Upgrading an apartment building’s heating system is one of the most effective ways to improve efficiency, comfort, and property value. Instead of using a traditional boiler for the apartment building, many property owners across North America are now shifting to heat pumps.
With the residential electricity prices set to increase by an average of 13% to 18%, this trend reflects a move toward more energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and customizable heating and cooling solutions.
Inaba Denko America supports this transition with reliable HVAC accessories designed for performance and safety in multi-unit buildings. From copper line sets like Paircoil to drain hoses, mounting systems, and line set covers, these accessories play a key role in making installations safer, faster, and longer-lasting.
Why Replace a Central Boiler with an Apartment Heat Pump System
A traditional central boiler system typically provides uniform heating for the entire building. It uses water or steam distributed through radiators or underfloor heating systems. While this setup may have been the standard for decades, it lacks flexibility. Tenants cannot control their own temperatures, and building owners must manage a single, energy-hungry system.
In contrast, apartment heat pumps work independently in each unit. Each tenant has control over temperature settings, keeping their own space comfortable year-round. This independence can improve satisfaction and reduce heat-related complaints during demanding seasons.
Moreover, apartment heating systems offer both heating and cooling in one setup, replacing the need for separate furnaces or air conditioners. This dual functionality reduces total equipment requirements and simplifies maintenance schedules.
Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits.
1. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Benefits
Modern apartment heating systems are known for their high efficiency. Rather than generating heat through combustion, heat pumps transfer it from one place to another, consuming far less electricity.
When it comes to a traditional (older) boiler for an apartment building, it typically operates at efficiencies in the range of 56% to 70%. On the other hand, many apartment heat pumps work at efficiencies of 300% to 500% or higher under the right conditions. Every unit of energy consumed can result in three or more units of heating output.
This increased efficiency translates into lower utility costs for tenants and improved energy performance scores for property owners. These two benefits strongly support the growing demand for sustainable housing in North America.
Inaba Denko America’s HVAC accessories further boost these efficiencies by reducing energy losses through high-quality insulation and precision-engineered connections. For example, Paircoil, tested under ASTM standards including E84, limits refrigerant loss and adds a layer of fire safety compliance, crucial for multi-unit buildings.
2. Reduced Maintenance and Operational Costs
If you install a boiler for an apartment building, it requires regular maintenance, typically involving complex piping networks and centralized controls. Over time, boilers face scale buildup, corrosion, and combustion-related wear that increase upkeep costs.
Apartment heat pumps, by contrast, have fewer moving parts and operate with cleaner energy. Routine maintenance focuses primarily on filter replacements, coil cleaning, and performance checks. The simplified design reduces downtime and minimizes emergency repair calls.
Long-term cost savings are also realized through component durability. High-quality, pre-insulated line sets such as Paircoil, drain hoses, and mounting systems help prevent leaks, improve condensation management, and extend the life of your HVAC installations.
3. Better Tenant Experience and Individual Control
One of the most noticeable changes when switching from a central boiler system to heat pumps for apartments is improved individual comfort. Your tenants no longer need to open windows to cool overheated rooms or rely on supplemental electric heaters during cold months.
Each unit gets an independent temperature control system, allowing occupants to set ideal comfort levels without affecting neighbors. This autonomy adds perceived value to the living experience and often improves tenant retention.
Additionally, quiet operation and even temperature distribution make apartment heat pumps a preferred solution for both residents and property managers. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Support Your Transition with Proper HVAC Accessories
The success of a retrofit project depends on both equipment and installation quality. That means you need high-quality accessories engineered to support HVAC contractors and distributors managing transitions from boilers to heat pumps.
Typically, your accessories should include:
- Copper Line Sets: Pre-insulated line sets like Paircoil are reliable for carrying refrigerant safely between indoor and outdoor units. They are perfect for upgrading to apartment heating systems in multi-tenant buildings.
- Line Set Covers: These accessories, like the SD Straight Duct Lineset Cover, protect and boost system aesthetics while accommodating routing flexibility.
- Drain Hoses: These hoses help manage condensation efficiently, preventing leaks or mold growth, saving you from costly mold removal jobs in the future.
- Mounting Systems: These systems, such as condenser brackets, secure outdoor or indoor units, improving overall stability and noise control of your HVAC installation.
Upgrade Comfort, Reduce Costs, and Build Safer Systems
Transitioning from a boiler to apartment heat pumps provides you with measurable benefits, including more control for residents, lower operational costs, improved safety, and greater sustainability.
By selecting reliable accessories engineered for HVAC performance, such as Paircoil line sets and installation systems from Inaba Denko America, you can modernize your apartment heating systems with safety and durability in mind.
Evaluate your current heating infrastructure. If your property still depends on a central boiler system, start planning your upgrade today. Consult with your HVAC distributor about Inaba Denko America products that support efficient, compliant, and high-performance installations.
Contact us for details about our products.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of heat pumps for apartments?
They offer heating and cooling in one system, improve energy efficiency, and allow tenants to control their indoor comfort levels independently.
How does a heat pump differ from a central boiler system?
A heat pump transfers heat instead of generating it, delivering both heating and cooling, while a boiler only provides heat through water or steam.
Are apartment heat pumps suitable for older buildings?
Yes, with proper planning and accessories, older buildings can be retrofitted successfully, offering a modern, efficient alternative to traditional heating.
How do Inaba Denko America products support safer installations?
Our products, such as Paircoil, meet ASTM E84 standards for flame spread and smoke development, supporting compliance and improving fire safety in multi-unit buildings.
What maintenance do heat pumps require compared to central boilers?
Heat pumps need periodic filter cleaning, coil maintenance, and performance checks, while boilers require combustion inspections, scaling control, and frequent servicing.
