Selecting the optimal system of commercial HVAC design in the rarefied atmosphere of Las Vegas is vital for energy efficiency and comfort in the building year-round. The summer heat demands a cooling system that can truly handle the high temps. This isn't just about good old-fashioned brute force. Anything that might be called an "air conditioning unit" has to keep the interior environment nice and cool, even when sweltering conditions prevail outdoors.
Adding to the subtle design challenges are considerations about how well (or not) the indoor air quality is maintained when any type of cooling system is in operation. The hearty VRF system is gaining traction largely because it is a robust and energy-efficient performer under even the hottest circumstances. On top of that, the flexibility with which it can be zoned and tailored to individual spaces in a building makes it an attractive option from a building owner's point of view.
In addition, the varied types of commercial spaces in Las Vegas compel the use of tailored HVAC designs. The gaming floor has high traffic and requires a different amount of airflow to keep the space comfortable, while a restaurant kitchen is the opposite and has to be designed to deal with cooking appliance heat. Meanwhile, the retail store is aiming for something somewhere in the middle. Each of these types of businesses needs a specific amount of cooling and has very different air-conditioning needs, which were examined in detail in Chapter 2.
The type of system used in a business hinges on three key factors: the operational demands of the business, the layout of the building, and the type of business itself. The integration of “smart” technologies, such as remote monitoring and automated controls, can result in some truly impressive energy savings. Even so, the optimal choice of system—tailored to your business—is the best way to guarantee both energy efficiency and comfort reliably over time. And for that, you need a knowledgeable design team.
Commercial settings need efficient HVAC systems, especially since they can account for a large portion of the operational budget. This is particularly true for Las Vegas and its very specific climate. Businesses should also take into consideration sustainable and eco-friendly options when planning their HVAC systems. Technologies such as heat recovery ventilation (HRV) can be very effective. An HRV takes the waste heat (or coolness, depending on the season) from the exhaust air and uses it to pre-condition the incoming fresh air. In effect, an HRV is really two fans and two ducts working in tandem with the two air streams—one coming into the building and one going out. Such not only reduce utility bills but also align with the increasingly common regulatory sustainability demands. And then, of course, there are the evergreen concerns about how solar gains in the building can be better managed and how the overall envelope can be made more effective.