Choosing the Right HVAC System for Restaurants in Houston

Businesses want to keep customers refreshed in Texas's sweltering heat. And, it is a must for every restaurant in Houston. That’s where the HVAC system comes in.

Houston’s climate already demands good cooling in the summers with 90°F temperatures and 70%+ humidity. Add the kitchen heat from ovens and fryers, and the cooling demand gets even heavier. The heavy cooling demand comes with a heavy energy cost.

In this post, I’m going to share how to choose the right HVAC system for restaurants in Houston so that your utility bills stay in check, keeping your customers cool and happy.

Why HVAC Matters for Houston Restaurants  

Houston’s climate presents several challenges to the restaurant owners. The heat, for one, is very extreme. The humidity level also needs to be in check. For restaurants, the occupancy load in the kitchen is very high, and the dining areas also generate significantly high heat.

If not dealt with, it is not uncommon for customers and employees to feel uncomfortable. You wouldn’t want that to harm your business.

Again, proper ventilation is a must for every restaurant. Otherwise, your restaurant will trap cooking odors, grease, and smoke, which will make the overall condition of your restaurant worse.

And finally, as a business owner, you must keep the operational costs lower. For this, you need to install a unit that lowers the cooling costs.

Benefits of a Well-Designed HVAC System

If you get the right HVAC unit instead, you can enjoy:

• Consistent comfort for all restaurant staff and guests

• Extended equipment lifespan

• Lower utility costs and ensure safety regulations

For optimal performance, consider a custom-designed HVAC system tailored to your restaurant’s unique layout. Experts like Texas Central Air specialize in creating solutions that balance efficiency, comfort, and space requirements.

4 Key Factors in Selecting a Restaurant HVAC System

So, how do you select the right unit for your restaurant? Keep these four things in mind:

1. System Type: Split vs. Packaged vs. Rooftop Units

• Split Systems: The separate indoor and outdoor units save space. So, it is ideal and cost-effective for smaller restaurants.

• Packaged Units: They are a compact and all-in-one solution for mid-sized restaurants.

• Rooftop Units (RTUs): RTUs have heating, cooling, and ventilation in one unit. The high capacity cooling and easy maintenance make it a perfect solution for large restaurants.

2. Cooling Capacity

An undersized unit struggles to cope with the demand of your space. Oversized units waste energy. To get the perfect size, consider these factors:

• Restaurant square footage

• Kitchen heat output like ovens, fryers, and grills

• Occupancy levels during peak hours

• Window exposure and insulation quality

3. Ventilation & Exhaust Requirements

For restaurants, proper ventilation is a must. You must factor in the following key considerations-

• Kitchen Hood Exhaust Systems (must meet fire safety codes)

• Make-Up Air Units or MAUs

• Air Filtration: Consider investing in a high-efficiency filter to trap grease and other contaminants

4. Maintenance & Serviceability

As restaurant HVAC units endure heavy use, choose an HVAC unit that-

• Has easy-access components for cleaning and repairs

• Is durable in construction to withstand grease and moisture

Consider enrolling in a preventive maintenance plan from reputed commercial HVAC services in Houston, TX. Some services need professional intervention where DIY checks aren’t enough. Professionals have more tools and knowledge to handle them.

Common HVAC Mistakes Houston Restaurants Make

1. Ignoring Kitchen-Specific Needs

Dining areas and kitchens have different HVAC demands. You can fulfill the demands of these areas with a single HVAC unit. To ensure that all the demands are met, consider installing a dedicated cooling system for the dining area and a proper exhaust system for the kitchen.

2. Skipping Regular Maintenance

Refrigerant leaks, clogged HVAC filters, and grease buildup can lead to HVAC breakdowns during peak hours. This is why, as a restaurant owner, you must ensure that you’re doing regular maintenance. 

3. Choosing Price Over Quality

Business owners have a tendency to cut costs. While doing so, they opt for a cheap HVAC unit. But saving upfront cost doesn’t mean you don’t have to face frequent repairs and higher operating costs. So, invest in a high-quality unit so that you don’t have to deal with these problems later on.

4. Poor Thermostat Placement

Thermostats placed near sunlight or ovens (or any other heat source) show inaccurate readings. Without proper reading, there is no proper cooling. So, place it away from unnaturally hot areas.

Why Choose Texas Central Air for Your Restaurant HVAC Needs?

Texas Central Air is dedicated to making every business thrive in Houston. As a commercial HVAC service provider, we offer:

1. Custom HVAC Design

Unlike other HVAC service providers in Texas, we provide a tailored solution for your restaurant’s layout. We believe every restaurant deserves its own HVAC design that meets all the demands of that restaurant, and our technicians work relentlessly to provide that.

2. Energy-Efficient Installations

As a business owner, you would like to keep the operational costs lower. Keeping that in mind, we provide energy-efficient installations that will help you lower your utility costs without sacrificing comfort.

3. 24/7 Emergency Repairs

We provide 24/7 emergency services to our clients in Texas. Our main goal here is to minimize downtime during critical hours.

4. Preventative Maintenance Plan

Our maintenance plans are designed to keep the comfort in your restaurant going. We check up quarterly to make sure your system stays smooth year-round.

Conclusion   

Always consider investing in the right HVAC unit for your Houston restaurant as an investment. With the right HVAC type, you can ensure customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and staff comfort. Whether you’re opening a new location or upgrading an existing unit, Texas Central Air has got you covered. Our expert technicians are ready to assist you with guidance, installation services, and maintenance to make sure that your business runs optimally. 

Contact Texas Central Air today and schedule a free consultation. Let our team design the best HVAC solution for your business.