Best Commercial HVAC Systems: Top 6 Units For Business Buildings

You’re about to invest in a HVAC system for your business. There are many types with different features and prices. When technicians start listing HVAC options, it’s easy to nod along, even if you have no idea what you're agreeing to.

The best commercial HVAC systems aren’t always the most expensive ones. They’re the ones that match your building’s size, energy needs, and day-to-day use. But what makes a commercial HVAC system “the right one”? It should be energy-efficient, easy to maintain, good at controlling temperatures in different zones, and built to last.

6 Best HVAC Systems for Commercial Use: First Look

After selling thousands of units from the top HVAC manufacturers like Dial Manufacturing, MRCOOL, Cooper, and Hunter Olive, we’ve gathered feedback from customers and performance data across countless installations. 

This positions our team at Snook & Aderton HVAC Supply to compile this list of the Top 6 Commercial HVAC Systems that stand out for their reliability, features, and value.

1. Dial Manufacturing 80500: Best for Small Offices, Server or IT rooms

2. Champion MASTERCOOL ASA71: Best Evaporative Cooler Cabinet

3. Mastercool ASA51 Ultracool: Best for Side Draft Evaporative Cooler Cabinet

4. Dial Manufacturing 80400: Runner Up for Single-split System

5. Champion 5000DD: Runner Up Evaporative Cooler Cabinet

6. Cooper & Hunter CH-ES24-230VO: Value for Money Mini-Splits

Commercial HVAC Systems are of different types: Single-split systems, multi-split systems, variable refrigerant flows systems (VRF), evaporative coolers, and so on.

Mini or Single-Split Systems are ideal for small commercial spaces. You may need an evaporative cooler in a place where the atmosphere is dry, perhaps due to seasonal changes or otherwise. 

Let’s look into these top picks in more detail. 

1. Dial Manufacturing 80500

Key Specifications:

• Cooling/Heating Capacity: 23,000 BTU

• Voltage: 230V

• Compressor: Inverter (variable-speed)

• Coverage Area: Up to ~1,500 sq. ft.

• Sound Level: Indoor unit operates as low as 33 dB(A)

• Smart Control: Wi-Fi compatible

• Warranty: 7-year compressor, 5-year parts

A single-zone, ductless mini-split HVAC system like this Dial Manufacturing 80500 is best suited for small, enclosed commercial spaces where only one area or room needs heating or cooling. 

It's especially ideal when ductwork is impractical or too expensive to install. We recommend this unit for:

• Small offices (one-room setups or home-based offices)

• Retail shops (boutiques, barbershops, nail salons, etc.)

• Kiosks or mall booths

• Server or IT rooms (where precise temperature control is important)

• Medical or therapy rooms (like private clinics or consultation spaces)

It’s easy to install, just a 3-inch hole is required. Smart features like a 24-hour timer, dehumidifier, and multiple modes boost comfort.

2. Champion MASTERCOOL ASA71

KEY SPECIFICATIONS: 

• Airflow Capacity: Approx. 4,700 CFM (cubic feet per minute)

• Water Consumption: Varies by humidity; typically 3–11 gallons per hour.

• Cooling Area: Up to 1,600 sq. ft.

• Filtration System: Aspen or cellulose media pads

• Power Requirement: 120V, single phase

• Dimensions: Compact rooftop or side-discharge model

The MASTERCOOL ASA71 Evaporative Cooler Cabinet is a powerful and energy-saving cooling system made for big commercial and industrial areas like warehouses, factories, and workshops.

Instead of using a lot of electricity like traditional air conditioners, this cooler uses water and airflow to lower the temperature, making it a more eco-friendly and cost-effective choice. It is one of the best portable evaporative coolers. 

3. Mastercool ASA51 Ultracool

KEY FEATURES: 

• Cooling Capacity: Up to 1,600 sq. ft.

• Airflow: 4,000–5,000 CFM

• Motor Compatibility: 1/3, 1/2, or 3/4 HP (sold separately)

• Water Capacity: 8 gallons

• Fill Type: Manual

• Voltage: 115V

• Dimensions: 42" W x 45" D x 28" H

• Discharge Type: Side draft

A Side Draft Evaporative Cooler Cabinet is best suited for commercial spaces in hot, dry climates where humidity levels are low. And that’s where this  Mastercool ASA51 Ultracool device shines. It works by pulling in hot outside air, passing it through water-saturated pads, and then blowing the cooled, moist air sideways (hence, “side draft”) into the building.

We recommend this unit for:

• Warehouses

• Auto repair shops

• Factories and workshops

• Greenhouses

• Open-plan commercial spaces with high ceilings

Best for arid areas, It can cool 1,650 square feet of area. Its 8-inch Aspen pads and high airflow provide powerful cooling. Most importantly, the side draft design is space-efficient and great for wall-mounted setups.

4. Dial Manufacturing 80400

KEY FEATURES: 

• Cooling & Heating Capacity: 18,000 BTU/hr

• Type: Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump

• Coverage Area: 700 to 1000 sq. ft.

• SEER2 Rating: 22.5

• Compressor: Inverter

• Voltage: 208–230V

• Refrigerant Type: R-410A (54.67 oz)

• Sound Levels: Indoor: 34–48 dB; Outdoor: 55 dB

• Warranty: 7 years on compressor, 5 years on parts
  

18,000 BTU/hr is strong enough for medium-sized rooms.

Let’s say you own a boutique salon with a reception area and main service room. This unit could effectively handle the climate control without needing to connect to a larger system. Or if you’re running a private office with staff that works year-round, you’ll get reliable cooling in the dry season and heating during harmattan, all from one quiet, efficient unit.

It has a wireless remote for convenience and inverter technology for accurate climate control. Additionally, this unit uses eco-friendly R-410A refrigerant and operates silently. 

5. Champion 5000DD Evaporative Cooler Cabinet

KEY FEATURES: 

• Airflow: 3,300–6,500 CFM

• Coverage Area: 1,200–2,400 sq. ft.

• Voltage: 115 VAC

• Amperage: 10.5–14.5 A

• Motor Compatibility: 1/2 HP or 3/4 HP, 1- or 2-speed (sold separately)

• Dimensions: 39" W x 39" D x 42-7/16" H

• Media Type: Uses eco-friendly aspen pads

Instead of using energy-intensive compressors, the Champion 5000DD uses natural evaporation to achieve minimal running costs. You get a sturdy steel cabinet and flexible motor choices guarantee enduring, adaptable comfort. 

With minimal environmental effect and no refrigerants, you have a system that is eco-friendly. Expect effective cooling due to the sunny atmosphere as excessive humidity weakens the cooling effect. Although maintenance is simple, you might need additional cooling solutions to reach adequate comfort levels if you stay in extremely humid areas.

6. Cooper & Hunter CH-ES24-230VO

KEY FEATURES: 

• Cooling Capacity: 24,000 BTU/hr

• Heating Capacity: 26,000 BTU/hr

• Voltage: 208–230V, 60Hz, Single-phase

• SEER2 Rating: 21.0

• Refrigerant: R-410A

• Sound Levels: Indoor: 34–48 dB; Outdoor: 55 dB

• Operating Range (Heating): down to –13°F

• Control Options: RG10K-exclusive remote; optional Wi-Fi control via C&H Remote app

• Warranty: 7 years on compressor, 5 years on parts

No need for expensive ductwork or ceiling reconstruction. Also, the inverter technology automatically adjusts compressor speed to maintain consistent temperature. This saves energy and reduces wear. 

It’s perfect for commercial uses like: 

• Spacious private offices or executive suites

• Large retail stores or showrooms (1,200–1,500 sq. ft.)

• Restaurants or cafés with open dining areas

• Medical clinics or dental offices

• Fitness studios or dance classes

Indeed, you wouldn’t want to choose this option if it’s a multi-room business that needs different temps in different areas (a multi-zone mini-split or central system would be better).

Factors to Consider When Choosing HVAC Systems for Commercial Use

If you’re still unsure about what type of HVAC system to use for your business building, you can reach out to our experts and have a one-on-one call where we will ask important questions and make recommendations. Usually, it boils down to the following considerations: 

1. Building Size and Layout

The size and physical layout of your building affect the amount of heating, cooling, and air movement needed.

For example: 

• Square Footage: Larger spaces require higher capacity units (measured in BTUs or Tons).

• Ceiling Height: High ceilings mean more air volume, requiring greater airflow and power.

• Number of Floors: Multi-level buildings may need zoned systems or Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems.

Generally, a professional HVAC technician will do a Manual J Load Calculation to measure how much heating or cooling the space needs. 

2. System Type (HVAC Configurations)

In this review, we focused on split-system and evaporative cooler units which are popular options for commercial use. 

However, before choosing a type, you have to answer key questions such as: 

• Do you want centralized or decentralized control?
• Do you need flexibility for future expansion?
• How much space do you have indoors and outdoors for equipment?

3. Energy Efficiency (and Cost of Operation)

Efficient systems save thousands yearly in energy bills. The cheapest system upfront might cost more over time in energy bills and repairs.

So usually, you want to pay attention to metrics like: 

If you receive the right consultation before making a purchase, you won't have to worry about these numerous considerations because you already know what you're looking for.

At Snook & Aderton HVAC Supply, we stock a variety of portable evaporative coolers and mini split units for sale.

While we are based in Lubbock, Texas, you can give us a beep or check our website for HVAC parts, equipment, and supplies at wholesale prices. We can ship directly to you, or you can come by our store to pick up or place an order.