The Chicago Motor Club, photo courtesy of the Chicago Tribune
Chicago may have gained popularity as the “Windy City,” but other elements of the weather remain as unpredictable as ever. This is why it is advisable to have a proper heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The city is considered the birthplace of the skyscraper and has a world-famous skyline. At this moment, the Second City is experiencing a reinvention of itself with the construction of new towers. When the unpredictability of weather is taken into consideration, developers will see how important it is to install the most efficient system available on the market.
This is where variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems come in. While these configurations have long been popular in Asia and Europe, they have only recently reached the US market. Ducts are more common in buildings across the country, although things are starting to change. There are several reasons why the transition is happening, from the amount of control to energy efficiency to cheaper costs.
In a 2013 study by the Georgia Institute of Technology, it was revealed that office buildings in Chicago can save up to 46.5% on energy bills if they use a VRF system. True, it may cost more up front, but the former is actually more cost-effective in the big picture. The same research showed that a VRF system has a total life cycle cost of $2,255,722, while an HVAC system costs building owners $2,329,981. This means that individuals who opt for a VRF system can save 3.2% of the cost over the life of the system.
Equipping a building in Chicago with VRF systems can be done in two ways:
- installation of the system in a newly constructed building, which means it is incorporated into your technical designs and plans
- modernization and modification of an existing building and installation of a VRF system (e.g. Chicago Motor Club building and Studio Gang building – former Polish National Alliance building)
History of Variable Refrigerant HVAC
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems were first introduced in Japan in the 1980s. It arrived in the United States around the early 2000s as an affordable way to cool and heat commercial spaces. In general, systems consist of multiple indoor air handling units, an outdoor inverter compressor, and low- and high-temperature gas and pressure lines.
It is important to note that the systems only use refrigerant. There is no water involved in the process. There are ductless and ducted VRF systems. In the latter type, it is possible to route the air directly to the distribution units.
When the system is turned on, refrigerant travels from the compressor to handling units that contain a fan and coil. When air flows over these two pieces of equipment, heat is then converted between the refrigeration lines and the air. Subsequently, the fan blows the treated air into the internal space.
The VRF system is best suited for buildings with multiple subdivisions. It provides excellent local control for hotels, office buildings and apartment blocks. The configuration is ideal when you take into account that not all environments require constant heating and cooling, mainly there will be several unoccupied spaces at any time. Older buildings will also be well adapted with this system as it can extend the life of the building.
Pros of a VRF System
There are several benefits when you install a VRF system. Following are some of these advantages:
- The system offers customizable options for installation.
- It is generally an energy efficient system.
- The configuration offers better internal comfort.
- There are several individual zoning controls to choose from.
- Unlike other HVAC systems, it is relatively quiet.
- It has efficient and state-of-the-art control options.
- Users have precise control over refrigerant flow.
- There are several speed compressor settings.
- Maintenance and cleaning operations are easy and uncomplicated.
- The equipment takes up little space.
- It can help reduce the cost of your electricity bills in the long run.
Cons of a VRF System
No product or system is perfect, however. The pros are always accompanied by cons. VRF systems have the following disadvantages:
- Generally requires more expensive installation.
- There is a possible need for a backup heating system.
- It should only be installed by a professional HVAC contractor.
Types of Variable Refrigerant Systems
There are three common types of variable refrigerant systems. Before purchasing any of the following items, it is critical to determine which one fits your budget, complements available equipment, and local weather conditions. They are the following:
- Cooling-only VRF systems
This type works similarly to a normal air conditioning system. Turning it on removes heat from the air in an indoor area to keep the room cool. It doesn't generate heat and this often means that homeowners will have to resort to a separate heating system, such as baseboard heaters and radiators, during colder seasons.
- VRF heating or cooling systems
On the other hand, this category of VRF systems is comparable to the central climate control equipment that comes with a furnace and an air conditioner. Users can choose to set it to cool or heat, but never at the same time. When set to cool, the system will deliver cool air. When set to heat, the system will deliver warm air.
- VRF heating and cooling systems
Meanwhile, the final system offers the ability to cool and heat at the same time. This is useful if one is planning to implement the system over a large expanse of space. It can be set to cool in some indoor units and heat in others.
An efficient HVAC system is necessary for any tall building. It will help maintain the health of the building and the people staying in the individual rooms. An ineffective or poorly maintained setup will certainly cause poor indoor air quality, inconsistent airflow, noise transmission, high repair costs, and loss of efficiency. Many of these problems will be solved with the installation of VRF technology. Regardless of the type of building. VRF systems are at the forefront of the growing green movement. Anyone concerned with energy efficiency and environmental efforts will admire the multiple features of this new ecotechnology. However, while there are numerous advantages, always remember to retain the services of a licensed HVAC contractor for installation. After all, a poorly installed system can end up costing the developer much more than expected in the long run.
