Summary
Ductless heat pumps are an excellent heating and cooling solution for apartments and condos. They require no ductwork, operate quietly, improve energy efficiency, and provide year-round comfort while maximizing valuable living space. They’re also a popular choice for strata properties looking to upgrade home comfort.
Ductless HVAC Systems Are A Great Solution For Apartments And Condos
The HVAC system in your home is one of the most important and heavily used pieces of equipment that you have. Without it, your summers and winters can prove to be quite uncomfortable. That is why it is so important to make the right choice when picking out a new system. You want to make sure that you get one that is going to suit all of your needs. That includes not only your comfort, but your pocketbook as well.
One of the most energy-efficient systems out there is a ductless heat pump system. These systems are all electric and are a true zoned system. That means that you only condition the spaces that you are actively using. These ductless HVAC systems are also extremely efficient. You can often see SEER ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) well into the upper 20’s, far surpassing the industry standards for traditional ducted systems.
Ductless HVAC systems do not utilize a common air handler that distributes the conditioned air throughout your home via a network of duct runs. Instead, each conditioned space has its own dedicated air handler with a self-contained coil that is directly connected to the outdoor heat pump condensing unit. Each air handler also has its own set of controls, which allows the occupant to individually run each air handler separately. By giving the occupant this kind of control over the system, they can heat or cool just the room they are in while not wasting energy conditioning extra spaces in the home that are not in use. Additionally, they can run multiple units at once but keep certain rooms warmer or cooler as they see fit.
As an example, if the occupants of the master bedroom like to sleep with the room cooler than the other occupants of the house, they are not all tied together on one common system with one thermostat. The master bedroom occupants can simply turn down the set point on their controller for their unit while the other occupants of the home can set theirs to their own desired level.
Ductless systems are also a great option for an apartment or condo. Since these types of homes are typically a bit smaller, they can normally get away with a smaller HVAC system. For example, a typical 2-bedroom 800-square-foot apartment or condo can normally get away with a ductless system consisting of just one 18K BTU outdoor unit and two 9K BTU indoor units. These units are so efficient that a system like this will easily do the job. The tenants will also enjoy the added bonus of a much lower utility bill at the end of the month. This is especially true if the building has any solar energy upgrades.
Ductless split systems are most commonly installed with a high wall-mounted air handler, but in recent years many manufacturers have come out with other styles to suit consumers’ tastes and needs. You can now find them available not only in the wall mount configuration, but also in a ceiling cassette unit, a floor mounted unit (which is a perfect choice if you are replacing an old radiator under a window) or even a unit that is concealed in the ceiling that you can utilize a short run of ductwork to direct air to one or two places while still enjoying the energy efficiency of the ductless system.
Between the energy efficiency, low-impact installation, and multiple available configurations, the ductless split system proves to be a perfect solution for apartments and condominiums alike, whether it be a new install or a retrofit. The occupants of these spaces will enjoy all of the benefits that come along with them.
Ready to Switch to a Heat Pump?
If you are living in a condo, heat pumps are a great choice for energy-efficient heating and cooling for smaller spaces. Book a free in-home estimate and find out if it is the right choice for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ductless heat pumps a good choice for condos and apartments?
Yes. Ductless heat pumps are compact, energy efficient, and don’t require ductwork, making them ideal for condos and apartments.
Do I need ductwork to install a ductless heat pump?
No. Ductless systems are designed to provide heating and cooling without existing ductwork, making installation faster and less invasive.
Can a ductless heat pump cool my condo in the summer?
Absolutely. Ductless heat pumps provide efficient air conditioning during the summer and reliable heating in the winter.
Are ductless heat pumps quiet?
Yes. Modern ductless systems operate very quietly, making them well suited for condos, apartments, bedrooms, and other shared living environments.
Do condos need strata approval to install a heat pump?
In many cases, yes. Because the outdoor unit is typically installed on common property or the building exterior, strata approval may be required. Coastal Heat Pumps can help guide you through the approval process.
