Daikin Releases HVAC Selection Guide for Budget and Technical Needs

Modern skyscrapers and industrial facilities rely on efficient HVAC systems to maintain comfortable environments, air quality, and energy efficiency. The selection of appropriate HVAC equipment directly impacts operational costs and long-term building performance.

As core components of HVAC systems, air handlers perform critical functions including filtration, temperature regulation, and humidity control.

1.1 Indoor Air Handler Units

Designed for installation in mechanical rooms, these units handle air circulation and fresh air intake with standard features including:

• Multi-stage air filtration
• Heating/cooling coil operation
• Humidity regulation
• Air mixing capabilities

Budget Reference: Approximately $3 per CFM (cubic feet per minute)

1.2 Indoor AHU with Heat Recovery

These advanced units incorporate heat exchangers to reclaim energy from exhaust air, significantly reducing energy consumption in high-ventilation environments like hospitals and laboratories.

Budget Reference: Approximately $8 per CFM

Chillers serve as the primary cooling equipment in large-scale HVAC applications, available in air-cooled and water-cooled configurations.

2.1 Air-Cooled Chillers

These self-contained systems offer simplified installation with no cooling tower requirements.

2.1.1 Air-Cooled Scroll Chillers

Compact units featuring scroll compressors for small to medium cooling demands (10-190 refrigeration tons).

Budget Reference: Approximately $600 per ton

2.1.2 Air-Cooled Screw Chillers

High-capacity systems (175-530 tons) with durable screw compressors for large commercial applications.

Budget Reference: Approximately $800 per ton

2.2 Water-Cooled Chillers

These higher-efficiency systems require cooling towers but deliver superior performance in large installations.

2.2.3 Water-Cooled Centrifugal Chillers

Industrial-scale units (150-3000 tons) offering exceptional efficiency for major facilities.

Budget Reference: Approximately $350 per ton

2.2.4 Magnetic Bearing Chillers

Advanced oil-free systems (150-550 tons) featuring cutting-edge magnetic bearing technology for maximum energy savings.

Budget Reference: Approximately $700 per ton

These refrigeration components work in conjunction with evaporators or air handlers, available in air-cooled configurations (6-140 tons) at approximately $500 per ton.

All-in-one solutions (15-135 tons) combining heating, cooling, and ventilation in a single rooftop unit, ideal for small to medium commercial buildings at approximately $1500 per ton.

Compact zone control solutions for classrooms, offices, and healthcare environments:

• Floor-mounted units: $3000-$5000 per unit (750-1500 CFM)
• Ceiling-mounted units: $4150-$6500 per unit (750-1500 CFM)

Geothermal and water-loop systems offering exceptional efficiency:

• Horizontal units: $1795-$3895 (1-5 tons)
• Vertical units: $2230-$3900 (1-5 tons)

HVAC system designers must evaluate:

• Building type and operational requirements
• Local climate conditions
• Energy efficiency ratings
• Lifecycle cost analysis
• Environmental compliance
• Budget constraints

The HVAC sector continues evolving toward:

• IoT-enabled smart controls
• Advanced energy recovery systems
• Low-GWP refrigerants
• Customized zoning solutions

The pricing information provided serves as general budgetary guidance. Actual project costs may vary based on specific configuration requirements and market conditions.