Commercial and residential air conditioning systems are designed for different demands. Understanding these differences helps you make the right choice whether you're cooling a home, office, or retail space.
Scale and Capacity
Residential Systems
- Typically 1-5 tons (12,000-60,000 BTU)
- Single or dual-zone cooling
- Standard 220V power supply
Commercial Systems
- 5-25+ tons (60,000-300,000+ BTU)
- Multi-zone with complex ductwork
- Often require 3-phase power
System Types
Residential Options
- Split systems (most common)
- Window units
- Multi-split systems
Commercial Options
- Packaged rooftop units (RTU)
- Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)
- Chiller systems
- Central plant systems
Operating Demands
Commercial systems face:
- Longer operating hours (8-24 hours vs 4-12 for residential)
- Higher heat loads from equipment, lighting, and people
- Stricter ventilation requirements
- Need for humidity control in some applications
Cost Considerations
Initial Investment
Commercial systems cost 3-10x more due to capacity, complexity, and installation requirements.
Operating Costs
Per-BTU efficiency is often better in commercial systems, but total costs are higher due to usage patterns.
Maintenance
Commercial systems require professional maintenance contracts; residential can often be DIY.
Compare Your Options
Use our Commercial vs Residential Calculator to compare costs and requirements for your specific situation.