What is Multi-Split System?

Homeowner’s guide to New Home HVAC Construction

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Other Names of Outdoor Unit: Condenser

Other name of Indoor Unit: Air Handler, Coil, Indoor Head

Other Names of Multi-Split System: Multi-Zone, Multi-Port, Free Joint Multi

This article will make reference to the ‘What is VRV / VRF system?’ If you are interested, follow the link.

Understanding Multi-Zone System using Light Analogy

Once again, we will take the light analogy as shown in Figure 1, also explained in VRV / VRF system. In every bedroom you have to switch to either turn on or off, or even dim the light. Imagine, if you are given the same switch to control temperatures in each room. The Multi-Split System provides us with this flexibility to control temperatures. Other systems that offer us this ability are - VRV / VRF System & Split System with Zone Dampers.

Figure 1. Light Analogy to Multi-Split System

How does the Multi-Split System work?

Just like VRV / VRF systems, condenser supplies refrigerant to the multiple coils connected to it. In the VRF / VRF System, condenser and coils are connected using the daisy chain method as seen in Figure 2.

Figure 2. How VRV / VRF System works?

In the Multi-Split System, a copper pipe is run from the condenser to each coil as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, the Multi-Split System supports only a limited number of coils compared to VRV / VRF System.

Figure 3. How Multi-Split System Works?

Another difference between Multi-Split and VRV / VRF System is - expansion valve location as shown in Figure 4. Expansion Valves for the Multi-Split System are located in the condenser. Expansion Valves for the VRV / VRF System are located in the coil.

Figure 4. Expansion Valves Location in VRV / VRF System & Multi-Split System (Image: Daikin)

Which is expensive?

Multi-Split Systems are less expensive than VRV / VRF System. Multi-Split System takes less time to install compared to VRV / VRF System.

We hope this article was useful to you and have clearly explained the concept of Multi-Split system. If you are building a new home and need an HVAC engineer to design a comfortable system for your house, book a class either in-person or online, and let's dial in your requirements and get started . Please subscribe (bottom of the page) if you wish to receive notifications of blogs. If you have questions, email: support@heatload.net