Having a VRF system installed
A VRF system is the most efficient climate solution for medium-sized and large commercial buildings. Aircobrabant installs VRF systems from Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric at businesses in the Eindhoven region. Our STEK-certified engineers have experience with complex VRF installations in offices, hotels, care facilities and retail premises.
What is a VRF system?
VRF stands for Variable Refrigerant Flow. It is a climate system in which one or more outdoor units are connected to a large number of indoor units, sometimes dozens, spread across a whole building. The amount of refrigerant sent to each indoor unit is regulated continuously and variably based on the current demand in each zone.
The big advantage is that each room controls its own temperature independently, while the system as a whole works extremely efficiently. Rooms that are not in use consume hardly any energy. Rooms with high occupancy get more cooling or heating. VRF systems are available as cooling only, where the system only cools, or as a heat pump, where the system both cools and heats. The heat pump version is the most common and most efficient choice for offices and commercial buildings.
When is a VRF system the right choice?
In most cases a VRF system is the best choice for buildings with four or more climate zones. For smaller buildings a multi-split system is usually sufficient and cheaper to buy and install.
A VRF system is the right choice if the building has four or more zones that can be controlled independently, if occupancy varies by room or floor, if long-term energy savings are a priority, if the building has several floors, or if central management and monitoring are wanted. A multi-split is enough if the building has two or three rooms that are used at the same time, if the investment must be kept as low as possible, or if central control is not a requirement.
Not sure which system suits your situation? Our advisers will gladly help you think it through, free of charge.
How does a VRF installation work?
A VRF installation is more complex than a standard split-unit installation and requires thorough preparation. Aircobrabant always works in phases.
We start with a survey in which our advisers map out the building: room layout, occupancy patterns, insulation values, and the space available for pipework and outdoor units. A system design is then drawn up on this basis. VRF systems use a branched refrigerant network that runs through the whole building. Our engineers hide the pipes in suspended ceilings, cable trunking or shafts. Depending on the capacity, one or more outdoor units are placed on the roof, on the facade or in a technical room. After installation the system is fully tested and tuned, all zones are configured and the management system is set up. Finally, your facilities staff member or manager is instructed in how to use and manage the system.
What does a VRF system cost?
The price of a VRF system depends on the number of zones, the capacity of the outdoor units, the type of indoor units and the complexity of the pipework. A VRF installation is always tailor-made, and a fixed price list does not apply here.
As an indication: an entry-level VRF system for a smaller commercial building usually starts from € 15.000 including installation. For larger buildings with several floors and dozens of indoor units it is considerably higher. After the survey, Aircobrabant draws up an itemised quote with a fixed price, including design, materials, installation and commissioning.
Frequently asked questions about VRF systems
What is the difference between VRF and multi-split?
A multi-split system connects one outdoor unit to a maximum of five indoor units. A VRF system can serve dozens of indoor units via a branched refrigerant network, with central control and variable capacity regulation per zone. VRF is more efficient in larger buildings, and multi-split is simpler and cheaper for smaller installations.
Can a VRF system also heat?
Yes, most VRF systems are heat pumps that both cool and heat. Some systems can even cool and heat in different zones at the same time, which is useful for buildings where the sunny and shady sides have different needs at the same time.
How energy-efficient is a VRF system?
VRF systems are among the most energy-efficient climate solutions for business use. Thanks to the variable refrigerant flow, the system continuously adjusts its output to the current demand, without start-stop losses. The COP is usually higher than with conventional systems.
Which buildings is a VRF system suitable for?
VRF systems are suitable for office buildings, hotels, care facilities, retail premises, schools and other medium to large buildings with several climate zones. VRF is also a common solution for renovation projects in which a central heating system is replaced.
How long does it take to install a VRF system?
That depends heavily on the size of the project. A smaller VRF installation for a single-storey office building usually takes two to four days. Larger projects with several floors can take a few weeks. The schedule is set out in the quote.
Does Aircobrabant also offer maintenance for VRF systems?
Yes. Regular maintenance is essential for VRF systems, especially with intensive business use. Aircobrabant offers tailored maintenance contracts for business customers.
About us
Why Aircobrabant?
Over 20 years as the air conditioning specialist in the Eindhoven region. Our engineers are STEK-certified (a legal requirement for F-gas work) and employed directly, with no subcontractors. We give a 5-year warranty on all work carried out. We work exclusively with top brands, Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric, leading VRF systems for business use. After the survey you will receive an itemised quote with a fixed price.
Want to know more about our business services? Have a look at the page business air conditioning.
Showroom Waalre
Ready to have your commercial building professionally climate-controlled?
Request a free, no-obligation quote. Our advisers will schedule a survey at a time that suits you.
- Personal advice from our own team
- Vrijblijvend en kosteloos
- Inmeting bij u thuis of op locatie
- Vaste prijs, transparant gespecificeerd
