How to choose an air conditioner for a store and not overpay?

The importance of choosing the right air conditioner

Among the features of the store, which sells groceries, is the presence of refrigeration systems. All kinds of display cases and cabinets are used to store food. Each of these has its own refrigeration system. By design, the devices are very similar to conventional refrigerators, where there is a compressor unit with an evaporator, they are located in the same case. Therefore, when a process involving the cooling of different types of products is carried out, a large amount of warm air from the system enters the store premises. This increases the temperature, which makes the cooling system work harder. This leads to additional heating and a continuous, spiraling process occurs. To break this cycle, an air conditioning system must be installed. 

The best option for an air conditioning system for a retail outlet        

Currently, a split-class system starts at $250. This is an affordable system model and the most common among store owners. These systems work on the principle of the presence of a pair of units, one of which is installed indoors and the other is located on the outside of the building. At the same time, this type of device can cool the air that is in the room itself.

There are a number of undeniable advantages of this air conditioning system

• First of all, it's comfort in terms of noise.
  
• The mounting system is very convenient because the modules can be placed almost anywhere in the retail space.
  
• The design is quite simple, which has a positive effect on both the cost of the product and the price of its installation.
  
• A very efficient system of operation.

The main disadvantage of this system is the lack of the ability to provide the retail space with fresh air.

The multisplit system starts at $900. Its design can include only one unit, which is installed outside, and about eight indoor devices. The installation procedure will be more expensive due to the fact that a larger number of routes will be required to run from the outdoor unit to all internal elements, compared to the conventional version of the air conditioner.

Underfloor or ceiling air conditioning systems are based on the principle of a pipeline. This element is located between indoor and outdoor units. It is through it that the refrigerant moves. If you look at the name of such a system, you can understand that the indoor unit can be mounted on the walls or ceiling.

There are a number of advantages of the system:

• a lot of space is freed up on the wall
  
• it can work very effectively in rooms where the ceiling height reaches 3.8 meters
  
• no need for additional equipment of the suspended ceiling system
  
• when installing the system on the ceiling, there will be no places where overcooling occurs due to the high degree of efficiency during operation.

There are also some drawbacks in the system:

• no possibility to provide fresh air supply
  
• the height of the ceiling in the outlet should exceed 3 meters.

Air conditioners of cassette class

One of the distinctive features is the production of a cassette drive unit, which is then mounted on a suspended ceiling system. For medium or small power units, the dimensions are 600x600 mm. This allows it to coincide with the ceiling system, which makes it possible to distribute air in four directions simultaneously.
There are advantages of this system:

• the design style is not spoiled due to installation on the ceiling system
• high elegance and aesthetics of the design
• no separate areas with overcooling or insufficient cooling
• there is a possibility of fresh air supply.
  

Among the disadvantages is the lack of alternatives to suspended ceiling equipment, which automatically reduces the height of the room itself.

Type of column class

It is characterized by the absence of the need to mount the indoor unit of the air conditioning system. The column itself is simply installed on the floor in the room. This is simply an indispensable option when there is no possibility of installing other types of air conditioners.

There are several significant advantages of this system:

• there is no need to install it
  
• the system can serve a large store space at once
  
• there are several options for the design of the room
  
• it can be used in restaurant and office class premises
  
• the system has a high power factor
  
• cold air can be supplied according to a comfortable scheme.

There are also drawbacks:

• very impressive dimensions of the system
  
• no possibility of fresh air supply
  
• if a person stays in close proximity to the column for a long time, there is a high probability of getting sick.

Ducted air conditioners are among the most popular systems used in stores. The cooled air is supplied through special air ducts mounted directly above or below the ceiling system. The indoor unit is mounted in such a way as not to attract additional attention. Therefore, it is possible to understand that there is a system in the room by the so-called diffusers. It is through them that air enters.

Among the advantages of the system are several characteristic features:

• high degree of aesthetics due to the hidden type of construction
  
• one system can be used to serve a number of premises
  
• there is also a fresh air supply option.

A number of shortcomings that need to be emphasized:

• installation of such a structure is characterized by a high degree of complexity due to the laying of diffusers and air ducts
  
• the height of the room is reduced
  
• This system can cool all rooms or heat them without the option of operating in different modes. 

Multizone class system

It is an option that is perfect for a sales area that is divided into sectors. This system is also called an inverter type and helps to condition the air in buildings with a zonal principle of air temperature control.

There are many positive aspects of using such a system:

• inter-block class communication (external elements can be placed on any building structures and in premises remote from the store)
• the outdoor unit can simultaneously ensure the operation of many internal elements, positively affecting the appearance of the building
• a wide range of options allows you to perfectly match the system to any store
• such systems operate efficiently in emergency modes due to load redistribution to serviceable units
• more accurate temperature control up to 0.5 degrees
• there is an option for heating and even ventilation
• high efficiency of the system
• ease of installation is achieved by connecting the units to a single type of pipeline, then the system can be constantly expanded
• the noise indicator is at a minimum level
• the system is easy to maintain compared to other options.

Among the disadvantages is the increased cost compared to analogues.

Chiller-francoil system

It is the most popular option for commercial premises. Among the main advantages is the ability to set your own climate indicator for any of the premises of a commercial establishment.

There are a number of important advantages of such a system:

• there is an option to work simultaneously in a number of rooms
• installation can be carried out in situations where routes are stretched at different heights
• ordinary water can be used as a coolant, which reduces the cost of work in the event of a leak in the system
• excellent aesthetics due to the fact that the outdoor unit will not spoil the appearance of the building facade
• if necessary, air conditioning can be turned on not only throughout the system, but also on a separate component using a remote control or a special dispatch system
• the possibility of a flexible control system for air conditioning.
  

Among the disadvantages is the high price at all stages of system maintenance and installation. At the same time, only high-class specialists can work with it.

Finding out the cost of an air conditioning system in a store

As for the price aspect, air conditioning systems are divided into three types:

• The budget segment includes systems that will cost between $250 and $400.
  

• The middle class is priced in the range from $400 to $600.

• The elite segment is priced at more than $600-800.
  

The above prices are for the equipment only, they do not include the cost of installation work.

It happens that the model belongs to the budget option, but you accidentally got into an expensive store where an inexpensive air conditioning system can cost several times more. The same goes for different manufacturers. In order not to make a mistake with the purchase, you need to pay attention to a number of features of the device:

• number of filtration systems
• the degree of functionality of the system
• noise figure
• natural indicator
• place of system assembly
• quality of fasteners.
  

It should be borne in mind that within the same series, such systems differ in terms of power. Therefore, a 20-square-meter version will cost less than one designed for 50 square meters. To understand the power of the system, you need to look at the numbers in its name.

Inverter or non-inverter system?

It should be said right away that the inverter type is better. The principle of operation of the non-inverter version is based on setting the temperature to 16 degrees by the remote control. Freon itself enters the room at a temperature of 12 degrees. To obtain the required indicator, the indoor unit is equipped with a sensor. It is the sensor that gives the command to the outdoor unit to turn off. After a certain period of time, the indoor component starts working again and a stream of cold air enters the room. Therefore, the non-inverter version works at certain time intervals.

This principle of operation has its drawbacks when it comes to retail space:

• the air conditioner is characterized by a noise indicator during start-up
• during startup, it experiences overload, which reduces its service life
• high level of energy consumption
• low degree of accuracy for setting the temperature within 3 degrees
• the air conditioner produces a large air flow, which leads to drafts in stores.

The inverter option does not have such disadvantages. The principle of its operation was discovered in 1981. The cooler itself has the same temperature upon entry with the presence of a thermal sensor on the internal element. At the same time, the external element has an additional function of regulating the fan speed. Therefore, the coolant will be supplied in different portions, which will maintain a constant temperature. Therefore, the price of such a system is 30 percent higher than the previous version.

Based on the above, a number of characteristic parameters can be noted:

• 250 $ -400 $ you can buy a non-inverter option of fairly good quality
• inverter type will cost in the range from $ 400 and up to $ 600
• the amount of more than $ 600 can be indicated only for multifunctional versions of the inverter class.

         What systems are needed, based on the types of goods presented in the store

If it is too hot or too cold in the store, customers will not visit such retail space. Therefore, it's time to start shopping and decide on the type of air conditioning system if your store does not have one yet. The main postulates are the power and performance of the systems.

When installing a split system in a small establishment, you need to take into account the sources of thermal energy and the flow of customers. The frequency with which doors are opened and their location are taken into account. The installation is carried out taking into account the air not getting on the visitors.

Small retail spaces of up to 80 square meters can sell various categories of goods. At the same time, they may include several kiosks or stores located inside other premises. This should be taken into account when choosing an air conditioner.

It is not uncommon for retailers of manufactured goods to sell items with specific odors. Such stores should have good ventilation so that odors do not affect health. Among the best options would be the possibility of air renewal within an hour of operation. The calculation takes into account the area of the establishment, the number of visitors and the number of windows. For this type of store, a duct or cassette air conditioning system is ideal. It is also possible to install a ceiling type of air conditioner, usually in the cash register area.

However, elevated temperatures in the checkout area will force visitors to leave the premises earlier, and the cashier may quickly get sick. Therefore, the system should be installed in a way that is comfortable for both employees and visitors.

When choosing an air conditioner for a grocery store, you need to take into account the storage conditions of the products. Therefore, it is important to maintain the required temperature. The ventilation process will come second. You need to choose a system that will cope with maintaining the temperature and will not interfere with the equipment in its operation.

As for clothing stores, if it is a boutique, a comfortable temperature is of paramount importance. First of all, you need to take into account the indicators in the fitting rooms. Often boutiques are equipped with chiller-fan coil air conditioning systems, which are installed in shopping centers.

Can the systems be used for retail space in winter?       

Most models can heat the air and are therefore used in winter.

The system heats the room based on the physical principle of liquids. During condensation, heat is generated, and when evaporation occurs, the liquid is absorbed. Freon is usually used. When the system cools, it turns into a gaseous state, absorbing the heat itself. To ensure continuity, a condenser is used to accumulate the coolant. When working for heating, the process is reversed.

Freezing of the outdoor unit. Its efficiency is an order of magnitude higher than a conventional heater. When consuming a kilowatt of power and generating 98 percent of the heat, the air conditioner is able to create 300 percent. This is possible based on the principle of its operation, where there is no outflow of energy to heat some elements. Therefore, systems cannot always operate at low temperatures. In the usual case, heating is possible in the fall or spring. When operating in winter, the outdoor component may freeze. At a temperature of 5 degrees, freezing is possible if the room is being cooled.

Temperature type mode. Different models have different temperature tolerances, if violated, the service life and performance of the system will be reduced. This leads to breakdowns. The cost of models that work in winter is an order of magnitude higher than conventional options. When choosing a model, you need to evaluate the nuances of the system. You need to study the documentation attached to the air conditioner.

Calculation of the capacity indicator for retail space

Determining the power factor has its own individual characteristics. For example, for different classes of premises, you need to take into account the heat energy released by the equipment in the room. To calculate the system capacity, you need to identify the main heat sources and then simply sum them up. The best way to understand the calculation principle is to use an example that takes into account the heat emitted by equipment and people with the calculation of correction factors.

Example of calculation

The retail space is 40 square meters, with a ceiling height of 2.5 meters and several vendors, with a workload of up to 10 visitors. There are three chest freezers and the same number of freezer cabinets. A couple of windows face the sunny side.
Given that the windows face south, we take q = 40W\m3.
          Q1 = 40 * 2.5 * 40/1000 = 4 kW
          Q2 = 3 * 0.15 + 3 * 0.25 = 1.2 kW
          Q3 = 12 * 0.1 = 1.2 kW
          Q = 3 + 1.2 + 1.2 = 6.4 kW
We round up to the larger system type and as a result we get a 7 kW variant corresponding to the 24th class of the system.

The type of system should be determined based on the price of the equipment itself and the procedure for its installation. 

We hope that the information provided will be useful to you.