Benefits of Switching to a VRF or VRV HVAC System
At Fiat Incorporated, we have extensive expertise working with the most modern HVAC systems that employ smart technology to maximize efficiency and flexibility in energy use and installation.
The industry’s most advanced technology is still Variable Refrigerant Flow systems (VRF). You may have heard of Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) as well. What’s the difference? They are two different terms used to describe the same type of HVAC system. VRV is essentially a registered trademark of Daikin Global, the Japanese company that invented variable refrigerant technology. VRF is the more general, and more commonly used, term.
VRF is sometimes called “the Rolls Royce of HVAC.” VRF is innovative and advanced because it uses refrigerant as its sole cooling and heating agent, and employs variable speed technology to send different amounts of hot or cold air to fan units within a single space. Most VRF systems consist of multiple interior fan units and a compressor on the roof or exterior of a building. It is ductless and compact, and offers building owners and managers more control over internal temperature as well as flexibility and cost savings.
So why is the industry trending heavily towards VRF systems? Here are some of the key benefits of using this level of HVAC technology:
ENERGY EFFICIENT
A VRF system supplies each internal fan unit with the precise amount of refrigerant needed to cool the room, based on current conditions. This allows the system to run at a lower capacity for shorter amounts of time, which maximizes energy efficiency. Improving the energy efficiency, and using less power to cool a space, is the key to keeping utility bills from being abnormally high.
HEATING AND COOLING SIMULTANEOUSLY
Some commercial spaces need the ability to heat and cool different areas of a building at the same time, and the advanced technology of a VRF system makes this possible. The variable flow technology allows the system to send hot or cool air to the different interior fan units. Its unique capabilities include capturing hot air that is created during the cooling process, and sending it to another part of the building for heating.
LESS NOISE
VRF offers a quieter alternative to traditional systems. Typically, the condensing unit – the main source of noise in most HVAC systems – is located on the roof or exterior of the building. The internal ductless air handlers are smaller and quieter than traditional systems. .
CONTROLS
When installing a VRF system, the control software can be easily set up via smart phone or tablet. Building managers can control and monitor temperature from anywhere, without having to install physical thermostats or purchase costly management software. The VRF also has self-monitoring built-in. The system will automatically send you maintenance alerts and can track conditions.
