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Heating / HVAC

Replace electric baseboards with high-velocity (small-duct) air-source heat pump. Two zones. Cooling primary driver.

Locked

  • System: high-velocity (small-duct) air-source heat pump (single condenser + ducted air handler with zone dampers)
  • Zone 1 — upstairs: 4 bedrooms + master ensuite + upstairs bath
  • Zone 2 — main + lower: foyer, living, dining, kitchen, main bath, sauna, rec room, garage
  • Thermostat: Wi-Fi smart, remote pre-conditioning
  • Existing baseboards removed in every room (wall patch + repaint coordination — see Painting)

Open / to price

  • System / brand — Unico vs. SpacePak vs. Hi-Velocity Inc. vs. Aermec (HVAC contractor input on local serviceability)
  • Manual J load calc per zone
  • Outdoor condenser location — acoustic siting (away from bedrooms / Unit A wall, screened, level pad) — see Exterior
  • Air handler location — attic, mech room, or ceiling cavity
  • Duct routing — through walls, joist bays, or crawlspace (sequence: trades first, then crawl insulation)
  • Backup heat — electric resistance for cold-snap days, or retain a few baseboards
  • HRV / fresh air — add while opening walls? (flag, not in scope today)
  • Thermostat product + zone controller compatibility
  • Panel capacity — heat pump load coordinated with Electrical
  • Rebates — BC Hydro / CleanBC heat-pump rebate; check eligibility

Cost (see main budget)

Refs

Notes & context
  • Why high-velocity: small-diameter (~2–3") flexible ducts fit through walls and floors of older homes — ideal retrofit for a house with no existing ductwork (baseboards used none). Quiet, low-profile outlets.
  • Why two zones: bedrooms (upstairs) and main living areas (main+lower) have different setpoint needs, especially at night. Avoids cooling the whole house when only sleeping spaces need it. Doesn't complicate to per-room zoning.
  • Cooling is primary gain: baseboards already heat reasonably; cooling is currently absent. Sleep quality is the biggest win.
  • Backup heat: at very cold outdoor temps the heat pump output drops; need electric resistance backup or retain a few baseboards for cold-snap days.
  • Wi-Fi thermostat: for vacation home use — pre-warm or pre-cool the house before arrival.
  • HRV / fresh air: worth flagging while opening walls; not in scope today but cheap to add now vs. retrofit.
  • Existing baseboards removed in every room → wall patching everywhere → coordinated with Painting.