SCIC has been hired by a senior living facility in Falmouth, Massachusetts to perform a Variable
Refrigerant Flow (VRF) System replacement. We will be replacing the aging, existing VRF system in a
densely occupied and HSE environment. Focusing on strong collaboration with our client to identify an
approach to relocate residents safely and with minimal disturbance to their everyday lives is paramount.
Safety, phasing, sub selection, purchasing, site protection and communication will all take on a
heightened importance on this project as well.
VRF Systems are highly green options for facilities to use for their heating and cooling systems. They
provide flexibility for a higher level of individual control over room temperature due to each fan coil unit
having its own thermostat. This aspect alone makes the system more efficient and better for the end
users since each zone may be set to its own temperature setting.
While on site, in addition to making the necessary wall and ceiling openings, we will remove the existing
refrigerant pipework, indoor branch boxes, air handlers and heat pumps. In turn, replacing the new
contemporary VRF system with the phased, logistically planned, and vacant areas of the building.
The process to replace the legacy units entails mobilizing a crane to remove each of the existing units and
hoisting in place the 9 new VRF units to the roof. SCIC will then connect the vertical pipework, integrating
the entire system. Prior to handover we will undertake the testing, and balancing the system, repairing
all walls/ceiling openings and relocating the resident back into their units. This process will occur on
3 floors of the facility, in a strategically phased approach.
VRF HVAC systems consist of outdoor units connected to multiple indoor units via refrigerant piping to
provide cooling and heating to individual zones. Because these units can pump heat between different
rooms of a building without rejecting it outside is why they are proving to be the system of choice for
building owners looking to minimize costs, improve efficiencies, reduce carbon footprint, and provide
excellent comfort conditions for building occupants.
This project is anticipated to begin after Memorial Day and be completed within 15 weeks.
