SYSTEM AND UNITS
With the many diverse applications of AC used in our homes, commercial properties, ranging from
small shops and cafés to large office buildings and indoor public spaces, how do you know which
system unit is right for your space?
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Central units, split and multi-split units, VRF/VRV systems or HVAC systems? It can be a little
confusing and with its advantages and disadvantages.
​Three common types of air conditioning are central air conditioning systems, multi-split,
VRF/VRV air conditioning systems, or HVAC - Heat Ventilation Air Conditioning.
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See below to find out more and get advice on which unit or system could be best for your indoor
spaces. These air conditioning units must be installed by an F-Gas qualified engineer.
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CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING
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IDEAL FOR LARGE OPEN SPACES OR MULTIPLE OPEN
OFFICES
The central AC works by using ducting and grills to disperse air around the designed area. This is heated and cooled by one internal central unit that is installed, often in the basement or loft, and uses a fan system (Evaporator) to blow air through a ducting network and into your rooms or a designated area.
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Central air conditioning systems tend to be quite large, as they are designed for larger areas and need space for ducting. They are used in larger homes, offices, and large commercial buildings.
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The key feature of a central air conditioning system:
There is that one internal unit (evaporator) that will cool or heat all designed areas in the property. The inside unit (evaporator) supplies the same temperature through the ducting and discreet grills.
MULTI-SPLIT AIR CONDITIONING
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PERFECT FOR SMALLER SPACES AND MULTIPLE ROOMS
Split and multi-split air conditioning systems feature an external unit and an internal unit per area in
which you wish to cool. If you have a particularly large property, you can install multiple units.
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The key features of a multi-split system include:
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You can control each indoor unit in a multi-split air conditioning system independently. This means
that you can set different rooms and areas at different temperatures to suit you.
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Connecting up to four indoor units to an outdoor unit with no need for
ductwork.
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They are less invasive to install and have a slim design. This makes it easy to pick units that suit your property and style.
VRF - VARIABLE REFRIGERANT VOLUME
(ALSO KNOWN AS VRV)
HAS THE ABILITY TO HEAT AND COOL LARGE SPACES AND BUILDINGS
VRF systems are highly sophisticated and technological. ​When Daikin launched the VRV* air conditioning system in 1982, it introduced the world’s first use of variable refrigerant volume control.
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Key features of VRF systems include:
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Energy-Saving Operation
Precise individual control and inverter technology minimize energy consumption to deliver optimum energy savings.
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Individual Control
VRV systems enable individual climate control settings for each zone to provide the utmost in comfort to commercial building settings.
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Adaptable Design
Modular design of outdoor units and wide selection of indoor units ensure system designs that are ideally suited to the environments where they are installed.
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Flexible Layout
In addition to a maximum connection of 64 indoor units to 1 outdoor unit, large allowances for piping length and level difference provide a flexible layout.
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MULTI SPLIT UNITS
MID-WALL MOUNTED
Perfect for smaller areas
Wall mounted air conditioning units are the most popular type of air conditioning unit. They’re ideal for homes and smaller commercial areas like a small shop.
Wall mounted air conditioning units usually fit at the top of walls or can be lower down, there are many different designs which make for a very attractive climate control.
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CASSETTE
Ideal for large open spaces
Ceiling cassette air conditioning is perfect for large area within the home or commercial property with a false or suspended ceiling.
The majority of the unit is hidden from view and can be positioned in the middle of the ceiling, meaning that air can be distributed evenly in multiple directions.
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VRF
Great for larger mixed-use spaces
The systems are efficient, reliable and easy to control, capable of meeting larger buildings’ complete heating and cooling requirements across multiple rooms.
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They recover waste heat from around the building, using it to heat other rooms and hot water, whilst keeping other rooms comfortable.
DECISIONS, DECISIONS?
Multi split air conditioning systems (Non VRF or VRF) are the most popular type of climate control system in the UK. See below for the key reasons for this:
1. Firstly, split and multi split systems can be much more efficient than central air conditioning. Air travelling through ducts can sometimes lose heat on cold days and get warmer on hot days, making central air conditioning less efficient than it could be. Ultimately making the system less effective and costing more money.
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2. Split and multi split systems give you the control to heat or cool different parts of your property as little or as much as you want to. Central air conditioning doesn’t give you this level of control, meaning that you could end up heating or cooling spaces that don’t need it and, again, wasting energy and money.
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3. Multi-splits are very cost-effective and quite energy-efficient when smaller applications are concerned.
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4. VRF state-of-art sophisticated system is best harnessed in commercial spaces and multi-family housing. The installation and system costs are more expensive than multi-splits, however they built to suit large building multi heating and cooling requirements.
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