How Much Does It Cost to Install a VRF HVAC System?

If you've ever considered installing a new HVAC unit in your home, you'll already know that the industry uses a lot of acronyms to describe different systems. From BTUs to SEERs, getting to grips with the jargon can leave even experienced DIYers scratching their heads. VRF is another term describing ultra-efficient HVAC equipment, and understanding what it means could help you save money on installation and energy bills.

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Once upon a time, VRF HVAC systems were mainly used for commercial premises, but they're now becoming more popular in residential buildings. Below, we'll explain what a VRF system is, how much it costs to install and why you should consider it for your home.

What Is a Variable Refrigerant Flow HVAC System?

A VRF system is a type of HVAC system that both heats and cools your home. A single VRF unit controls multiple individual units inside your house without extensive ductwork. While they're similar to mini-split air conditioners in that they have a central unit supplying smaller in-room units, mini-splits either heat or cool a room. An in-room VRF unit can do both.

VRF HVAC systems are ideal for retrofitting because they're quick and relatively nondisruptive to install. This makes VRF HVAC an excellent alternative to central air conditioners if you don't have existing ductwork. They can also make your home more efficient by preventing energy loss through leaky or uninsulated ducts.

Unlike regular whole-house HVAC systems, VRF systems allow you to create different heating and cooling zones. Therefore, they heat and cool each room to your precise requirements, reducing unnecessary energy usage and optimizing comfort.

How Does a VRF Air Conditioning System Work?

Inside a VRF system, refrigerant flows from exterior condenser units to indoor wall-mounted units. An inverter compressor alters the flow of refrigerant when the system detects changes in the room. For example, it can increase flow to cool a room more effectively during high-use periods and throttle the flow when a room is empty.

There are several different types of VRF systems; VRF heat pumps and energy recovery systems are the most common. A VRF heat pump transfers heat from outdoors to indoors while in heating mode. In cooling mode, the unit reverses the refrigerant flow, transferring heat from indoors to outdoors.

In contrast, heat recovery VRF systems work by transferring heat between refrigerant circuits. This mechanism allows the system to heat specific areas of your home while cooling others simultaneously.

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Cost to Install a VRF HVAC System by Type

The method used to cool the refrigerant in a VRF HVAC system significantly impacts the price. As the name suggests, air-cooled models cool the refrigerant with air and are highly efficient. According to BuildOps, purchasing and installing an air-cooled HVAC system costs $3,000 to $5,000 (CAD 4,082 to CAD 6,803), making it the most affordable option up front.

Water-cooled VRF units use water to cool the refrigerant instead of air. They're slightly more expensive to install, with most homeowners paying between $5,000 and $7,000 (CAD 6,803 and CAD 9,525).

Hybrid VRF HVAC systems are the costliest to install at around $7,000 to $9,000 (CAD 9,525 to CAD 12,246). These models cool the refrigerant with both air and water.

Several factors could affect the overall cost of installing VRF air conditioning systems. You could pay significantly more if you have a particularly large home requiring multiple heating and cooling zones. Conversely, installing a single-zone system in a small apartment could cost much less. Expect to pay more than average if you need to install your units in a hard-to-reach location or live in a city with high labor costs.

It's worth considering the cost of maintenance before deciding on a new HVAC system for your home. A VRF unit typically requires less maintenance than traditional air conditioners and furnaces, so it could be more affordable in the long term. While HVAC maintenance fees vary between cities, most technicians charge $75 to $150 (CAD 102 to CAD 204) per hour.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.