While new homes built in the US have generally been constructed with central air conditioning in mind since the 1970s, HVAC technology has not stood still since then. There have been many advances and new technologies created in the last fifty years.
Now, as a homeowner and not an HVAC professional, you don’t need to know the nitty gritty details of how every type of air conditioning system works. But it can be helpful to learn a little bit about some of the possibilities that exist these days. Knowing about options like VRV can help you choose a new air conditioner that will keep you cooler at a lower operating cost.
“Wait, what is VRV?” We’re so glad you asked…
Variable Refrigerant Volume
In 1982, a highly-reputable HVAC systems manufacturer called Daikin launched a new product. They called them VRV systems, for Variable Refrigerant Volume. Refrigerant is what flows through the refrigerant coils of your air conditioner, absorbing heat from indoors and releasing it outdoors. Traditional central AC units simply circulate that refrigerant, cooling your whole home to an even temperature by operating at the same level at all times. This works well in spaces that are wide open, but even homes with open floor plans on the ground level usually have multiple rooms with closed doors upstairs.
Zone Control Options
Some options do exist for controlling the temperature separately in individual zones of your home. Ductwork can be modified to allow cool air to be directed to certain places but not others. And ductless systems have a thermostat for each separate air handler, making it possible to set one zone of your home to a specific temperature without affecting the others.
But VRV systems do more than this. Instead of continuing to circulate the same amount of refrigerant regardless of the needs of the space, VRV systems automatically regulate the refrigerant flow to maximize efficiency by using only what’s actually needed.
Continued Innovation
While the basic technology was developed forty years ago, the innovation did not stop there. Heat recovery technology, combining heat pumps with VRV systems for comfort even in very cold regions, changes in refrigerant chemicals, and new materials used in the construction of AC units have all improved effectiveness, efficiency, and versatility over the years.
VRV and VRF
As we mentioned before, Variable Refrigerant Volume was a term coined by a specific company, Daikin. Other manufacturers also use this technology, and to avoid using the trademarked term VRV, they call it VRF, or Variable Refrigerant Flow. So if you decide that VRV systems in Spring Branch, TX seem like a good choice for keeping your home perfectly comfortable while cutting down on your energy usage, you actually have a variety of options from a variety of reputable manufacturers.
We’d be delighted to discuss all the options with you and help you find a system that’s ideal for your home and the needs of your family.
Contact D’Spain Sales & Service to talk to a member of our team.
