How can you boost and maintain your VRF system?

The technology around us has been improving with the changing times. This is also true in the case of the HVAC industry, which works to ensure the comfort and ease of people. Today, one can find several HVAC solutions in the market that run on the minimum costs. One is the VRF system, which offers several benefits like zonal cooling, elevated performance, and lower maintenance costs. Besides, one can also take steps to boost and maintain the performance of the VRF system. For those interested in finding ways to do this, here we have mentioned some tips. Have a look!

Things to do to boost your VRF system's performance

1. VRF refrigerant piping design:

The VRF systems operate at extreme temperatures. So, it is essential to assign space for thermal expansion and contraction in the copper branch piping. Users can also opt for an expansion loop or other thermal expansion tool. However, you should know that preventing the expansion will only escalate the chances of leakage in VRF Y joint and equipment connections.

2. Opt for the defrost mode:

If the VRF operates in the heat mode, it tends to increase the frost build-up. To stop this from happening, you must shift to the defrost mode and switch to cooling. When this happens, the accumulated frost will melt because of the vapour released from the defrost mode. So, when you opt for the defrost mode, you won't get heat from the system.

3. Supplementary heat:

The VRF system's heating capacity may decrease if the outside temperature goes down. This is why you should try to check the loads and size of the system. For providing supplementary heat, you can also choose to work with an auxiliary heat source.

4. Capacity for insulation:

The insulation material's type and thickness in the VRF system depend on refrigerant pipe sizes and temperatures. The working temperature of the VRF piping can reach up to 190 degrees F. So, your system should have the insulation capacity to ensure up to 248 degrees F at least. Thus, it is advised to use EPDM material when it comes to insulation due to its closed-cell continuous vapour barrier.

Things to do to maintain your VRF system's performance

1. Place of Installation:

Before investing in your VRF system, consider where you should install the unit. You should not just fit the system where it was installed previously. One reason is that VRF systems differ in size from older HVAC systems. The prior type of unit is smaller than the latter. Also, it is worth noting that VRF systems installed indoors do not require as much maintenance as systems placed outdoors. 

2. Better control:

For maintaining your VRF system, always consider enhancing the controls. Make attempts to amalgamate them rather than separate them. So, for better maintenance, remove the obstacles, and lessen the distance between programming, controls and housing unit.

So, these are a few steps VRF users are recommended to take to maintain and boost their systems' performance.