VRF Vs Split-System HVAC Solutions: What’s the Difference?

VRF Vs. Split-System HVAC Solutions: What’s the Difference?

You’re ready for a new HVAC install, but what kind should you get? If you’ve heard the terms “VRF” and “split-system” thrown around lately, you may be wondering what these systems do. Read this guide to find out the difference between these two HVAC solutions, the type of facilities they fit best, and how to choose and install your ductless HVAC system.

VRF Vs. Split-System HVAC Solutions

If you’re curious about ductless HVAC systems, you should know the difference between VRF vs. split-system HVAC solutions. While both are types of ductless systems, VRF systems tend to be used in large commercial buildings with more square footage, while split-system HVAC units are more often used for residential settings.

While other HVAC systems are useful, ductless systems like these provide benefits like energy efficiency, better climate control, and less hassle from dealing with the inevitable leaky ducts.

Split-system and VRF HVAC systems are both ductless HVAC solutions that serve their purpose, but you might find one to be more useful than the other for various reasons. Keep reading this guide to learn more and find out which is right for your business.

What Is a VRF System?

A variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC system is a newer innovation. This system is sometimes called a VRV or variable refrigerant volume system, but VRF is more common.

VRF systems have one compressor and one condenser in their outdoor unit that sends refrigerant and air to multiple evaporators in the indoor unit. This system’s two units connect to each other with control wires that regulate the refrigerant flow to each evaporator in the indoor unit.

The control wires vary the compressor’s speed according to the evaporators’ refrigerant needs, hence the “variable” in the VRF system’s name. Ideal for large structures, VRF systems simultaneously heat and cool different parts of commercial facilities. Their flexible design works easily with any application, and their compact size and smaller weight makes the installation process extremely flexible.

With its heat recovery system and ability to heat and cool different parts of a building thanks to its multiple indoor units, VRF technology is increasingly becoming more common in the United States. And while these systems have shown to be costly at around $18 per square foot compared to the usual $12-15 per square foot, industry experts have found that these rates have paid off for large commercial facilities, which contributes to the overall energy savings.

Want to install a ductless system in your facility? Are you in need of HVAC service today in Delaware? Reach out to Service Unlimited to find the right VRF system for your building.

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Understanding Split-System HVAC

A split-system air conditioner is a traditional form of ductless air conditioning. When cooling, this system serves to remove and eliminate heat and humidity from your building. When your building needs heat, the split system works in reverse by removing the cool air and leaving the warm air to heat your building. To complete its heating and cooling processes, split-system air conditioning units have several components.

The components of a split-system air conditioner include a heat pump or an AC unit that is installed outdoors. This outdoor unit connects to indoor components, which include the blower coil, furnace, evaporator, and conditioner compressor.

The compressor, in particular, is responsible for removing the hot or cold air from the building. Electric cables and copper tubes usually connect the outdoor and indoor units. Adding to the convenience of this solution, a split system has only one thermostat to control the temperature of its facility.

A split system has two subtypes:

Single-Split System: This type of system works best for small commercial buildings. It has one compressor, condenser, and evaporator each, controlling temperatures for a specific area in the building. Some facilities have multiple single-split systems to control heating and cooling in individual spaces.
Multi-Split System: This system has one condenser and one compressor in the outdoor unit paired with multiple evaporators throughout the indoor unit. In this system, the outdoor and indoor components connect to each other through refrigerant lines. They have a smaller outdoor footprint than their single-split counterparts, and they’re often more energy efficient.

How Do You Choose Between Split-System and VRF HVAC Systems?

The ductless HVAC systems you install in your facility depend on your heating and cooling needs. If you need to heat and cool different areas simultaneously, a VRF system is your best bet. Additionally, VRF HVAC systems work well with buildings that are larger and more robust. For example, VRF systems work well for the following commercial buildings:

Large apartment buildings
Hotels
Office buildings
Data centers
Hospitals
Dormitories
Assisted living facilities
Manufacturing plants
Laboratories
Schools
Universities
Retail spaces

If your facility needs consistent temperatures, however, a split system is the best option. Split-system units are perfect for residential buildings because they tend to be smaller and don’t require as many moving parts to fulfill heating and cooling needs. A split system is also generally considered more affordable, which is ideal for homeowners.

Examples of ideal locations that benefit from split-type units are:

Multi-family housing
Small apartments
Homes that don’t have ductwork
Small commercial businesses

As you evaluate your options, consider how simple or complex your facility’s HVAC requirements are before you choose one of these systems.

How to Choose and Install Your Ductless HVAC System

Now that you understand the differences between split-system and VRF HVAC systems, how do you get one into your facility? If you want to take advantage of this HVAC technology, a professional contractor can help.

An HVAC contractor can perform a split-system versus VRF cost comparison if you’re still on the fence about choosing one. Your contractor can customize your new ductless system to fit your facility’s design and meet its HVAC needs. Overall, a contractor ensures that your ductless system performs as well as it can in a way that fits your budget.

Look for Your Ductless HVAC Solution With Service Unlimited

Need an answer to your VRF vs. split-system dilemma? Service Unlimited is here to help. We’ve been creating HVAC solutions for commercial facilities in Delaware since 1962. In that time, we’ve developed our knowledge of all the newest HVAC technologies. We use our resources and experience to develop the best HVAC solutions for your facility.

If you’re ready to invest in a ductless system, connect with us today.

VRF Vs. Split-System HVAC Solutions: What’s the Difference?