Choosing the Right HVAC System for Apartment Buildings: Solutions and Tips
Choosing the right HVAC system for multi-unit buildings is essential for ensuring your customer gets the most out of their system. Building owners have to balance specific tenant needs with long-term operational efficiency while adhering to building codes and sustainability initiatives. They rely on professionals like you to help them select the right solution and inform them of the pros and cons of the various options.
Different types of apartment HVAC systems have unique factors like their system size, installation requirements and maintenance considerations. Whether you’re tasked with a system replacement or a new build, picking the right HVAC systems for apartment buildings will ensure job success and fewer callbacks down the line.
Unique Considerations for Apartment HVAC Systems
When walking your customers through the different HVAC solutions available, it’s important to discuss the three main considerations when picking a system for an apartment building: space, noise constraints and energy efficiency.
While these factors impact the comfort of tenants, they also play a key role in the overall effectiveness of the system.
Space
Space is limited in apartment buildings, especially in high-density areas and older buildings. To fit comfortably into tight mechanical rooms or individual units, HVAC systems need to be compact and highly efficient.
Single-family homes can accommodate larger systems in their basements or attics. However, apartment HVAC systems need to be designed to maximize functionality without overwhelming the space.
This helps make the installation easier for you and helps avoid ongoing maintenance issues that require your attention down the road.
Noise Constraints
In apartment buildings, excessive noise leads to tenant complaints and a potential decrease in resigning leases. HVAC systems with large or outdated components can generate a lot of noise. Whether it’s loud humming, the whoosh of air through ducts or the rumble of a compressor, noise travels easily between units and can become disruptive.
To mitigate this issue or even enhance tenant satisfaction, point your customers in the direction of an HVAC system designed with noise reduction in mind. Alternatively, you can install soundproofing materials around ducts or individual units.
Choosing systems that allow for zoning can also help. With zoning systems, tenants can adjust the temperature in their own units, reducing the demand on shared systems and minimizing noise output from the entire system. Look for variable-speed air handles or inverter-driven compressors as these are typically quieter than their older counterparts.
Efficiency
If you have a customer whose main concern is efficiency, you’ll want to steer them in the direction of a more modern system. New systems are designed to use less energy while providing the same, or even better, performance as older models. Modern systems adjust the system’s output based on demand, allowing for more efficient use of energy.
You can also offer to install smart thermostats and energy management systems to further optimize energy usage.
Types of HVAC Systems for Apartments
Due to their cost effectiveness, ease of installation and space-saving tendencies, the two most popular types of HVAC systems for apartment settings are ductless mini-splits and packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs).
Ductless Mini-Splits
When traditional ductwork is impractical or expensive, ductless mini-splits are a great solution for apartments. Consisting of an outdoor compressor unit connected to one or more indoor air handlers, these systems offer you installation flexibility. Air handlers can be placed in various rooms, giving individualized temperature control for each unit.
Installation is quicker and less invasive as they don’t require ductwork, making them ideal for both new construction and renovation projects. While your customers may be weary of their higher upfront cost, it’s important to explain how their energy efficiency can reduce energy waste and lower utility bills, making them a wise long-term investment.
PTACs
If your customer owns an older apartment building, you will most likely recommend a PTAC unit — these systems are self-contained and installed through the wall, while the compressor is outside the building.
PTACs are a reliable and cost-effective solution for apartment buildings, especially in buildings where central systems aren’t feasible. This system makes installation easy, requires straightforward maintenance and offers on-demand temperature control.
It is important to note that when compared to more modern systems, they can be less energy efficient. Be sure to explain to your customer that an upgraded, energy-efficient model can help assuage some of the drawbacks.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Proper installation and regular maintenance are essential to ensure the system’s longevity. Here are a few tips to help ensure project success, maximize performance and avoid costly repairs.
Preparation
Assess the building’s unique needs, properly size the unit and ensure the system is installed per local codes and manufacturer guidelines. You don’t want to run into issues like inadequate airflow, improper refrigerant levels or electrical problems, as this can cause customer dissatisfaction and lead to callbacks.
Installation: A Quick Guide
By following these simple steps, you can properly install the chosen HVAC system to ensure optimal performance:
Installing Ductless Mini-Splits:
- Choose Locations: Mount the indoor unit 7 to 8 feet high and the outdoor unit on a flat, ventilated surface.
- Mount Indoor Unit: Install the mounting bracket, drill a hole for lines and drain.
- Install Outdoor Unit: Place on a stable pad or bracket.
- Connect Lines: Attach refrigerant lines (copper tubing) between units with flare fittings.
- Wiring: Connect electrical wiring and install a dedicated breaker.
- Drain Line: Attach the drain line to the indoor unit, ensuring it slopes downward.
- Evacuate & Charge: Use a vacuum pump to evacuate air and charge refrigerant.
- Seal & Insulate: Seal gaps and insulate refrigerant lines.
- Test: Test the cooling and heating functions for proper operation.
Installing PTACs:
- Choose Location: Select a spot on an exterior wall for the PTAC unit that allows proper airflow and accessibility.
- Prepare Opening: Measure and cut a hole in the wall for the PTAC unit, ensuring it’s level and the correct size.
- Install Wall Sleeve: Place the wall sleeve (if applicable) securely in the hole, ensuring it’s sealed to prevent drafts.
- Insert PTAC Unit: Slide the PTAC unit into the sleeve, ensuring it is level and fully seated.
- Connect Electrical Wiring: Follow the manufacturer’s wiring instructions to connect the unit to the power supply, including proper grounding and circuit breakers.
- Connect Drain Line: Attach the drain line to the PTAC unit and route it to the outside, ensuring a slight downward slope.
- Seal the Unit: Seal around the PTAC with weatherproofing material to prevent air and water leaks.
- Test Operation: Test the cooling and heating functions for proper operation.
Regular Upkeep
Once the system is installed, regular maintenance is key. Talk with the building owner or property manager to schedule annual or bi-annual inspections to ensure the system is operating optimally.
During these maintenance visits, you should clean or replace filters, inspect the ducts for leaks, check the refrigerant levels and ensure all the components work. A proactive approach is always best to identify small issues before they become big ones.
Support Your HVAC System With FAMCO
Having the right supporting components is just as important as choosing the right HVAC system itself. FAMCO is here to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your apartment HVAC system installation with our high-quality, energy-efficient components.
FAMCO offers a wide range of products designed to complement and enhance the performance of HVAC systems. Whether you’re looking for vent caps, exhaust fans or energy-saving solutions, FAMCO has durable and reliable products tailored to meet your needs.
In addition, our FAMCO team understands the challenges you face as an industry professional and is committed to listening to your needs, ensuring you have access to the best solutions to optimize your projects.
We can even email you helpful tips and videos every month to ensure you are performing at the top of your game for the ultimate success.
By choosing FAMCO, you’re not just investing in top-quality components — you’re partnering with a company that supports you every step of the way.
