HVAC for Multi-Family Buildings in Vancouver — Apartments and Stratas
Published: July 23, 2026 — CANRO Heating & Cooling — Greater Vancouver, BC
Centralized vs Decentralized Systems
Centralized: one large system (boiler, chiller, or heat pump) serves all units. Pros: lower maintenance per unit, centralized control, longer equipment life. Cons: no individual unit control, failure affects all units, difficult to bill individual usage. Decentralized: each unit has its own system (mini-split, furnace). Pros: individual control, independent operation, easy individual billing. Cons: higher per-unit cost, more maintenance points, visible equipment on balconies.
Best Options for Different Building Types
High-rise condos: centralized heat pump system (water-source heat pumps) with perimeter heating/cooling. Low-rise apartments: decentralized ductless mini-splits in each unit. Townhouse complexes: individual heat pumps or furnaces per unit. Heritage conversions: ductless mini-splits (minimal building impact). Old buildings with existing radiators: upgrade the central boiler to a modern condensing unit.
Strata Considerations
When choosing HVAC for a strata building: consult the strata council and building manager, consider the electrical panel capacity (major upgrades are expensive), plan for phased installation if the budget is limited (replace systems floor by floor), account for ongoing maintenance costs and reserve fund contributions, and choose equipment with good local parts availability and contractor familiarity.