With the world incorporating greener, environmentally-friendly practices, one way businesses can save money and energy is by installing a VRF system. Short for Variant Refrigeration Flow, VRF systems combine both heating and cooling elements for a building — all without ductwork. Here’s how such a system can help modernize your business and clean up your budget.
VRF Systems are Designed to Save Energy
VRF Systems can help a company save money because of their high-efficiency. Originally developed in the early 2000s, VRF represents a relatively newer technology in the HVAC space. These systems achieve their high-capacity performance through the elimination of complex ductwork.
Instead, VRF utilizes inverter compressors and a number of refrigerant lines that provide both cooling and heating to multiple spaces within a building. What’s really interesting about inverter compressors is that they “sense” an environment’s needs and, in turn, fluctuate the compressor based on such. In simpler terms, inverter compressors eliminate the need to run back and forth to the office thermostat.
According to Northern Refrigeration, “Not only does the inverter/compressor run quieter and use less electricity but is also designed to last for 20 years” — which is “attributable in large measure to it never actually shutting down completely, thus avoiding the very harmful on and off cycles of conventional motor/ compressors.”
Choosing VRF Over Traditional HVAC Systems
Choosing VRF systems over the traditional HVAC system makes sense for businesses that can afford it. It’s to be advised that, although VRF can save a company a lot of money in the long run, many may have to bite the bullet on upfront costs. According to the Department of Energy’s Energy Saver report, “Such systems cost about $1,500 to $2,000 per ton (12,000 Btu per hour) of cooling capacity. This is about 30% more than central systems (not including ductwork) and may cost twice as much as window units of similar capacity.”
However, despite the potentially hefty upfront costs, VRF also can lead to “30 to 40 percent energy savings.” So if you’re looking to save money, building energy, and your workforce’s energy from having to maintain office comfort all day, consider installing a VRF system if your budget allows.
Consider the fact that, with traditional HVAC systems, you have to deal with issues such as leaky air ducts, lost energy due to holes in the system, bacteria buildup, and failing components, VRF systems — with their ductless composition — can and will save you plenty of money and hassle over replacing broken parts and more.
Achieving Healthy Indoor Air Quality with Air Ideal
At Air Ideal, we make sure that all of our clients — be it commercial or residential — can work and live in comfortable environments at an affordable rate. With our experienced HVAC technicians, we provide unparalleled service for your business and household around the clock, 24/7. To learn more about how Air Ideal can help you home and business owners achieve healthy indoor air quality, visit our website and contact us today!