Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine January 2025

HVACR NewsMagazine January 2024

State National Chapter News

But can all buildings benefit from VRF? As with most decisions contractors and builders need to make every day, the answer depends on your specific project. Factors include building size, space constraints, long-term cost savings vs. initial outlay and other considerations. Is VRF better than split AC? VRF systems can handle large spaces well, but are the energy savings worth the installation cost for residential homes? VRF can be worthwhile, particularly in two-story homes with varied heating and cooling needs. As technology continues to advance, setting up homes for the future can be a great selling point. Residential homes can benefit from the energy efficiency; it really comes down to whether the initial outlay is worth it to your customers. Article taken from Ferguson ’ s online communications, https://www.ferguson.com/content/ideas-and-learning center/trade-talk/what-is-a-vrf system/?srsltid=AfmBOoqylIre69whHucWGBI6n_FZMB 61MmZL1AVIeTMt1OrwxoT8AXJ We appreciate their having excellent information for the HVACR industry.

add-ons to houses with "non-ducted" heating systems, such as hydronic (hot water heat), radiant panels, and space heaters (wood, kerosene, propane). They can also be a good choice for room additions and small apartments, where extending or installing distribution ductwork for a central air-conditioner is not feasible. Check out our Energy Saver 101 infographic on home cooling to learn how ductless, mini-split air conditioners stack up against other cooling systems. Like central systems, mini-splits have two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser, and an indoor air-handling unit. A conduit, which houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain, links the outdoor and indoor units. Advantages The main advantages of mini-splits are their small size and flexibility for zoning and cooling individual rooms. Many models can have as many as four indoor air handling units (for four zones or rooms) connected to one outdoor unit. The number depends on how much cooling is required for the building or each zone. This can be affected by how well the building is insulated and air sealed. Each of the zones will have its own thermostat, so you only need to condition that space when it is occupied, saving energy and money. Ductless mini-split systems are also often easier to install than other types of air conditioning systems. For example, the hook-up between the outdoor and indoor units generally requires only a three-inch (~8 centimeter [cm]) hole through a wall for the conduit. Also, most manufacturers of this type of system can provide a variety of lengths of connecting conduits. So, if necessary, you can locate the outdoor

Reprint from the Department of Energy https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/ductless mini-split-air-conditioners?newTab=true

Ductless,

mini

split-system

air

conditioners (mini -splits) have numerous potential applications in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. The most common applications are in multifamily housing or as retrofit