Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air conditioning systems were originally developed for commercial applications but are now available for large homes. Both VRF and multi-split systems connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit.
VRF systems are more efficient with less heating & cooling losses than ducted systems.
They also provide a solution if you don’t have sufficient space to run ducting, such as with cathedral ceilings. Consider installing indoor units above robes or cupboards.
For smaller applications with less than 4 rooms, a simpler multi-split system may be your best option. With more than 4 indoor units, consider a VRF system.
The VRF system manager optimises the refrigerant flow to each indoor unit for optimal performance. It takes account of the demand capacity of each indoor unit and distance from the outdoor unit. A VRF system is ideal where distances between indoor and outdoor units vary significantly.