Common Issues with VRF HVAC System Installation

Variable refrigerant flow systems are becoming an increasingly popular HVAC solution for commercial construction projects. They offer many benefits that can be realized by engineers, architects, end users and contractors.

Some of the benefits include flexible installation, energy efficiency and local controls for end users. VRF systems can be divided into four main components – outdoor units, indoor units, refrigerant piping and controls.

If you are living with uncomfortable temperatures, humidity issues and repeated breakdowns, you are going to need to replace your air conditioning system before summer. And if you are smart then now is the best time to think about it.

What is VRF HVAC System?

VRF stands for Variable refrigerant flow and is the latest and the greatest in heating and cooling comfort. Here are some of the reasons these new systems are becoming very famous choices for commercial HVAC

1. The VRF system can provide both heating and cooling in your space. This is great when you are replacing air conditioning and heating equipment since one new system can replace both. 

2. The efficient design of VRF system means they use considerably less energy.

3. The system operates quietly and the quiet operation is ideal for business environment.

4. VRF is engineered to provide precise comfort control across multiple zones that may have varied heating and cooling needs. As a result, each area of your space is consistently comfortable with well-controlled humidity and no hot or cold spots.

5. Since the air handlers are smaller and a VRF system does not usually need ducts, it requires less wall and ceiling space for the equipment.

6. The VRF has built-in controls that may allow you to skip buying expensive building management software.

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How VRF HVAC System Works?

The VRF is air cooled and refrigerant based, similar to the conventional central air systems used for residential and light commercial spaces. They have outdoor condenser units and indoor coil units. However the design of the VRF HVAC system is quite different than the older split ones.

Instead of one large, noisy unit pumping out air to the whole space, a VRF HVAC system features many smaller air handlers that can be individually controlled and piped back to one system.

VRF refers to the ability of the system to control the amount of refrigerator flowing to each of these small air handlers. The cutting-edge VRF HVAC system is capable of providing not only cooling but also heat, even both simultaneously to varied areas within the space. The system can provide heat by using residual heat from cooling process.

The use of multiple indoor units provides the ability to create zones that can be individually controlled. A feather in the cap is VRF HVAC system is quiet and energy efficient as the variable speed compressor runs only at the capacity required for current conditions.

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Commercial spaces well suited for VRF HVAC system

VRF HVAC system has become popular because of their benefit and noise-free operation. In large cities where space is at a premium and energy costs are high, business owners are choosing VRF system for these kinds of spaces-

1. Retails stores

2. Restaurants

3. Office spaces

However, VRF HVAC System has some common Issues

1. Refrigerant Piping: Refrigerant piping in VRF system is like the piping or ductwork of conventional air or hydronic systems and is one component where mistakes are commonly made as the installation is different for every system the installation is different. Manufacturers of VRF HVAC Services have design programs that will produce piping diagrams that show the piping layout between outdoor and indoor units and piping sizes for contractors to follow during installation. It is very important for the contractors to follow pipe sizing and indoor unit arrangement as shown by the design program and if changes are to be made it is important to check with the manufacturer to see if the changes will have an effect on the refrigerant pipe sizing. If the changes are made to the system without consulting the manufacturer, issues like reduced capacity could be an issue.

2. Control Wiring: Control wiring can also be a source of issues if not installed correctly. The same design programs mentioned above will also usually produce a control wiring diagram that need to be followed closely during installation. It is not as complex as refrigerant piping as the wiring does not change size from unit to unit,  specifics such as wire size needs, grounding needs and network topology need to be followed and can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

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Avoiding VRF Issues

VRF is a technique that offers specific benefits that can meet needs of many kinds of project. I believe what causes the most issues during VRF system installation is not consulting with the manufacturer on design changes or installation questions. As VRF systems are very particular on specifics and needs; can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, it many require more communication with the manufacturer or sales representative during design and installation than an engineer or contractor is used to.

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