The Smart Alternative

Why Variable Water Flow
beats VRF

YORK® VWF uses chilled water — not refrigerant — inside your building. That one difference changes everything.

The Core Difference

Water vs refrigerant — why it matters

VRF systems circulate high-pressure HFC refrigerant through pipes that run throughout your building into every room. YORK® VWF generates chilled water at the outdoor unit and distributes only water indoors. This single engineering decision has profound implications for safety, cost, flexibility, and lifespan.

Safety First

Water operates at 0.6 MPa vs 2.8–3.0 MPa for VRF. No refrigerant leak risk in occupied spaces. No ASHRAE 15 refrigerant concentration concerns.

Lower Operating Cost

COP >3.8 at IPLV/NPLV. No piping deration penalty. BMS compatibility standard. Typical 20–35% savings vs VRF in real-world operation.

Unlimited Flexibility

No piping length limits (VRF maxes at 200m). No IDU count restrictions. Different make indoor units work. Future expansion is modular and simple.

Longer Life

VRF averages 10–12 years. YORK® VWF is built for 20–25 years with lower maintenance frequency and cost throughout its life.

Detailed Comparison

Criteria YORK® VWF (Amichi) VRF System Conv. Chiller
Piping Length No limit Max 200m No limit
Refrigerant in Building Water only (safe) High-pressure HFC Contained
BMS Compatibility Standard Optional / costly Standard
Future Expansion Modular, easy Complex, costly Modular
Equipment Lifespan 20–25 years 10–12 years 20–25 years
Efficiency (COP) >3.8 Higher <3.8 Medium
ASHRAE 15 Compliance Complies easily Challenging Complies
IDU Flexibility Any make IDU Same make only Any make IDU
Maintenance Cost Low — simple water system High — complex refrigerant Low

Ready to make the switch?

We'll model your energy savings and show you the ROI before you commit to anything.