Why choose VRF HVAC technology for your next design project?

It's popular, flexible, and offers individualized control


Variable refrigerant flow technology is growing in popularity, in part for its flexibility and individualized control capabilities. AIA partner LGE explores the opportunity.

When it comes to choosing the right HVAC equipment for buildings, there are multiple factors for architects, building designers, and engineers to consider. Not only does the equipment need to keep the occupants warm and cozy throughout the winter and cool and comfortable during the summer, the HVAC system also should ideally be energy efficient, reliable, and cost-effective, and not compromise the building’s architectural integrity.

For these reasons, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology continues to grow in popularity for many facilities, providing a single outdoor unit to serve a number of indoor units. VRF is an ideal way to heat and cool any space, providing improved humidity control, individual setpoints per indoor unit, and a very quiet comfort experience—as quiet as the rustle of leaves.

These systems also provide architects with building design flexibility: With a smaller equipment footprint, lighter weight product options, and modular design selections, many of which require little to no ductwork, VRF systems offer many benefits for modern-day buildings and retrofits. Systems can be configured to be ducted, duct-free, or a hybrid of the two, allowing designers to choose the system that best fits their needs. This flexibility allows VRF solutions to be installed in almost any application, including projects where traditional systems are not feasible.

Energy efficient and easy to design, install, and maintain, a VRF system has some of the lowest lifecycle costs compared to other systems on the market today. According to the “HVAC Industry 2021 Annual Report” from JP Morgan, the reductions in the structural, mechanical, and electrical costs of installing a VRF system offset the higher cost of the mechanical system itself, making the all-in first cost of VRF comparable to other HVAC solutions.

The benefits of the technology extend to the client, as well, helping to reduce their operational costs while simultaneously increasing occupant comfort. With the ability to do simultaneous heating and cooling through heat recovery, not only do occupants get to personalize their comfort, but they do so within a single system, eliminating the need for a separate heat source, reducing overall equipment needs, and delivering performance in an efficient footprint. Whether a commercial, light-commercial, or residential application, VRF technology delivers cost-effective zoned comfort.

Providing comfort, efficiency, design flexibility, and reliability, VRF solutions from industry leaders such as LG Electronics offer cost effectiveness and easier installation, making this technology among the most versatile and powerful systems available today.

One new VRF system that is continuing to gain industry acclaim for commercial, light-commercial and residential spaces is the award-winning LG Multi V series. Featuring best-in-class inverter compressors, the Multi V series offers superior performance, efficiency, and some of the lowest lifecycle costs in the industry.


Article provided by LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. To find out if VRF is the right solution for your building project, visit LGHVAC.com.

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