Avoid temperature extremes (even cold feet!) when cooling large mixed-use spaces
September is prime time for weddings in the South. Guests, the wedding party, and especially the bride and groom want to be looking their best – they can’t do so when they’re a hot, sweaty mess on the big day! Enter commercial air conditioning.
Houses of worship, we’re talking to you. These facilities are mixed capacity depending on events, have large, open spaces along with small rooms, and an irregular audience.
Buildings like this have unique cooling needs – learn how commercial air conditioning systems, programmable thermostats, and even ductless cooling technology can keep guests cool despite your facility’s challenges.
Commercial Air Conditioning Systems
Churches and houses of worship are typically composed of many types of rooms serving various purposes. Some host large crowds while others are occupied by small groups. Additions are common, and construction techniques and materials may differ from the original structure. These unique elements present challenges to cooling a house of worship. Finding the right solutions and sizing them correctly is a job best handled by a commercial air conditioning contractor.
Depending on the size of the space, mixed-use, and other factors, commercial air conditioning systems may be composed of a single unit or multiple units. Multiple units effectively zone the space, allowing the space the unit serves to be cooled separately from the other areas of the facility.
This allows spaces to be cooled based on occupancy, especially during large events. Adjust temperature setting in the areas utilized and provide additional cooling to accommodate guests.
Using a zoning system with a single commercial air conditioner also allows for the same control. Large, open rooms with high ceilings, such as sanctuaries, gymnasiums and dining halls, can become uncomfortably warm from body heat, especially with large crowds.
Use ceiling fans rotating counterclockwise to maximize the efficiency of the commercial air conditioning system. Pull air up to the empty high ceiling area. This keeps guests cooler without additional cooling.
Ductless Commercial Air Conditioning Systems
Ductless systems for commercial air conditioning are another way churches and houses of worship can use zone cooling, setting precise, independent temperatures for areas hosting events.
The ductless air handler is installed on the wall or in the ceiling and is connected to an outdoor unit. A single outdoor unit can support multiple ductless air handlers, providing zoned cooling for multiple areas of the facility.
Adjust temperatures in the occupied area so the space stays comfortable. This conserves without energy by cooling only the space needed.
Programmable Thermostats for Commercial Air Conditioning
Programmable thermostats are a useful tool in churches and houses of worship. They allow effective and energy efficient control over commercial air conditioning systems. These thermostats are preprogrammed with temperature schedules around occupancy schedules. Set the temperature to lower before services start and to rise after everyone is gone.
For your September weddings and events throughout the year, use the ‘hold’ feature to temporarily override programmed settings. Select desired settings for the event time to keep guests comfortable, along with an endpoint to raise the temperature once the event ends.
With a zoned commercial air conditioning system, each zone has its own programmable thermostat. Therefore, settings can be personalized for the individual needs and occupancies of each area.
Keep your guests comfortable while hosting weddings, events, and services with the right commercial air conditioning solutions. Our commercial air conditioning specialists will help you find cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions to meet your needs and budget – contact Estes Commercial today.
