ECHNICAL RESEARCH
INDUSTRY EDUCATION
INDUSTRY EDUCATION
Heat Pumps in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
Description Multi-unit residential buildings can gain heat for several reasons, including older windows, poor window placement, a lack of shading, poor ventilation, and inefficient appliances and hot water systems. Active mechanical cooling is a solution to futureproof buildings due to overheating concerns. Installing a dedicated cooling system like a heat pump is a big commitment and can have implications. Adopting strategies that have the potential to reduce the amount of cooling needed before installing a cooling system can help lower energy use, utility costs and CO2 emissions. This project will provide professional insights on changes strata councils and owners can make to help keep their homes as cool as possible using mechanical and non-mechanical cooling strategies. The research will review the process, provide guidelines for contractor selection, and outline selection design and installation considerations for heat pumps. Impact This research provides guidelines on changes strata councils and owners can make to help keep their homes comfortable using mechanical and non-mechanical cooling strategies. It also communicates design intent of various existing wall and roof assemblies, as well as best practices to avoid damage to the building envelope when heat pumps are installed.
NEW PROJECT Status:
Project underway
Partners:
Province of British Columbia, BC Hydro, City Vancouver, Condominium Home Owners Association, ZEBx, BC Non-Profit Housing Association, and Aboriginal Housing Management Association
Audience:
Strata owners, strata councils, consumers, building owners, builders, and contractors
56 HOUSING RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS | JULY 2021
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online