Commercial air conditioning: A solution that can save up to 35% on electricity by 2026

In 2026, refrigeration technology has made significant strides with modern cooling systems such as PAC, MULTI, VRF, and CHILLER systems. Installing a central air conditioning system according to standards can help businesses save up to 35% on electricity compared to using traditional individual air conditioning units. This is achieved through intelligent control and optimization of cooling load based on the actual needs of each area within the building.

What is central air conditioning?

Commercial air conditioning is a cooling solution that utilizes one or a group of outdoor units connected to a variety of indoor units via a network of refrigerant (cooling gas) or chilled water distribution. Commercial air conditioning systems use the principle of varying refrigerant or water flow rates to regulate cooling capacity for each individual zone.

Commercial air conditioning (VRF) systems cool air and come in four types:

• Wall-mounted central air conditioners.
• Floor-mounted central air conditioners.
• Ceiling-mounted cassette central air conditioners.
• Ducted ceiling-mounted central air conditioners.

Commercial air conditioning systems, such as chillers, cool using water or air, and come in two types:

• Water-cooled chillers
• Air-cooled chillers

Furthermore, Multi-split and Packaged Air Conditioner (PAC) systems are considered hybrid solutions between split and central air conditioning, extremely popular for high-end apartments and small to medium-sized offices. A Multi-split system connects one outdoor unit to 2-5 indoor units, saving installation space and offering higher energy efficiency than older Multi-split systems thanks to the environmentally friendly R32 refrigerant. PAC systems, on the other hand, are commercial floor-standing or ceiling-mounted units with high capacity, suitable for open spaces such as showrooms or restaurants.

Basic Operating Principles

The operating principle of MULTI (Multi-Split Systems) systems:

Multi-split systems (such as Hitachi's MS_SJ-HNV series) operate based on a configuration of one outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units (up to 5 units).

Independent refrigerant distribution: The outdoor unit contains a high-capacity inverter compressor. Refrigerant is routed from the outdoor unit to a splitter (or direct connection ports on the outdoor unit). Here, electronic expansion valves (EEVs) precisely distribute the amount of refrigerant to each individual indoor unit.

Zoning Control: Each indoor unit operates completely independently. When you turn off a room, a sensor will send a signal to the outdoor unit; the inverter compressor will automatically reduce its speed and the expansion valves will partially close to provide sufficient energy only to the rooms that are still in use.

Purpose: To optimize outdoor unit installation space for townhouses and apartments with multiple rooms but limited balcony space.

Operating Principle of Packaged Air Conditioner (PAC) Systems

PAC systems (such as the airCore 600 and Primairy series) are often referred to as localized commercial air conditioners, operating in a configuration of one outdoor unit connected to one large-capacity indoor unit (Single Split).

Concentrated Power: PACs concentrate all the energy from the compressor into a single indoor unit (which can be a ceiling cassette, ducted concealed ceiling, or ceiling-mounted type).

Cooling Open Spaces: The principle of PACs is to create a strong airflow and high volume to cool large spaces effectively. For example, the airCore 600 series uses a powerful DC Inverter compressor to maintain a stable temperature for an entire restaurant lobby or large office without splitting the system.

Durability and static pressure: Unlike conventional air conditioners, PAC (concealed ceiling type) works on the principle of blowing air through a long duct system thanks to high static pressure (ESP), allowing cold air to penetrate to distant locations that smaller units cannot reach.

VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) System – Variable Refrigerant Flow Technology

VRF systems (such as Hitachi's Set-Free series) operate on the principle of directly adjusting the amount of refrigerant (gas) delivered to each consumption area. The refrigerant gas is used as a heat transfer medium directly from the outdoor unit to each indoor unit in the room. Each indoor unit is equipped with an Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV). Based on data from the room temperature sensor, the EEV calculates and opens/closes to supply the correct amount of gas needed. When the indoor units reach the set temperature, the EEV closes, and the central compressor, using Cascade Vector DC Inverter technology, automatically reduces its frequency to the lowest level. Instead of switching on and off, which wastes power during startup, the system maintains operation at a low intensity to keep the temperature absolutely stable.

Advantages: Extremely fast response to temperature changes, low energy loss due to the absence of intermediate refrigerants.

Chiller System – Heat Exchange Technology Using an Intermediate Refrigerant

Unlike VRF systems, chiller systems (especially screw chillers) use water as an intermediate refrigerant to deliver cooling. The central compressor does not directly supply refrigerant to the rooms. Instead, it cools the water to approximately 7°C at the heat exchanger. The water is then pumped through a network of pipes to end units such as FCUs (Fan Coil Units) or AHUs (Air Handling Units) in the areas requiring cooling. At the FCU/AHU, fans blow air through copper pipes containing cold water to cool the room air. After heat exchange, the heated water returns to the chiller to begin a new cooling cycle. Chiller systems require an additional cooling circulation loop (usually using a cooling tower or air cooling) to remove heat from the compressor to the outside environment.

Advantages: Extremely high cooling capacity, high compressor durability, suitable for very large spaces requiring high power stability.

The core difference for contractors

VRF systems, with their flexibility and energy-saving performance at partial load, are suitable for offices and hotels, while screw chillers are irreplaceable for heavy industrial projects due to their robust operation and unlimited capacity.

Why will central air conditioning help save up to 35% on electricity by 2026?

The 35% figure isn't just advertising hype; it's based on the scientific foundation of the core technologies integrated into the 2026 version of commercial air conditioning:

Advanced Inverter & Variable Frequency Drive Technology: The central compressor never shuts off completely but changes its operating frequency. When the cooling load decreases (e.g., in the evening or when there are fewer people), the compressor runs at an extremely low level, consuming only a fraction of the power it used during startup.

VRT (Variable Refrigerant Temperature) Technology: The system automatically adjusts the refrigerant temperature according to the outdoor temperature and indoor load. This prevents unnecessary overcooling.

Smart Sensors and AI: Infrared sensors detect the presence of people. If the room is empty, AI will automatically increase the temperature or put the unit into standby mode, minimizing waste.

Central Management System (BMS): Allows building managers to schedule operation precisely down to the minute, preventing forgetting to turn off air conditioning in public areas.

Next-generation refrigerants: The use of improved R32 or R410A gas increases heat exchange efficiency, allowing the machine to cool faster with less energy.

Advantages, Disadvantages, and Suitable Users

Although central air conditioning offers significant long-term economic benefits, investors should also carefully consider the following factors:

Advantages:

Long-term energy savings: Faster return on investment thanks to reduced electricity costs.

Extremely high durability: System lifespan can reach 20-25 years with proper maintenance.

Perfect aesthetics: Concealed ceiling units provide a luxurious and sophisticated look to interior spaces.

Quiet operation: Outdoor units are placed far from living areas, minimizing noise.

Disadvantages:

Initial investment: 1.5 - 2 times higher than a local air conditioning system.

Technical requirements: Requires a highly competent design and construction consulting firm from the rough construction stage.

Investing in a commercial air conditioning system is the solution to the problem of operating costs in an era of high energy prices. With the ability to save up to 35% of electricity, intelligent operation, and optimal comfort, this is certainly the new standard for modern buildings in 2026.

Whether you are interested in a flexible VRF system, a compact MULTI-PAC system, or the power of a CHILLER, choosing a reputable contractor is the most important step. A good system must go hand in hand with a technically sound installation solution to ensure the expected energy efficiency.

Are you looking for energy-saving solutions for your building? Contact Up.Tech team of experts today for advice on designing the most optimal commercial air conditioning system for 2026!

U.P. TECHNOLOGY AND TRADING CO., LTD.

Hotline: 1800 6202

Email: vu@uptech.com.vn

Website: https://uptech.com.vn

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