Vilnius Manor: Heat Pumps - An Ideal Solution For Retrofits
The Challenge
Vilnius Manor: Heat Pumps - An Ideal Solution For Retrofits
The Vilnius Manor senior living was looking to partner with a provider who would help them meet the requirements of a provincial grant to upgrade their heating system to reduce costs, their carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions as well as consider the needs of their senior tenants. For the seniors living in Vilnius Manor, simple and user friendly systems providing premium comfort were the top priority. Traditional systems were not an option, as they emit greenhouse gases and add to the carbon footprint. Moreover, the old building could not accommodate a standard boiler or roof top HVAC systems.
And for the seniors living in Vilnius Manor, simple and user friendly systems providing premium comfort were the top priority.
The Solution
A Mitsubishi Electric heat pump was the best solution for the retrofit, and the M-Series H2i Cold Climate ductless model satisfied 100% of the requirements. The FE models use Mitsubishi Electric’s exclusive H2i™ Hyper-Heat technology, providing exceptional heating down to -25°C and beyond, while using ozone friendly R-410A refrigerant and boast a SEER rating of up to 26. To further reduce energy costs, the units are powered by VCSi technology, which maintains a consistent temperature indoors while using only the necessary power needed to provide heating and cooling.
“Customers are always satisfied with the performance, comfort and energy efficiency… and I was able to offer a lower maintenance contract cost because of the reliability of the product used and minimal required maintenance.” Peter of P and P Electromechanical
For the comfort of the tenants, the units use super-quiet technology, as low as 22dB, and are so quiet you may not even notice they’re on. These indoor units are also equipped with an i-See Sensor that measures radiant hot and cool spots in the room and focuses airflow to those specific areas. This prevents excessive heating or cooling and unnecessary operation, allowing total comfort for tenants and less energy waste for the building. For tenant control, the hand-held wireless remote has a large and easy-to-read display that makes operating simple. The adjustable settings available allows each tenant to personalize their comfort.
The Results
Vilnius Manor received a government grant for the retrofit as the Mitsubishi Electric FE series met the requirements. The owner and the tenants are pleased with the performance of the systems. The units have been operating since 2011 with minimal required maintenance and no major service calls.
“Even and comfortable temperature throughout the apartment, quiet operation, it is not noticeable that the system is ON and their sleep is not disturbed, worry free operation from the auto mode where the system automatically decides if heating or cooling is required to maintain the desired room temperature. Maintenance of the system is hassle free.” Vilnius Manor Tenant
Summary
Distributor: Mits Airconditioning Inc., Mississauga, Ontario
HVAC Contractor: P and P Electromechanical, Toronto, Ontario
Owner/Developer: Vilnius Manor
Industry: Residential
Size: 10 storeys, 120 units
Challenges: To upgrade the existing HVAC system in order to reduce cost, carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.
Selection Criteria:
- Energy efficiency
- Quiet indoor and outdoor units
- Proven performance in harsh environments
- Low maintenance
- Longevity
Design/Engineering Solution:
Mitsubishi Electric Outdoor unit models:
- 120 - MUZ-FE12NA
Mitsubishi Electric Indoor unit models:
Wall-Mounted:
- 120 - MSZ-FE12NA
Results:
- Low energy cost
- Reliable Performance
- Low Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
How can cold-climate heat pumps support senior living retrofits in older buildings?
Ductless cold-climate heat pumps can provide heating and cooling without requiring a conventional boiler or rooftop HVAC system. At Vilnius Manor, the M-Series H2i Cold Climate ductless system was selected because the existing building could not accommodate those traditional system types.
How can ductless heat pumps improve comfort and ease of use for senior residents?
Features such as quiet operation, room-by-room controls and automatic temperature management can make the system easier and more comfortable to use. At Vilnius Manor, the indoor units operate as quietly as 22dB, use an i-See Sensor to identify hot and cool spots, and include a wireless remote with a large, easy-to-read display.
What does the Vilnius Manor case study report about long-term heat pump reliability?
The case study states that the systems have been operating since 2011 with minimal required maintenance and no major service calls. The owner and tenants were also reported to be pleased with system performance.