How to Plan HVAC Systems for Commercial Buildouts in Existing Structures
When preparing for commercial buildouts, HVAC planning sometimes takes a back seat until it becomes a problem. Whether you’re a contractor overseeing a retrofit or a building owner reconfiguring interior space, your success hinges on one critical factor — HVAC adaptability.
Unlike new construction, commercial buildouts in existing structures demand custom HVAC strategies that work with (not against) what’s already in place. The right approach can help your team accomplish more work and ensure everyone remains comfortable throughout the year.
At The Severn Group, we’ve seen what happens when HVAC is an afterthought. This guide can make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
Why HVAC Planning Matters in Commercial Buildouts
Commercial buildouts change how buildings breathe. Adding rooms, moving walls, or adjusting usage zones impacts airflow and load demands. If your HVAC isn’t recalibrated accordingly, it could struggle with comfort and efficiency.
Keeping your commercial space cool (under 80.6℉) is great for productivity. On the other hand, every one-degree increase above that threshold can decrease productivity by up to 4%.
Failing to properly assess your HVAC system before commercial buildouts can result in problems such as:
- Warm internal temperatures
- Costly delays during construction
- Inefficiencies
- Compliance issues
- Limited future flexibility
What’s the best approach? Involve HVAC experts during the early design phase of commercial buildouts to prevent problems down the road.
Planning HVAC Systems for Commercial Buildouts
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you need to do when planning HVAC systems for commercial buildouts.
Assess the Existing HVAC Infrastructure
Take stock of the existing infrastructure and systems in place. You need a clear picture of what you’re working with before you can design a new system or modify an old one. Some of the elements you need to inspect include the following:
- Age and condition of the HVAC equipment
- Existing ductwork layout
- Zoning configurations and control systems
- Electrical and mechanical limitations
Many older buildings use outdated or undersized ductwork that can’t support additional airflow. The Severn Group’s in-house metal fabrication team can create custom ductwork to fit tight or irregular spaces.
Avoid the “One-Size-Fits-All” Trap
System sizing is critical. However, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to HVAC systems. A unit that is too small won’t be able to meet your heating and cooling needs, but a system that is too large will waste energy and money. Humidity control will also become a recurring problem.
During commercial buildouts, HVAC professionals must perform load calculations to determine the appropriately sized system for the updated layout. Changes to square footage, occupancy, and usage must all be accounted for. Some examples include the following:
- Thermal loads from new equipment or appliances
- Sun exposure after structural changes
- Added or removed insulation
Select a professional team that employs modern load calculation strategies to determine the ideal system for your space.
Ensure Energy Efficiency and Building Code Compliance
Modern HVAC systems are held to higher efficiency standards. Most commercial buildouts must meet updated energy codes and emission targets. High-efficiency units reduce operating costs and help your business achieve its green goals. Smart controls and automation enable more precise zoning, allowing you to reduce energy waste.
When planning your HVAC system, consult with your installer about additional equipment that can enhance air quality and improve efficiency. Some examples include energy/heat recovery ventilators.
Use Zoning and Control Best Practices
In a retrofitted building, every room can feel different. Offices that face the sun in the afternoon can become significantly warmer. New conference rooms that hold more people may not be equipped with adequate ventilation.
Zoning solves this by splitting your building into sections with individual controls. With zoning, you can:
- Customize temperature settings by area
- Improve occupant comfort
- Reduce energy waste in unused zones
Your HVAC team must customize zoning to fit your space. With that in mind, it is essential to partner with an HVAC installer who understands your building’s layout to optimize efficiency.
Address the Ductwork Dilemma with Custom Fabrication
In older structures, ductwork is one of the most challenging parts of an HVAC buildout. It must be reconfigured without compromising structural elements or reducing airflow. Some common problems include:
- Low ceiling clearance
- Odd-shaped mechanical rooms
- Historic building restrictions
When selecting an HVAC provider, ensure they offer custom sheet metal work and duct fabrication services. You also need a provider that is experienced with older and historic buildings.
Work With HVAC Pros Early
One of the biggest mistakes in commercial buildouts is waiting too long to bring in HVAC professionals. This can lead to:
- Costly design changes mid-project
- Rerouting already installed systems
- Construction delays due to technical or compliance issues
When The Severn Group is looped in during early design phases, we can coordinate with your architects and engineers to ensure the HVAC plan supports your overall vision and intended use case.
Why The Severn Group is Your Commercial HVAC Partner
The Severn Group has been solving complex HVAC challenges in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia for decades. Whether you’re working on a restaurant retrofit, retail expansion, or truly one-of-a-kind buildout, our technicians are here to help.
Our services include custom duct fabrication, design-build solutions, HVAC retrofitting and replacements, and emergency repair and maintenance.
Because we’re local, we know the codes and heating and cooling demands of the region. Contact us to schedule a consultation and ensure your HVAC system supports your buildout from day one.
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