Mike Mavromatis · Owner & Founder
Last updated
Written from Air It Up's first-hand field experience across Greater New Orleans since 2000 and reviewed for accuracy by owner Mike Mavromatis. Equipment specifics (warranty terms, efficiency ratings) reflect manufacturer-published information at the time of writing — always confirm current terms for your exact model.
Why does building type drive the system?
Your building type sets your HVAC requirements: occupancy swings, internal heat loads, ventilation codes, and runtime hours all differ by use. That is why a proper load calculation for a commercial space accounts for people, equipment, and door traffic — not just floor area.
When should you plan by building type?
- New build-outs and tenant improvements where capacity must be sized to the use.
- Replacing rooftop packaged units that have aged out.
- Spaces with comfort or humidity complaints despite "enough tonnage."
Failure modes of generic commercial design
- Sizing by square footage alone: ignores kitchen, lighting, and crowd loads.
- No makeup-air plan: exhaust without replacement air pulls the building negative.
- One zone for mixed uses: front-of-house and back-of-house need different control.
Proof
Serving New Orleans-area businesses since 2000, we have learned that downtime is the real cost in commercial HVAC. Matching equipment and zoning to how the space is actually used is what keeps doors open through a Gulf Coast summer.
Your next step
Use the building-type guides below, or request a commercial estimate for your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is commercial HVAC sized differently than residential?
- Commercial sizing accounts for occupancy, internal equipment heat, ventilation code, and runtime — not just square footage. A restaurant and an office of the same size need very different systems.
- What is makeup air and why does it matter?
- Makeup air replaces air removed by exhaust fans, common in kitchens. Without it, a building goes negative-pressure, causing doors to pull hard, drafts, and comfort problems.
- Do you service commercial systems with minimal disruption?
- We understand commercial uptime needs and work to schedule service around your operation. Contact us to discuss the right plan for your building type.
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