VRF (Variable refrigerant flow) aka VRV (variable refrigerant volume), is a technology that is in use for the last 30 years around the world. In the past few years, this technology is becoming popular in UAE and especially in Dubai for its increased energy efficiency, flexibility and to return quick ROI.
What is VRF?
Before knowing about the repair and maintenance of VRF systems, it is essential to know about the technology first. As the name suggests, it can regulate the amount of refrigerant supply to each indoor unit. The flow of the refrigerant is controlled by electronic expansion valves (EEV). It provides control of the refrigerant to each room according to the comfort of the people living in it. There is one outdoor condensing unit (up to 4 modules) with inverter compressors, and this outdoor unit is linked with several indoor units providing features like temperature control and several other advanced features.
Why is Periodic Maintenance Necessary?
To improve energy efficiency, reduce energy bill cost, enhance machine life, minimize breakdowns, and for a healthy indoor environment, all HVAC systems must be maintained regularly.
Let’s see what makes VRF maintenance more critical than that of other HVAC’s:
1. To Maintain the Premium Efficiency
We agree with the statement from many manufacturers that energy efficiency is the primary objective of VRF. Engineers are always trying to create and develop better and efficient solutions every day. The main components and features such as inverter compressors, fans, heat recovery features, compressor vapor injection, and many more advanced features make VRF and efficient technology. To get the entire worth of your money and achieve the efficient results of this technology to the fullest, maintenance of parts such as condensers, evaporators, and air filters is essential.
2. To Avoid System Breakdown that can Cut-Off the Cooling Supply of An Entire Building.
VRF system consists of one outdoor unit connected with multiple indoor units connected with the piping network and communication wires. This configuration is different from Split AC Unit. If there is a problem in the system critical points such as compressor failure, EEV failure, Gas Leakage, Outdoor Unit PCB, or any other significant issues, it can cause the breakdown of the entire system. This can be avoided by maintaining the system regularly.
3. To Avoid costly breakdowns
VRF system has a central configuration that makes some components repair, such as the compressor, expensive. For instance, if the compressor of a split AC fails to work, you have to pay around 1000 AED (300$) to fix it, but in case of the failure of the VRF compressor, it can cost you around 5000 AED (1400$), this price difference is normal because we are comparing 2 tons compressor to 10 tons, This situation can be avoided if you schedule regular maintenance of your VRF unit. If you haven’t done the maintenance of your VRF unit yet, you can contact us to get it done perfectly for you!
4. OEM Service Software Can Come Handy in Identifying Few Issues
If you hire a company to maintain your VRF system, ask them to check the system using manufacturer service software. VRF systems is an advanced technology which needs to be diagnosed with laptop/computers. In Split Units, the parameters like suction pressure and temperature are read through manual measurement tools. Still, in VRF systems, these parameters, along with others, including suction and discharge pressures and temperatures, expansion valve opening, components temperatures, superheat, subcooling, the refrigerant temperature in some points, and many others, can be read through sensors for which manufacturer service software is required.
In Instacool, we have service software for almost every manufacturer, including Samsung, LG, Daikin, and others that we use in all VRF calls.
5. Lack of Maintenance Can Cause System Failure
Unlike Split AC unit, where lack of maintenance of one component will only cause damage to that particular component, that’s not the case with VRF systems. For instance, if one of your indoor units has clogged filter, with time, it will start affecting the other indoor units too, as liquid refrigerant will be going back to compressors, even though all VRF outdoors come with accumulator, this accumulator is design to handle liquid amount returned in normal operating conditions. so the problem in one will start affecting the working of other which will eventually lead to the complete shutdown of the system. To prevent this, the full periodic maintenance of the VRF system is essential.
6. Custom Settings and Custom Controls
Most of the VRF systems have this feature to change the settings as per the user’s need. However, making these changes isn’t easy, and sometimes it requires a professional’s help to do so. Professionals won’t only know how to make changes, but he/she will check your system before making any changes that the change won’t affect the system’s performance. All major companies such as Samsung, Hitachi, LG, Daikin, and others have a wide range of custom controls according to the customer’s need.
These factors, as mentioned above, imply that you must not put your VRF system maintenance on hold anymore and get it done as soon as you can. For booking your VRF system maintenance appointment, contact us via 800-INSTA (800-46782) or email us at info@instacool.ae.
