In a previous post, we covered the basics of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC systems. Today we’ll discuss some of the pros and cons of these widely-used units to give you an idea of whether or not they’re right for your home or business.
VRF HVAC systems have many pluses, including:
- A sleek design – Slimmer, flatter, and more high-tech in appearance, VRFs fit into smaller spaces than traditional air conditioners.
- Capacity and efficiency – Most residential AC units run 100% on or off. VRFs, on the other hand, modulate between about 15% to 100%. This means they only use the energy they need and won’t use full capacity if it isn’t necessary.
- Custom control – VRFs are widespread in larger buildings since they can heat and cool individual rooms simultaneously. This is especially helpful in places like offices, schools, and hotels, which have many different temperature demands.
- Quiet Operation – VRFs avoid the racket of conventional units by operating at low decibels. So low, in fact, that they can run near the volume of a normal human conversation.
That said, VRFs have some significant drawbacks:
- High prices – VRF HVAC units typically cost more upfront, and this deters many buyers from investing. While they use less energy, larger buildings have the most significant energy savings.
- Refrigerant leaks – Unfortunately, these units have long refrigerant lines and flare fitting connections, which create the perfect space for leaks if they come loose. When this happens, serious health problems can occur from tasteless, odorless refrigerants. There are many refrigerant detectors on the market, but they must be bought at an extra cost.
- Parts – Another downside is the lack of interchangeable parts. You are often locked into the company you buy from since you can’t swap many parts between brands. Be sure to buy from a reputable brand and installer to save yourself this future headache.
Don’t wait until the next hot Myrtle Beach summer to improve your home or business’s climate control. With 24/7 emergency repair service for commercial HVAC, we also repair PTAC, split, VRF, and rooftop systems.
Whether you’re in Conway, Garden City, or Myrtle Beach, contact Cooper today!
Helpful links:
https://www.coopermechanicalservices.com/what-is-a-vrf-hvac-system-and-how-does-it-work/,
https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2017/12/f46/bto-DOE-Comm-HVAC-Report-12-21-17.pdf