One of the largest benefits of a VRF system is that the indoor units utilize coils which can heat or cool the zones. Heat pump system configurations can either completely cool or completely heat all the zones it serves. In a Heat Recovery system each individual zone can either heat or cool as needed. When simultaneously cooling and heating in a heat recovery system, energy can be transferred from one space to condition another. 

At a minimum, a filter and fan setup is required to supply ventilation air to a building. Many building energy codes also require exhaust-air energy recovery. As a result, a basic ventilation system might consist of an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). For additional air treatment—including humidity control—a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) would likely be required.

Finally, controls are necessary to enable and operate the VRF and ventilation systems. In some applications, it might be acceptable to control both systems independently. In other cases, close coordination may require an integrated control system.