Selecting the right cooling system is the most critical MEP decision for any project. Whether you are developing a luxury residence in Maitama or a multi-story corporate headquarters in Lagos, the wrong choice can lead to astronomical energy bills and poor occupant comfort.
Quick Comparison: Features & Criteria
| Feature | Central Split | Packaged Unit | Chilled Water | VRF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Fit | Residential/Small Offices | Retail/Schools | High-rise/Hospitals | Hotels/Mixed-use |
| Medium | Refrigerant | Refrigerant | Chilled Water | Refrigerant |
| Zoning | Moderate | Limited | High | Very High |
| Typical Lifespan | 15–20 yrs | 10–15 yrs | 20–30 yrs | 15–25 yrs |
| Operating Cost | Moderate | Moderate | Low (at scale) | Low-Moderate |
🔎 Deep Dive by System Type
1. Central Split Systems Initial Cost: Moderate
Commonly found in Nigerian luxury homes, these systems use separate outdoor condensers and indoor air handlers connected by ductwork.
Strengths: Widely understood by local technicians and easier to repair than complex VRF systems.
Limitation: Ductwork requires significant ceiling space and must be perfectly sealed to prevent energy loss in our humid climate.
2. Packaged Units Initial Cost: Lower
An "all-in-one" solution where all components sit in a single outdoor unit (usually rooftop).
Best For: Standalone retail, schools, and modular buildings where indoor mechanical space is unavailable.
3. Chilled Water Systems Initial Cost: Highest
The gold standard for large-scale infrastructure. A central chiller cools water, which is then pumped throughout the building to Fan Coil Units (FCU).
The Jeffen Reds Edge: We recommend Chilled Water for hospitals and airports because of its 30-year lifespan and seamless integration with Building Management Systems (BMS).
4. VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) Initial Cost: Moderate-High
VRF systems modulate refrigerant flow to match the exact cooling load of each individual room.
Pros: Superior zoning—a hotel guest can have their room at 18°C while the office next door is at 23°C. It is incredibly efficient but requires highly specialized maintenance.
Which should you choose?
At Jeffen Reds Ltd, we analyze your project based on 5 key questions:
- How many separate zones require independent control?
- Is ductwork feasible given your ceiling heights?
- What is the design load variation? (Does the building empty out at night?)
- Maintenance: Do you have access to specialized VRF technicians, or do you need a simpler split system?
- Budget: Do you favor lower up-front costs or 25-year operational savings?
Expert HVAC Design & Commissioning
Don't leave your comfort to chance. From high-rise chillers to modular VRF systems, we design for the Nigerian environment.
Consult Our Engineers