What Is VRF Air Conditioning?

VRF is an HVAC technology. It is used in a wide range of applications i.e from residential to commercial large scale systems, which can perform efficiently at a higher capacity. Each VRF air conditioning network comprises one outdoor condensing unit and several indoor units. VRF uses refrigerants as the cooling and heating medium.

How Does VRF Air Conditioning Work?

VRF air conditioning refers to a variable refrigerant flow system, hence its use of refrigerants. Based on that, VRF air conditioning controls the amount of refrigerant flowing to varying evaporators (indoor units).

They circulate the minimum needed amount of refrigerants during a single heating or cooling cycle. One or more condensing units condition the refrigerant, and then it is circulated within the building to the indoor units.

Therefore, this technology provides heating and cooling to various spaces within a general and bigger space. How they are designed varies depending on their application, whether residential or commercial. With that being said, they allow you to individually control several air conditioning zones simultaneously.

VRF HVAC Systems and Split ACs

Unlike split AC equipment, VRFs allow multiple indoor units to run on the same system. And they allow varying degrees of cooling in different areas, unlike conventional chiller-based solutions.

The high efficiency of VRF air conditioning systems stems from the inverter compressor. With inverter air solutions, the compressor’s capacity is either boosted or reduced depending on the needs of each space. On the contrary, non-inverter solutions boost the compressor at full capacity at all times, meaning that it is either on or off, which is not as energy-efficient as VRFs. 

VRF air conditioning systems are ductless, as they use smaller penetrations for refrigerant pipes instead of ducts. That is similar to split ACs, as they also utilize a set of pipes to connect the outdoor to the inside unit, rather than using an extensive ductwork network.

Advantages of VRF Air Conditioning Systems

VRF air conditioning offers numerous benefits and advantages:

1. 1. Energy Efficiency

These networks are designed to supply the right amount of refrigerant to indoor units. In addition, the lack of ducts increases energy efficiency, as more than 30% of energy consumption is due to cool air loss through ducts.

Indoor units are responsible for cooling a room based on its conditions. This way, energy waste is further reduced. The compressor’s flexibility of being boosted or reduced minimizes energy use as well.

1. 2. Flexible and Easy Installation

VRF air conditioning systems have main compact equipment. So, there is no need for designated spaces and areas for heating and cooling equipment. Likewise, VRFs have no distribution fans, water pumps or pipes. As a result, less room is needed for units and equipment.

This is especially helpful for small office spaces.

1. 3. Consistent Comfort

The inverter compressors within the VRF air conditioning systems identify the requirements for every part of the commercial building; thus, they provide the exact amount of refrigerant necessary for every air handling unit.

VRF air conditioning eliminates all cold or hot spots thanks to proper airflow. It uses humidity sensors and control to remove humidity, increasing end users' comfort with VRF.

1. 4. Dual Operation (VRF Heating and Cooling)

Like LG’s VRF air conditioning systems, VRF HVAC solutions provide comfort control, for cooling and heating, in various spaces within the same building. Comfort control is set up via VRF branch piping. This presents an excellent solution for businesses and big buildings required to meet big-scale cooling and heating needs.

1. 5. Low-Operation Noise

You may not find this feature and advantage in every model of VRF; however, LG’s VRF models operate at a low noise level. The previous models only worked at low noise levels during night since it is a noise-sensitive time, but the most recent models operate at a low-noise level whenever you switch this function on. Meaning it is all up to your needs!

Explore LG’s VRF Air Conditioning Systems

LG VRF models are used in many commercial and residential applications as follows:

1. 1. Hospitals.
2. 2. Retail shops.
3. 3. Condominiums (with small balconies).
4. 4. Hotels.
5. 5. Airports.
6. 6. Offices in high-rise office buildings.
7. 7. Offices in small to medium-sized office buildings.
8. 8. Commercial buildings such as shopping malls.
9. 9. Fast food restaurants.
10. 10. Single-family houses and villas.

For more information, discover LG’s VRF systems, featuring technologies like the ones mentioned above and others; distinguishing LG’s HVAC technology from all others in the market.