Air conditioning is usually the single largest energy user in an Indian office, and one of the biggest items in a fit-out budget. For most commercial offices, the choice comes down to two system types: VRF (variable refrigerant flow) and chilled water. Both can work well. The right choice depends on the size of your space, the building you are in and how the office will be used.
How VRF works
A VRF system uses outdoor condensing units connected by refrigerant pipes to many indoor units, such as ceiling cassettes or concealed ducted units. The system varies the flow of refrigerant to match the cooling needed in each zone, so individual rooms can be controlled separately.
Where VRF fits well:
- Small and medium offices, typically one floor or part of a floor.
- Spaces with many separately controlled rooms, such as cabins and meeting rooms.
- Tenancies where the landlord does not provide central chilled water.
- Projects that need flexible, phased installation.
How chilled water works
A chilled water system cools water in a central plant of chillers, then pumps it through pipes to air handling units and fan coil units around the building. The air is cooled by the chilled water coils. Large buildings often have a central chilled water plant serving all tenants.
Where chilled water fits well:
- Large offices and multi-floor buildings.
- Buildings that already have a central chilled water supply for tenants.
- Spaces needing large volumes of treated fresh air or tight humidity control.
- Owners looking at long-term efficiency across a large plant.
Questions to ask before you decide
- Does the building provide chilled water, and how is it billed?
- Is there space and landlord permission for outdoor VRF units?
- How many separately controlled zones do you really need?
- Will parts of the office be used outside normal hours?
- How much fresh air does the space need for the expected occupancy?
- What are the expected running and maintenance costs over the lease term, not just the installation cost?
Do not forget fresh air and controls
Whichever system you choose, good indoor air quality needs a properly designed fresh air system, ideally with heat recovery to reduce the energy cost of cooling outside air. Connecting the HVAC to a BMS allows schedules, set points and alarms to be managed centrally, which is where many of the long-term savings come from.
Our HVAC team designs and installs both VRF and chilled water systems as part of complete fit-outs. Get in touch to discuss which suits your project.