Fortunately, the team's project manager, Mohammad Khodr, had recently discovered HVACR press fittings through a colleague. Impressed by the potential to maximize time and labor savings, Khodr arranged for his team of technicians to be trained on how to properly install press fittings by Rapid Locking System (RLS). Despite being the first time any of them had experienced press, the tool's ease of use and efficiency quickly became apparent.

RLS is a patented press-to-connect fitting specifically developed for the high-pressure application of the HVAC and refrigeration industries. As a flame-free alternative, RLS press fittings are fully registered and listed to UL207 for pressures up to 700 PSI and can create connections up to 60% faster than brazing, making them a convenient option to use during installation in addition to the traditional brazing method for VRF applications.

BOLD BET Quality 1 Energy Systems took a chance on press fittings for a high-stakes VRF install—and it paid off big. (Courtesy of Quality 1 Energy Systems)

For this project, the team installed Trane and Mitsubishi equipment, which required extensive piping and fittings to connect the VRF heat pump systems to the branch boxes, and from the branch boxes to the air handlers. While piping and fitting installations are critical, the greatest challenges on VRF projects often arise during the startup phase, ensuring the system functions properly and efficiently.

“We’ve used press in both residential and commercial applications. Commercially, we’ve implemented press fittings to save money and time on highly specialized VRF systems that require several hundred fittings,” said Zak Gharbieh, sales and service manager at Quality 1. 

Press fittings are installed using a tool and jaw that perform most of the work, ensuring consistent and easily repeatable connections between contractors. This allowed the two technicians assigned to the project to install all nine units and nearly 50 fittings – including 20 elbows and couplings ranging in size from 3/8-inch to 1 1/8-inch – in just one month. The team utilized Milwaukee press tools, specifically the M12 and M18 models, which contributed to the efficiency and ease of the installation.

“We saved up 35% on labor by using press on this project, even with one technician being brand new to the job and sharing the single press tool we rented. That percentage would have been higher had we had two tools and two veteran techs,” said Khodr. “Although this was not our first time pressing or using RLS fittings, it was our first time utilizing them on a project of this scale. This project has only proven to us that press is worth the investment.”

Since adding press to its installation arsenal, Quality 1 has experienced the largest benefits in its commercial specifications and design department, which accounts for 60% of its business. And, although there is a higher cost associated with the materials, Gharbieh reports that the labor savings the company has seen have offset those costs and then some. Additionally, the number of hours press can shave off lead times has allowed Quality 1 to outbid competitors. In fact, the team is preparing for an even larger VRF project involving 40 indoor units where they intend to exclusively use press fittings.

“We still braze when the conditions or project scope don't justify pressing. However, we now plan to completely switch over to press in due time,” said Khodr. “If we need to use copper fittings on any job, we’re definitely going with RLS.”