Commercial Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems
Are you considering a VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system to provide heating and cooling for your building?
A VRF system is similar to a ductless heat pump with one major exception: it can provide heating and cooling simultaneously to the same building. You can install multiple indoor units into one outdoor unit, making it an excellent choice for commercial buildings, such as hotels, office complexes, multifamily units, or shopping centers.
Action Air Systems, Inc., installs, replaces, and repairs VRF systems of all sizes. We specialize in mechanical systems for commercial and industrial properties in Connecticut, Western Massachusetts, and throughout Rhode Island.
Our 20,000-square-foot facility in Manchester, CT, boasts a sheet metal shop, warehouses, and offices. We provide technical design/build services, complete HVAC/R and plumbing services, and sheet metal fabrication. Call us today for a free consultation.
How Do VRF Systems Work?
VRF systems can recover heat from cooler areas of a building and transfer it to another part that needs heating, saving energy and reducing your operating expenses. Here’s how they work:
- The outdoor unit houses the compressor, condenser, and expansion valve. The condenser releases heat absorbed from the indoor units and transfers it to the outdoors.
- An inverter-driven compressor operates at different speeds to adjust the refrigerant flow rate to meet temperature demands throughout your building.
- An expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant between the high-pressure sides and low-pressure sides of the VRF system.
- An evaporator located in the indoor units absorbs heat from inside the building and transfers it to the refrigerant. The evaporator coils come equipped with a fan that distributes the heated or cooled air throughout a room.
The inverter compressor is the heart of the VRF system. It adjusts the motor speed to match the heating and cooling load of the system, allowing for precise temperature control in different parts of a building. Doing so creates greater efficiencies than a single-stage system that switches on and off and runs at one speed.
A ductless heat pump system might accommodate up to eight indoor units per outdoor unit, while a VRF can support up to 12 indoor units per outdoor unit. For a larger building, a VRF system makes more sense financially.
VRF Installation
A VRF system costs more up-front than a conventional heating and cooling system, but the payoff comes in lower operating expenses and greater flexibility.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), roughly 40 percent of a building’s energy costs are spent on heating and cooling. Upgrading from an old inefficient HVAC system to a new VRF system can lower your expenses over the long run.
A VRF also offers a much more environmentally friendly alternative to gas-burning systems. Plus, having no ductwork means less conditioned air can escape from the air ducts before it reaches a room, improving efficiency.
VRF Repairs
Our expert repair team can troubleshoot refrigerant leaks, motor problems, electrical connections, faulty thermostats, and other issues.
At Action Air Systems, Inc., we bring a knowledgeable team of professionals and a well-stocked truck to every job. We are available 24/7 for repairs and maintenance.
Check out our portfolio page and credentials page to learn more about our company. We’ve been serving commercial and industrial businesses in Hartford County, CT, Hampden County, MA, and throughout the Northeast since 1987.
VRF Maintenance
Maintaining a VRF system requires the right training and tools. Scheduled maintenance helps ensure your equipment reaches its expected service life. It also helps to rein in operating costs.
Our licensed technicians will check the refrigerant and other fluid levels during a scheduled maintenance visit. We will test the control board, the expansion valve, the compressor, and other components.
We will check the fan for vibrations, flush the drain systems, and clean all the parts. Regularly scheduled maintenance allows us to troubleshoot problems that might turn into costly and inconvenient repairs.
Learn More About VRF Systems Today
Action Air Systems, Inc., is a trusted name for providing quality HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, and sheet metal services. Learn more about VRF systems and how they can help improve your building’s heating and cooling efficiency. Call us today at 860-645-8838 or request service online.