A new variable refrigerant flow (VRF) incentive is now available for qualifying customers. A VRF heating and air conditioning system is a specific type of HVAC system which utilizes an outdoor unit that connects to multiple indoor units. Energy Trust’s incentives are specifically for air-cooled VRF multi-split heat pumps used for space conditioning. While there are different methods of providing outside air with a VRF system, Energy Trust requires that a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) be installed in parallel with the VRF system.
To qualify for the VRF incentive, projects must meet the following requirements:
- Area served by VRF must be greater than or equal to 25,000 square feet
- Buildings must be primarily used for offices or school classrooms
- DOAS with energy recovery that meets a 50% enthalpy recovery efficiency minimum must be installed
- DOAS air must be supplied at a neutral space temperature
- Each condenser unit must have a rated cooling capacity greater than five tons with variable speed compressor operation and must serve multiple indoor evaporator units
- System must meet or exceed 2016 CEE Tier 1 air-cooled VRF efficiency levels
- The majority of the indoor fan units must be set to cycle rather than run continuously during occupied hours
Energy Trust offers $1 per square foot of area served by a qualifying VRF system. The incentive is eligible for both retrofits and new construction of offices and schools.
For retrofits, use Form 120P under Forms and Resources or email the Existing Buildings trade ally team. For new construction, email the New Buildings Trade Ally team or call 1.877.467.0930.