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As the American market becomes more familiar with variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, it’s discovering firsthand the technology’s ability to deliver exceptional comfort with lower life cycle costs. Additionally, contractors are touting the ability to perform maintenance on systems individually, allowing them to fix a problem without disrupting the comfort delivered to the remainder of the facility.

The backdrop for the contests was the 52^nd SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, where more than 15,000 people, including students, teachers, and business partners participated in the weeklong event.

The global VRF market is projected to reach approximately $9.65 billion by 2021, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8 percent between 2016 and 2021.

VRF systems can achieve up to 30 percent HVAC energy cost savings relative to minimally code-conventional-compliant systems or older inefficient systems across a range of building types, according to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. In addition to energy savings, VRF systems offer flexibility, cost-effective installation, and greater comfort for end users.

Each portable evaporative cooler unit includes a digital display to control fan speed, oscillation, cooling on-off, low water level, and a 24-hour timer. This cooler is ETL-approved and only uses 110 V and 4 A at 60 Hz. 

As net-zero-energy buildings (NZEBs) become more popular, HVACR manufacturers are working to create highly efficient products and systems to help meet these ambitious performance goals.

High-performance-building-related credentials from certifying bodies like ASHRAE, the Building Performance Institute Inc. (BPI), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the International Code Council (ICC), and many others can help mechanical contractors show they have expertise and experience in certain areas. 

With commercial building codes mandating increasing levels of efficiency and energy prices only continuing to rise, many building owners are looking for ways to boost building performance in both new and existing buildings. These case studies highlight several ways in which HVACR solutions have been implemented to help building owners meet their energy-efficiency and comfort goals.