Rooftop units, VRF and packaged systems
Unitary equipment, variable refrigerant flow and split systems for small and mid-size buildings. 11 guides.
- Cold climate heat pumps for commercial buildings
Learn what makes a heat pump suitable for cold climates, how capacity and efficiency change with outdoor temperature, and how to design backup heat, defrost and controls for commercial buildings in Canada.
- Computer room air conditioners vs comfort cooling
Learn how computer room air conditioners differ from comfort cooling equipment, why comfort units often fail in IT rooms, and how to choose the right cooling for small server rooms through to data halls.
- Ductless mini-splits in commercial applications
Learn where ductless mini-splits make sense in commercial buildings, how to select and locate them, and the common pitfalls with ventilation, condensate, cold weather and maintenance.
- Heat recovery VRF vs heat pump VRF
Learn how heat pump and heat recovery VRF systems differ, which buildings benefit from simultaneous heating and cooling, and how zoning decisions determine whether either type keeps occupants comfortable.
- Make-up air units: direct-fired and indirect-fired
Learn how direct-fired and indirect-fired make-up air units heat outdoor air, the code and safety rules that limit where each can be used, and how to size and control them for kitchens, warehouses and industrial spaces.
- Packaged terminal units and hotel HVAC
Learn how packaged terminal air conditioners and heat pumps work, why they remain common in hotels and apartments, and the ventilation, cold weather, noise and control issues to address when using or replacing them.
- Replacing rooftop units: what to check first
Learn what to check before replacing a packaged rooftop unit, from load and airflow to curbs, roof structure, utilities, controls and permits, so the new unit fits and performs better than the old one.
- Rooftop unit selection for commercial buildings
Learn the main decisions in selecting a packaged rooftop unit, from capacity and heating source to economizers, ventilation, efficiency ratings and the options that matter most in cold Canadian climates.
- VRF design: refrigerant piping, leak limits and CSA B52
Learn how VRF piping is laid out and sized, how designers check refrigerant quantity against room volume under CSA B52, and the mitigation options available when a small room fails the check.
- Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems explained
Learn how a VRF system moves refrigerant to multiple indoor units from one outdoor unit, what makes it efficient, where it works well and the limitations owners should understand before choosing it.
- Water source heat pump systems
Learn how a water source heat pump system moves heat around a building through a common water loop, how the loop is kept within its temperature range, and the design and maintenance issues that decide its performance.