January 10, 2025
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are essential for providing a comfortable living environment in St. Louis homes. However, as with any industry, the competition among manufacturers and the drive to sustainable living, various options and styles are available, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. If you are contemplating replacing or upgrading your current system, consider a VRF or a modern traditional HVAC system based on the factors presented below.
Understanding Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems
Almost all HVAC systems (except gas furnaces) use a chemical compound known as refrigerant. Its job is essentially to transfer heat from one area to another. For instance, when an HVAC system is in cooling mode, the refrigerant will absorb heat from the indoor air as the air passes through the evaporator coils. The refrigerant then releases the air outside via the condenser coils.
VRF systems are designed to efficiently regulate refrigerant flow to match the heating and cooling demands of different areas within a home. As a result, it enables household members to manage the temperature of each room independently.
How They Work
VRF systems have one outdoor unit and several indoor units. The outdoor unit has a unique type of compressor with a drive system. This drive system controls the speed of the electric motor that moves pistons to compress the refrigerant. This means that the compressor will not always run at full throttle. If you need your bedroom to be cooled just a bit, the compressor’s drive system will adjust to provide only the necessary cooling.
Moreover, the indoor units have their own sensors and controls. If, for example, you need more warmth in the living room than in the other unused rooms, the VRF’s expansion valve will direct more refrigerant to the living room unit to heat up the air quickly. The unused rooms will receive less refrigerant or none at all, based on their current temperature settings.
Traditional HVAC Systems
Most people in St. Louis use a traditional HVAC system that combines a central air conditioner with a furnace. Central ACs consist of an outdoor unit that houses the compressor, an indoor unit (also known as the air handler), and ductwork. They work by pulling air through the return vents, absorbing heat until it cools, and then pushing it back out to your living areas.
The furnace’s role is to heat indoor air to your preset thermostat settings. It also pulls indoor air through the return vents to the combustion chamber that houses the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the burning gas, oil, or propane to the indoor air, and then the blower fans push this now hot air to your living spaces. Electric furnaces replace the heat exchanger with heating elements that generate heat when electricity flows through them.
Boilers, heat pumps, and ductless mini-split systems are also commonly used types of traditional HVAC systems. Boilers are essentially furnaces that use hot water or steam as a medium of heat transfer. They are popular for their radiant heat, which provides even and consistent warmth throughout the room.
Heat pumps and ductless mini-split systems work just like VRF systems but to a limited degree. VRF systems are more advanced and have more features that efficiently and effectively condition a home.
Choosing a VRF System Over a Traditional HVAC
A VRF system has a few advantages over traditional HVAC systems. They include:
Enhanced Comfort
VRF systems provide heating or cooling when and where needed without swings in room temperature. In traditional HVAC systems, the compressor is either full on or off. Thus, it’s common to experience fluctuations in room temperatures even in spaces with individual controls as the compressor stops and starts again to maintain desired comfort levels.
In contrast, the compressor in VRF systems doesn’t cycle on and off but operates continuously. It supplies the necessary refrigerant to the indoor coil, and once the desired temperature is achieved, it adjusts the refrigerant flow to maintain comfort without noticeable fluctuations.
Superior Energy Savings
VRF systems are generally more energy efficient. Their ability to modulate compressor speed and adjust refrigerant flow means they can match their output to the exact load required. In other words, no energy is wasted.
Also, VRF systems don’t use ducts. Ducts, even well-insulated ones, will still lose some heat. Those with leaks and blockages can raise your heating or cooling energy bill by up to 40%. By eliminating ductwork from their structure, VRF systems guarantee energy savings in homes.
Simultaneous Heating and Cooling
This is where VRF systems differ from heat pumps and ductless mini-split systems. One VRF system can heat and cool different zones of the same building simultaneously.
VRF systems have a feature known as “heat recovery.” Instead of transferring heat absorbed from one room outdoors, they can capture that excess heat and redirect it to zones that need warmth. This feature also helps lower energy usage by over 30%.
Installation Flexibility
You can retrofit a VRF system onto any building, regardless of the layout. A qualified technician will install the indoor air handlers at any suitable location and connect them to the outdoor unit via a small refrigerant piping. VRF systems are usually more compact than traditional HVAC systems. They can fit into tight spaces and adapt to your unique room décor.
Scalability
Unlike traditional HVAC systems that must be replaced after remodeling a home, VRF systems allow for scalability. You can add or remove indoor units as your home’s needs change without impacting their efficiency and effectiveness.
Quiet Operation
VRF systems are common in commercial buildings because they operate quietly, providing a comfortable environment for productivity. If you work from home or enjoy quiet spaces, consider upgrading to a VRF system.
Choosing a Traditional HVAC System Over a VRF System
There are circumstances where a traditional HVAC system may still be the better option. They include:
1. Lower Initial Cost
Traditional HVAC systems are generally more affordable to purchase and install than VRF systems. If you live in a small house with a simple layout, a traditional HVAC system will serve you very well. Even with a tight budget, you can find efficient models with amazing modern features.
2. Existing Ductwork and Systems
If your home already has well-functioning ductwork, installing a traditional HVAC system is the cost-effective choice. Reusing existing ductwork will also reduce the installation time.
Similarly, if you have a furnace that’s less than 10 years old, consider investing in a traditional HVAC system. There’s no need to buy a VRF system that will render your relatively new furnace useless.
3. Simplicity of Operation and Maintenance
Traditional HVAC systems are often more straightforward to run and diagnose when issues arise. Their signs are simple to interpret. For instance, a banging noise simply means something is loose, while poor airflow could suggest that the air filters are dirty or the ducts are leaking.
On the other hand, VRF systems can confuse new owners. For example, when there is a refrigerant leak, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact location since the refrigerant is distributed throughout the building. HVAC technicians must use sophisticated sensors to detect and manage VRF systems.
How We Can Help
Before deciding on the best air conditioning system for your home in St. Louis, call Scott-Lee Heating Company for professional guidance. Let our AC services experts walk you through your best option, depending on your budget and long-term goals. We even offer financing plans to make your investment more manageable. Also, reach out to us for furnace and heat pump repair, maintenance, and installation services.
Call Scott-Lee Heating Company today to install a VRF or traditional HVAC system in St. Louis.