For many, a portable air conditioner is the first option they try. While portable units can provide temporary relief, they often struggle to keep up during prolonged periods of extreme heat, especially in larger spaces or sun-exposed units.

Fortunately, there is a better solution.

With proper planning, professional installation, and strata approval, many older condos and apartments can be equipped with modern ductless heat pump systems that provide both efficient cooling in the summer and economical heating in the winter. The result is year-round comfort comparable to that enjoyed in many newer homes.

A Recent Project in New Westminster

We recently completed another successful heat pump installation in a condominium building in New Westminster that was originally constructed in 1992.

Like many older buildings, the complex was not designed with any built-in infrastructure for permanent cooling systems. According to the homeowner, indoor temperatures had reached as high as 32°C during recent summer heat waves, making the unit increasingly uncomfortable and difficult to live in during the hottest months of the year.

After securing the necessary approvals from the strata council, we were given just three days to complete the installation and pass the building's final inspection. Fortunately, having completed many similar projects throughout Metro Vancouver, our team was well prepared to meet the building's requirements and timeline.

The installation involved carefully penetrating exterior walls at three locations using openings of less than two inches in diameter. These openings allowed the refrigerant lines, communication wiring, and electrical connections to be routed between the indoor units and the outdoor heat pump located on the condo's balcony. Throughout the process, all work was performed in accordance with the strata's specifications and under the observation of the building inspector.

Particular attention was given to the condensate drainage system. The drain line was professionally designed and routed to ensure proper water management and compliance with building requirements, directing condensation safely into the designated drainage area below.

The Results

By the time the installation was completed, outdoor temperatures had reached 26°C while the interior of the condo remained at approximately 30°C.

Once the new heat pump system was commissioned and powered on for the first time, the transformation was immediate. The indoor temperature began dropping rapidly, bringing the living space down to a comfortable 20°C and providing the homeowner with the relief they had been seeking for years.

No more relying on noisy portable air conditioners. No more worrying about the next heat wave. Just quiet, efficient, year-round comfort.

If you live in a condo or apartment that lacks central air conditioning, don't assume a permanent cooling solution is impossible. With the right design, installation approach, and strata approval process, a modern heat pump system can often be installed even in buildings that were never originally designed for air conditioning.