Design
Load calculations, zoning, pipe sizing, refrigerant charge and controls strategy.
Multi-zone · heat recovery
VRF & VRV Air Conditioning Systems
Variable refrigerant flow systems deliver efficient, individually controlled heating and cooling across many zones from a compact set of outdoor plant.
What is VRF?
One system, many independently controlled zones.
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, also known as VRV (variable refrigerant volume, a Daikin trademark), connect many indoor units to one or more outdoor condensing units through a refrigerant pipe network. Inverter-driven compressors vary the flow of refrigerant to match the demand in each zone.
The result is precise, individual control in every room or area, high part-load efficiency, and far less outdoor plant than separate split systems. VRF suits offices, hotels, schools, healthcare buildings, retail and mixed-use developments.
VRF is an air-to-air heat pump system, so it provides heating as well as cooling, and is a common route for decarbonising heating in commercial buildings.
Heat pump vs heat recovery
Two types of VRF.
Choosing the right type depends on how your building behaves:
| Heat pump VRF (2-pipe) | Heat recovery VRF (3-pipe or equivalent) | |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | All indoor units on a system heat or cool at the same time | Individual units can heat while others cool |
| Best for | Buildings with similar needs across zones | Buildings with mixed loads, e.g. sunny and shaded sides, server rooms next to offices |
| Efficiency | High | Very high when heat is moved between zones rather than rejected outside |
| Cost | Lower capital cost | Higher capital cost, often offset by running savings |
Some manufacturers use two-pipe heat recovery designs with branch controllers; we’ll explain the differences between the systems we propose.
What we do
VRF from design to long-term maintenance.
Refrigerant safety
Larger systems can hold significant refrigerant charges. We assess charge limits for the smallest occupied rooms against BS EN 378 and design in leak detection where required.
Installation
Brazed pipework with nitrogen purge, pressure testing, evacuation and accurate charging.
Controls
Local controllers, central control, scheduling, setpoint limits and BMS integration.
Commissioning
System checks, documentation, F-Gas records and handover training.
Maintenance
Leak checks at the required frequency, filter and coil care, performance checks.
Find out more →Suffolk · Norfolk · Essex · Cambridgeshire
Planning a commercial project?
Site surveys, written proposals and maintenance contracts across East Anglia.
Useful answers
Common questions
What’s the difference between VRF and VRV?
They’re the same principle. VRV is Daikin’s trademark; VRF is the generic term used by other manufacturers.
Is VRF suitable for an older building?
Often, yes. The small refrigerant pipes are easier to route than ductwork or water pipework, which helps in refurbishments.
Do VRF systems need leak detection?
It depends on the refrigerant charge and room sizes. F-Gas rules require permanent leak detection on systems at or above 500 tonnes CO₂e, and safety standards may require detection where the charge in a small room could exceed safe limits.
Can VRF replace our boilers?
In many offices and similar buildings, a VRF heat pump or heat recovery system can provide all the space heating. Hot water usually needs a separate solution.
How often should VRF be serviced?
Typically every six months for commercial systems, plus leak checks at the frequency set by the system’s refrigerant charge.
Where we work
Commercial air conditioning and heat pumps across East Anglia
We work with businesses, public sector organisations, landlords and main contractors across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, from single-site offices to multi-site estates.
Free, no-obligation quotes
Tell us about your site.
Share a few details about the building, the work and your timescales. We’ll respond during working hours to arrange a call or site survey.
- 0330 520 2935
- info@anglianaircon.co.uk
- Mon–Fri, 8am–5.30pm
- Covering East Anglia