DUCTLESS HVAC
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OLD TOWNS AND OLD SYSTEMS Single-family residences in Nova Scotia present the same climate-related challenges as condos, but with the added task of maintaining historic integrity. “Most of Nova Scotia is an architectural museum in its own right,” says Comeau. “We’re constantly playing ‘hide the condenser’ to keep homeowners and historic societies happy. But we do this well because we’re picky by nature.”
KEEPING FROST-FREE To keep units free of frost in Maritime Canada, every detail must be considered during installation. Careful installation is equally important as using the right units. “If we can shelter the unit from prevailing wind it helps, but that’s not always an option,” says Comeau. “Refrigerant charge is the most prevalent issue we come across when servicing incorrectly-installed equipment. If the unit is defrosting too often, chances are there’s a leak.”
In respect to sizing systems, Comeau Refrigeration has found that there’s really two ways to design residential heating applications in Nova Scotia; as the primary source of heat with an existing wood or oil system as backup, or as the stand-alone, sole source of heat for the home, which is most often the case.
The condensers at Dockside, which are a mix of two- and three-ton units, are each located on decks outside the living space they condition, so disposing of defrost condensate was a challenge. To prevent units from freezing, base pan heaters are installed under each condenser, and condensate lines are piped through the building envelope and terminated in the storm water plumbing.
“In single family homes, we’re typically installing ductless systems that’ll hold their own at true design conditions, which
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