TL;DR
A seven-unit apartment building replaced a central steam boiler with individual heat pumps per unit. Murray Heating and Contracting installed dedicated thermostats for each apartment. Paircoil line sets and Slimduct SD covers were used for routing refrigerant, drainage, and wiring. The upgrade provided unit-level temperature control and improved system organization.
A seven-unit apartment building in need of modernization moved away from a centralized steam boiler system to individual heat pump units for each apartment. The project delivered independent temperature control to every tenant, replacing a setup that had long caused discomfort and inefficiency.
Murray Heating and Contracting carried out the retrofit using Inaba Denko’s Paircoil lineset and Slimduct SD lineset cover. The result was a cleaner installation, a more reliable system, and a visually professional finish on the building exterior.
About Murray Heating and Contracting
Murray Heating and Contracting is a certified HVAC contracting firm led by Bob Murray. The company focuses on affordable and reliable heating and cooling services, offering installation, repair, and maintenance. They serve residential and commercial clients and bring hands-on expertise to complex retrofit projects.
The Challenge
The building’s single steam boiler was controlled by one thermostat placed in the second-floor entry stairwell. This meant no individual apartment had its own temperature control, leaving tenants entirely dependent on a shared, centralized system. The arrangement led to persistent dissatisfaction among residents and created operational inefficiencies that the building could no longer justify.
The Solution
Murray Heating and Contracting replaced the central boiler with individual heat pump systems, one for each of the seven units. Each heat pump came with its own thermostat, giving tenants direct control over their living environment for the first time.
Inaba Denko’s Paircoil lineset was used to route refrigerant lines through exterior wall penetrations. The Slimduct SD lineset cover in size 77, color Ivory, was used to conceal the drainage, communication wiring, and refrigerant lines along the building exterior. This kept the installation protected from outdoor weather while maintaining the building’s appearance.
Technical Details
| Location: | Easton, PA |
| Building Type: | Residential |
| Project Type: | Existing building, retrofit |
| VRF Manufacturer: | Fujitsu Airstage |
| Mechanical Contractor: | Murray Heating and Cooling |
What Was the Strategy Murray Heating and Contracting Used
The installation was designed around a single-run approach using Paircoil lineset, which carries both refrigerant lines together in one factory-prepared unit. Bare copper ends came pre-prepared without flare fittings, reducing prep time on site.
The Paircoil was routed through exterior wall penetrations and fed into Slimduct SD channels. The insulation on the lineset provided structural support during bending within the channel, eliminating the need to strip or adjust the insulation during routing. All drainage lines and communication wiring were enclosed within the same Slimduct channel, consolidating the exterior run into a single, neat pathway.
Key Outcomes
- Each of the seven apartments received an independent heat pump with its own thermostat
- Tenants gained full individual control over their unit’s temperature
- The centralized boiler and its associated inefficiencies were fully removed
- Exterior lineset runs were concealed and protected using Slimduct SD
- The installation process was streamlined due to Paircoil’s factory-prepared ends and combined line design
- The building’s exterior appearance was maintained with a professional, clean finish
- Bob Murray noted the workflow was smooth and that Inaba Denko’s product line offered practical solutions that made the job more efficient
Key Benefits of Paircoil
- Supported single-run installation of both refrigerant lines
- Provided embossed coating for easier installation handling
- Included cross-linked polyethylene insulation with fire retardant properties
- Allowed shaping for different routing applications
- Compatible with R410A and A2L refrigerants
Why Choose Inaba Denko
Inaba Denko America brings decades of HVAC product engineering to the North American market, backed by Japanese manufacturing standards and a global footprint.
Established Since 1978
Inaba Denko has been developing HVAC accessory solutions for nearly five decades. That depth of experience shows up in every product we bring to market.
Global Presence
Engineered in Japan and distributed across North America, our products are built to perform across a wide range of climates, building types, and installation conditions.
Japanese Engineering
Precision and durability are central to how we design our products. The Paircoil lineset and Slimduct SD reflect manufacturing standards that prioritize long-term reliability.
Experts in Ductless Air Conditioning
Our product lines are purpose-built for mini split, VRF, ducted, ductless, and heat pump installations, making us a focused and knowledgeable partner for contractors.
Learn More about Inaba Denko Systems
This project shows how the right products can turn a complex multi-unit retrofit into a streamlined installation. Inaba Denko’s Paircoil lineset and Slimduct SD lineset cover gave Murray Heating and Contracting the tools to complete the job cleanly, efficiently, and to a professional standard.
If you are working on a similar project, Inaba Denko America has the products and the expertise to support it. Request a quote for HVAC accessory solutions used in heat pump and multi-unit installation projects.
