What Is a VRV System? VRV Basics: 101

Air conditioning systems have one job: make your home the temperature you want. Right? Did you know your AC can also improve air quality and lower humidity? How your HVAC system works matters, too. VRV AC systems in Franklin, TN, are a popular heating and cooling solution because of their many benefits over traditional systems.

VRV and VRF Technology

If you’re not familiar with the terms “VRV” or “VRF,” they refer to the same technology. VRV stands for “variable refrigerant volume” and is a trademarked name created by Daikin Industries. VRF stands for “variable refrigerant flow” and is the non-trademarked term used by other manufacturers. VRV is, interestingly, the more common term.

How VRV Works

VRVs work in much the same way mini splits do. Mini splits use an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected by refrigerant lines and electrical wiring, eliminating the need for ductwork, while VRVs are multi-split systems with a single outdoor unit that feeds multiple indoor units. 

Multi-split systems such as VRVs carefully regulate refrigerant levels between the outdoor unit and all indoor units to control individual room or zone temperatures. Unlike a traditional air conditioning system that heats or cools air centrally and distributes that air via ductwork, a VRV system generates the exact temperature a user desires at each indoor unit.

Cooling-Only vs. Heat Pump vs. Heat Recovery

Cooling-only systems are highly energy efficient, but they can’t warm up a room. Heat pump systems can cool and heat, but they can only perform one function at a time. Even with a multi-split VRV that uses multiple indoor units, the system is either cooling or heating. Individual users can still regulate how much their unit is cooling or heating, though.

Heat recovery systems, however, can heat and cool simultaneously. They remove heat from rooms that need to be cooled down and transfer that heat to rooms that need to be warmed up.

VRV Advantages

Why choose VRV AC systems in Franklin, TN?

• VRVs are much more efficient than standard AC systems
• With the capability of multiple thermostat zones, occupants have more control over their individual temperature
• There’s less equipment compared to traditional systems
• Installations are much less invasive

The only real downside of VRV systems is that they are more expensive than standard AC systems. However, they can easily pay for themselves over time thanks to their lower energy usage.

Get Expertly Installed VRV AC Systems in Franklin, TN

Mid-Tenn Air Conditioning & Heat knows VRV systems inside and out, and our expert techs can get you set up with an efficient, powerful VRV system for your home. Contact us for a free estimate.