Conda install macvim6/14/2023 ![]() ![]() ![]() Oddly, given the focus on air conditioning after the heat dome events of 20, I wasn’t able to find any statistical analysis of the value of air conditioning in the Vancouver market, but Zillow found an average C$55 (US$40) rental increase for built-in air conditioning in the United States across all property values. BC’s residential tenancy act says that landlords can’t unilaterally install a heat pump or air conditioning and charge more, but that if the landlord and tenant agree about the installation and an increased rate for the added amenity or cost of electricity, then it’s completely fine.įor landlords who have higher turnover suites, with months- or year-long tenancies, it likely makes sense to opt for installing it immediately, and assuming that they can charge higher rents for the greater amenity to the next tenants. It’s trickier for tenanted long-term rental suites. But air conditioning is in the class that increases value by two-thirds of the expenditure. Good renovations are done partly for personal comfort and enjoyment and typically don’t fully pay for themselves with increased condo value. The same real estate agent who shared this tidbit with me, the local agent who helped me find this downtown condo and sells a lot of condos here, said that air conditioning upgrades are well within the two-thirds value rule of thumb for renovations. Nothing diminishes sales price more than fewer people walking through the door. They won’t even look at suites without it. Suite & Rent Value ImpactsĪs I noted in the first clean condo life article, not having air conditioning in Vancouver is now a showstopper for many buyers. However, many heat pump manufacturers still use HFCs in their products, so it’s crucial to choose one that uses a low-GWP refrigerant.Īnd now, onto installation, contractor and other concerns. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 2016, aims to phase down the use of HFCs, prompting a shift towards lower GWP refrigerants. Traditional heat pumps use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as refrigerants, which have a high global warming potential (GWP). In the search for the right heat pump, it’s important to consider the type of pump, its capacity, and the environmental impact of its refrigerant. It’s also compatible with underfloor heating systems, providing an all-in-one solution. This is particularly true when any of these components are reaching the end of their useful life. There are variations within this type, some with a single indoor unit mounted on a wall, and others that can be discreetly tucked into a closet or cupboard with slender, wall-mounted units in other rooms.įinally, for townhomes that typically have their own water heaters and furnaces, a heat pump that replaces the hot water heater, furnace, and air conditioning could be a compelling option. ![]() This can work well for smaller suites without outdoor space. Second, there’s a type that fits entirely inside the suite, but requires drilling two 20 cm (8-inch) wide holes through an external wall. It’s a viable option if you have a balcony, patio, or wall space for the external unit. First is the mini-split, which has both an indoor and an outdoor unit connected by a thin conduit. There are three main options that could work for individual flats, townhomes, and condos. However, retrofitting a condo building with heat pumps is a complex and costly task that can require city approvals and careful planning. They can reduce heating bills by about a third, offering substantial financial and environmental benefits. Heat pumps, energy-efficient devices that transfer heat from cooler to warmer areas, are a viable solution to the heating and cooling challenges in condos like mine. In the first of these clean condo life articles, I wrote about the basics of heat pumps, which my city has mandated for all HVAC retrofits already and all new residential buildings from 2025 onward. For instance, in my Vancouver condo, the lack of built-in air conditioning is becoming a deterrent for potential buyers, as the city’s temperatures rise due to climate change. With climate change, population growth, and urbanization being the key megatrends, it’s clear that air conditioning is transitioning from a luxury to a necessity. As a resident of a condo without central air conditioning, I’ve been feeling the harsh effects of climate change, particularly during the sweltering summers. ![]()
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