Engineering analysis: Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) vs. Water-Cooled Chillers.
| Metric | Chiller | VRF |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost (CAPEX) | $0 | $0 |
| Annual Energy Cost | $0 | $0 |
| 15-Year Maintenance | High | Low |
| Net Savings | - | $0 |
When choosing a commercial HVAC system, Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) is just the tip of the iceberg. Operational Expenditure (OPEX) accounts for 70-80% of the lifecycle cost.
While Chillers are often cheaper to install, VRF systems excel in part-load efficiency (SEER), meaning they consume significantly less electricity when the building is not at peak occupancy. This tool helps developers visualize the long-term ROI of investing in higher-efficiency VRF technology.