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As sustainability becomes an increasingly important focus in our communities, more and more strata properties are turning to heat pumps as an efficient and eco-friendly heating and cooling solution.

Strata properties are individually owned homes with shared property. This includes condo buildings, townhouses, duplex / multi-plex homes, and neighbourhoods with shared gardens and other amenities. Many strata properties have common walls with their neighbours, and all share community guidelines.

At Coastal Heat Pumps, we are proud to offer a comprehensive guide on what you need to know for heat pump installation for your home in a strata property.

Benefits of Heat Pumps for Strata Properties

Strata property homeowners benefit from choosing compact, efficient appliances that provide the greatest results with the minimum impact. Heat pumps are a sustainable, quiet and efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) option. Heat pump systems offer several key benefits for strata properties, both individual homes and shared spaces.

• Energy Efficiency –Heat pumps are among the most energy-efficient HVAC solution on the market. They operate efficiently by transferring heat from one place to another to achieve your desired indoor temperature.
• Year-Round Comfort Heating & Cooling –A heat pump provides both heating and cooling from the same unit, allowing for year-round comfort with a single installation.
• Quiet Operation – Heat pumps are quiet among HVAC unit types and will minimize machine noise for your home and your strata community.
• Long Lifespan –Heat pumps last a long time when maintained regularly.
• Environmentally Sustainable – Using only electricity and less power than a traditional HVAC system, heat pumps are eco-friendlier and more efficient.

Strata Considerations for Installing a Heat Pump

Heat pumps can replace an old HVAC unit often requiring less space and no fossil fuel. HVAC installation has some special considerations when it comes to strata properties, as the system must exist both inside and outside your home. Here’s what strata property owners need to know when considering a heat pump installation.

Installation Access: Walls vs Envelope

For a heat pump installation, you will need strata approval with permission to drill a 2-½” hole through the “building envelope” which is the outer shell of the building. This is required for the applicable piping needed to connect the indoor and outdoor units. After installation, this hole will be properly insulated and sealed to ensure the building envelope remains weather tight.

In the case you are replacing an existing single-home HVAC system, you may only need approval to swap out the equipment as the envelope may already have the apertures that your heat pump requires.

Ducts vs Ductless Heat Pumps

If your strata home is already designed for central air, you can often make use of existing ductwork for your ducted heat pump installation. Ductless heat pumps provide heating and cooling for a single room or zone typically installed on an exterior wall. Be sure to obtain an in-home estimate from a reputable company who will give you options based on your needs and the heat load requirements of your home. They will advise you on the right heat pump sizes and designs to efficiently fit into your existing HVAC setup.

Strata Bylaws and Regulations

Know your strata’s bylaws and regulations. Every strata has a unique set of policies. You may need to submit renovation plans to your strata before starting. You may also need to have your heat pump unit and placement approved. Some strata properties may not allow heat pumps, and some have specific power, efficiency or noise requirements.

Check with your strata council on what is needed to upgrade your HVAC and install a heat pump. If necessary, begin the application and approval process early so you can start your installation at the desired time. As part of your application, strata council typically requests information from your chosen installing company such as proof of insurance, a work safe clearance letter and a business license which any reputable contractor should be happy to provide.

Installation and Maintenance Costs

You’ll get the best performance from a professionally installed and maintained heat pump. For this, you’ll want to consider the installation costs and the cost of annual maintenance, including cleaning and tune-ups. Your local heat pump company can provide a potential price range for your needs.

Noise Considerations

Heat pumps are quieter than traditional HVAC units, and most of the noise is isolated with the outdoor unit. Careful placement can help to minimize noise for you and your neighbours. Occasionally strata’s with set noise bylaws require a small enclosure around the outdoor unit to further reduce noise. These enclosures can be great sound solutions and do not affect the operation of the system, so long as there is adequate air flow around the outdoor unit.

Condensate Drainage Considerations

It is normal for heat pumps to produce water. All condensates from the indoor and outdoor heat pump units are drained to the building’s exterior, ideally to areas such as a downspout, garden bed, or patio.

Heat Pumps in Shared Spaces

Not only are heat pumps beneficial for homes within a strata property, but a heat pump installation can also improve the comfort and efficiency of shared spaces. This may require collaboration with your strata council or the entire community. If the common area of your strata building’s HVAC needs replacement, propose a heat pump as a sustainable and energy-efficient solution.

Is a Heat Pump Right for Your Strata Property?

Many strata properties have homes with plenty of outer wall access and a desire to see sustainable upgrades across the community. Heat pumps are an efficient upgrade for any home and can be a great idea for your strata homes or shared spaces. Each strata property has different policies when it comes to “through the envelope” installations. It is perfectly normal to undergo an approval process before your heat pump can be installed.

You will also want to carefully select the right heat pump to provide the most efficient, comfortable, and easily approved solutions for your strata home. Coastal Heat Pumps is here to help. Contact us at any time to consult on your strata home’s needs, restrictions, and existing HVAC design. We’ll help you select the right heat pump and aid in seeing your sustainable home upgrade approved.