, it is imperative for them to be the right size, as choosing wrongly can lead to increased operating costs, decreased comfort levels of the occupants, and in the most extreme cases, equipment failure.
With this in mind, the logical question is: “What are the determining factors I should consider before choosing a portable air conditioner rental near me in order to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency of my facility?” Let’s dive in and find out!
How big is an industrial AC unit?
Industrial air conditioning units come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from small portable ones to absolutely massive (and immovable) central systems. However, aside from the physical size, there’s another measurement that is typically used to define the actual size of an HVAC unit or system called “tons of cooling capacity”.
By definition, one ton of cooling capacity is equivalent to the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours, which is approximately 12,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. So, a two-ton AC unit would be capable of removing 24,000 BTUs of heat per hour, which is enough to heat or cool approximately 1,500 square feet of space.
Are there other factors that determine the necessary size of an AC unit for an industrial facility?
Aside from the size of the space, factors that will further affect (and fine-tune) your choice of AC unit size include:
- The number of occupants;
- The amount of heat-generating equipment in the space;
- The climate in which the AC unit operates.
The logic here is quite simple: the larger the space or the more heat generated by equipment, people, and weather conditions, the larger the AC unit needed.
What size commercial AC unit do I need?
To determine the size of a unit that will fit the needs of your industrial facility, you will need to perform a “load calculation”. This entails measuring the heat gain of your facility, based on a number of factors, such as:
- The size of the space;
- The number of doors and windows;
- The quality of insulation;
- The number of occupants;
- The heat generated by the equipment.
The result of the load calculation will give you the BTU/hour rating that your facility requires.
Once you obtain the BTU/hour rating, you can then move on to choosing the appropriate tonnage of your AC unit. Here, you can follow the general rule of thumb, which is to have one ton of cooling capacity per 500 to 600 square feet of space. Do note that this is a general guideline and that the real tonnage will depend on the factors mentioned above.
Why shouldn’t I just get the biggest AC unit available?
While this may seem like a good idea, opting for a larger AC unit than necessary is actually counterproductive. Oversized units (in relation to the facility’s requirements), can cause a variety of issues, the most common being:
- Short cycling means that the unit will turn on and off more frequently than necessary, leading to increased wear and tear and significantly reduced energy efficiency.
- Improper dehumidification can lead to uncomfortable working conditions and, in some industries (e.g. food, pharmaceuticals, etc.) can severely impact the quality of the end product.
Who in Riverside County & near me offers a portable air conditioner rental that would be ideal for my facility?
Since 1978, Aerco Systems remains the partner of choice for industrial and commercial properties throughout the Riverside County area for everything related to portable HVAC units, chillers, and cooling towers. Whether you need a small portable unit for temporary cooling of your space in Corona or a larger one for a more extended period of time, we have the expertise and resources to meet your needs. Reach out today to schedule a consultation with our experts, and choose exactly the right type and size of a cooling system for your facility.