Commercial & Industrial
Air Conditioning

It’s more than just pleasing fussy people.

The people at Harvard list temperature as one of the nine foundations of a healthy building. Temperature often compounds other indoor environmental problems—hot temperatures increase building material off-gassing, releasing irritating and toxic chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

People typically consider temperature in terms of comfort, but it also directly affects productivity. If your temperature is outside the optimal range of 20–26°C (68–79°F), for every 0.5°C (1°F) away from comfort, productivity decreases by 2%. So, for every degree away from comfort, a 2% drop in productivity can cost a business $4,200 per year/person.

Short answer? It all depends on your needs!

Our customers’ range from commercial offices and hot yoga studios to customers whose entire food production area is a massive walk-in cooler.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Standard 55-2013 suggests maintaining an indoor temperature of 20 – 26°C (68–79°F). Preferences vary, but this range tends to be most comfortable, with 23°C (74°F) as a happy medium for most. Every space in your building should ideally be comfortable and balanced so you don’t find spots where it’s too cold, drafty, or too hot.

We also recommend setting seasonal specific temperatures. Adjusting to seasonal climates reduces utility costs and is often more comfortable than jarring indoor/outdoor temperature swings.

In the winter, aim for 20–24°C (68–75°F), and in the summer, aim for 24–27°C (75–81°F).

Air conditioning systems:

• Central heating and air conditioning systems
• Chilled water systems
• Energy efficient systems for lower operating costs
• Heat recovery ventilation systems (HRVs)
• Industrial & commercial grade de/humidification systems
• Split and multi-split systems (including ductless options)

Monitoring systems:

• Digital control systems
• Gas & leak detection systems for refrigerants

Air conditioning units and components:

• Air handling units (AHUs), including
  • Makeup Air Units (MAUs)
  • Rooftop units (RTUs)
• Boilers
• Chillers
• Compressor rebuilds
• Condensers
• Cooling towers
• Ductwork and air movement systems
• Evaporators

HVAC adjustments to improve comfort and temperature consistency, such as:

• Adding HVAC controls
• Changing HVAC zoning (relocating and adding thermostats)
• Adjusting thermostats and air flow (air balance, dampers, ducting)

Don’t see the item you’re looking for here? This is only some of the air conditioning equipment we routinely install and service. Get in touch today to learn how we can help with yours!

Yes.

Improving indoor air quality can improve occupant health and experience—in addition to performance and productivity. Better air quality can even lower absenteeism and turnover while boosting your bottom line.

As a full-service HVAC company, our indoor air quality experts can help you enhance the safety, quality, and comfort in your building, facility, or space. Check out

Our indoor air quality offerings include:

• Our FREE article Indoor Air Quality: Everything You Need to Know and More
• A FREE online self-assessment tool with personalized recommendations for you
• Additional resources for businesses and those managing facilities, buildings, and spaces:
  • FREE 15-minute no-obligation indoor air quality consultations for businesses
  • Indoor air quality testing
  • An Air Quality Awards program for eligible businesses to publicly demonstrate your air quality leadership

Navigating refrigerant options can feel daunting. Our goal is to keep it simple for you. We create plans and systems that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, durable, and easily serviceable.

We’re proficient with all refrigerants from CO2 to R404A. We can even help with R22 (freon) retrofits if you’re ready to convert your equipment to a more sustainable and economically viable option.

Regardless of your situation, we collaborate with you to understand your needs and recommend options that work for you.

By using better components, our systems operate more efficiently, which pays off by increasing your energy savings, lengthening your equipment lifecycle, and reducing carbon footprint. Retrofitting or modifying existing systems can also reduce your energy bills.

Canada has higher and lower temperature extremes than most countries, so our buildings have to compensate for those extremes and is one of the reasons energy accounts for 82% of Canada’s total emissions. Follow these quick tips to help contribute to a sustainable future while saving money:

1. Make sure your thermostats are in the right locations
2. Keep unnecessary lights off, and blinds and windows closed when your air conditioning is running when possible
3. Manage your humidity
4. Only use air conditioning when necessary
5. Maintain your air conditioning unit

Want more? Check out our blog.

Aim for 40–50% relative humidity—provided it works in your system and your climate.

How did we get that number? As far as the upper limit, studies show elevated humidity worsens perceptions of indoor air quality. Relative humidity levels >65% also promote mold growth, microbes, and pests like dust mites.

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), ideal relative humidity levels for indoor comfort tend to fall in the range of 30–50%.

At minimum, the National Library of Medicine suggests a humidity of at least 40% helps your eyes, skin, and airways, and helps you fight bacterial and viral infections. That humidity balance boosts your immunity against biological contaminants such as bacteria and viruses. A recent study even showed COVID-19 deactivates fastest on surfaces at 50% relative humidity.

Not sure if your humidity settings are right for your system and environment? Tell us about your specific case. We’ll help you figure it out.

We value the safety of our customers and employees. Our commitment to safety is one of our core values and we have the certification and training to back that up.

• COR (Certificate of Recognition) certified in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan
• Continuous audits and improvements of our safety program
• Vendor-trained for specialized equipment
• Certified knowledge, experience, and training required to complete work in any facility
• All team members pass full security background checks

At Gateway, we strive to maintain your facility at the highest level, just as we would our own.