ERV Maintenance Guide for Condo Fan Coil & Heat Pumps

ERV Maintenance Guide for Condo Fan Coil & Heat Pumps

Posted in: Condo Ducts & Vents, Condo ERV, Condo Heat Pumps, Condos, Fan Coil, HVAC Tips on April 11, 2026 by Kevin Moeini

ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) systems are designed to improve indoor air quality by bringing in fresh outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air from bathrooms and living spaces. These systems are typically interlock with the existing heat pump or fan...

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How Much Does AC Repair Cost?

How Much Does AC Repair Cost?

Posted in: Air Conditioning, Commercial, Condos, Maintenance on April 8, 2026 by Kevin Moeini

AC repair costs range from CAD 100 to CAD 8,000, depending on the type of unit and severity of the problem. Minor repairs, such as air filter, capacitor, or thermostat replacement, cost CAD 100-400, while major repairs, such as evaporator...

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Who Is Responsible for HVAC Leaks in a Condominium?

Who Is Responsible for HVAC Leaks in a Condominium?

Posted in: Condo Heat Pumps, Condos, Fan Coil, HVAC Tips, Maintenance on February 16, 2026 by Kevin Moeini

Water leaks inside condominiums create immediate panic — especially when the water is coming from the unit above. Multi Residential buildings often are subject are dispute when dealing with unexpected water damage. Here we discuss more in depth how chargeback...

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Why Is My Condo HVAC Drain Clogged? Causes, Risks, and Solutions

Why Is My Condo HVAC Drain Clogged? Causes, Risks, and Solutions

Posted in: Air Conditioning, Condos, Heating, HVAC Tips, Maintenance on September 3, 2025 by Kevin Moeini

A clogged HVAC drain is one of the most common issues condo owners face, especially during the summer cooling season. When the drain line gets blocked, condensation water has nowhere to go and can back up into your fan coil...

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Skymark HVAC Replacement and Refurbishment for Condos

Skymark HVAC Replacement and Refurbishment for Condos

Posted in: Air Conditioning, Condos, Heating, HVAC Tips, Maintenance on July 24, 2025 by Kevin Moeini

Finding reliable replacement or repair solutions for the old Skymark HVAC systems has been challenging for condo owners in Toronto & GTA. With the manufacturer out of business and parts becoming harder to find each year, Skymark or Skypak systems...

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How to Reset Your Condo Heat Pump: A Quick and Easy Guide

How to Reset Your Condo Heat Pump: A Quick and Easy Guide

Posted in: Air Conditioning, Condo Heat Pumps, Condos, Fan Coil, Heat Pumps, Heating, HVAC Tips, Thermostats on March 24, 2025 by Kevin Moeini

If your heat pump is short-cycling intermittently, you may need to reset your system to return to normal operation.  Here is a quick and easy step by step video guide to safely and effectively reset your heat pump in your...

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Fan Coil Mold Causes, Risks, & Solutions – Toronto & GTA

Fan Coil Mold Causes, Risks, & Solutions – Toronto & GTA

Posted in: Air Conditioning, Condos, Fan Coil, HVAC Tips, Maintenance on March 17, 2025 by Kevin Moeini

Mold infan coil units (FCUs) is a growing concern in Toronto condos, impacting air quality, property values, and residents' health. If mold growth is discovered in condos, proper remediation is essential to prevent further contamination. Removal & replacement if left...

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Ageing Fan Coil Units: Problems, Costs, and Solutions

Ageing Fan Coil Units: Problems, Costs, and Solutions

Posted in: Air Conditioning, Condos, Fan Coil, Heating, Maintenance on March 9, 2025 by Kevin Moeini

Age significantly affects the performance of fan coil units, primarily due to wear and tear as well as technological obsolescence. Fan coil units that are over 20 years old often require refurbishments, replacement or retrofitting. What solutions exist for ageing...

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Condo HVAC In 2025: Transitioning to R32 & R454B Refrigerants

Condo HVAC In 2025: Transitioning to R32 & R454B Refrigerants

Posted in: Air Conditioning, Condo Heat Pumps, Condos, Heat Pumps, HVAC Tips on November 24, 2024 by Kevin Moeini

As the Condo HVAC industry prioritizes environmentally friendly solutions, the transition from R410A to newer refrigerants, R32 and R454B, marks a significant change in 2025. These next-generation refrigerants reduce environmental impact and maintain the high efficiency and safety standards that...

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Condo Fan Coil Maintenance Checklist | Basic & Comprehensive

Condo Fan Coil Maintenance Checklist | Basic & Comprehensive

Posted in: Condos, Fan Coil on November 7, 2024 by Kevin Moeini

Ideally, condo fan coil maintenance should be conducted twice a year. Many buildings in Toronto and the GTA schedule this service through a building contractor as a complimentary offering. However, it’s worth considering hiring your own contractor to ensure a...

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Why Does My Condo Heat Pump Have Ice Build-Up?

Why Does My Condo Heat Pump Have Ice Build-Up?

Posted in: Condo Heat Pumps, Condos on September 21, 2024 by Kevin Moeini

If you've noticed ice forming on your condo heat pump, you're not alone. Ice buildup on a condo heat pump is not uncommon, but it’s important to understand why it happens and how to mitigate or deal with this problem...

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The Need To Replace Fan Coil Units In Older Condo Buildings

The Need To Replace Fan Coil Units In Older Condo Buildings

Posted in: Condos, Fan Coil on August 26, 2024 by Kevin Moeini

The Need To Replace Fan Coil Units In Older Condo Buildings Aging fan coil units, often over 20 years old, often need to be replaced or retrofitted in older condo buildings in Toronto & GTA. This brings forth various challenges...

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Condo HVAC Services In Oakville & Burlington

Condo HVAC Services In Oakville & Burlington

Posted in: Condo Heat Pumps, Condos, Fan Coil on August 17, 2024 by Kevin Moeini

Home Trade Standards provides Condo HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning Services in Oakville & Burlington areas. Our service & Installation team can help you with the following equipment: Fan Coil Units Condo Heat Pump (Vertical & Horizontal) Magic Pak Skymark...

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Condo Omega Heat Pump LPS Red Light. What Does It Mean?

Condo Omega Heat Pump LPS Red Light. What Does It Mean?

Posted in: Condo Heat Pumps, Condos, HVAC Tips on July 7, 2024 by Kevin Moeini

Omega Heat Pump LPS Red Light or Low Pressure Sensor is an indication low refrigerant pressures in the heat pump chassis.  The LPS is a safety pressure switch that is designed to temporary cut off heat pump operation when refrigerant...

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Condo Fan Coil Units Explained – How Do They Work?

Condo Fan Coil Units Explained – How Do They Work?

Posted in: Air Conditioning, Condos, Fan Coil, Heating, HVAC Tips, Maintenance on May 10, 2024 by Kevin Moeini

Condo fan coil units are hydronic systems that rely on the building's mechanical infrastructure to provide chilled & hot water for the purpose of heating & air conditioning in condos. Condo Fan Coil systems are dependent on the following mechanical...

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The Many Benefits of Water Source Heat Pumps in Condominiums – Toronto & GTA

The Many Benefits of Water Source Heat Pumps in Condominiums – Toronto & GTA

Posted in: Air Conditioning, Condo Heat Pumps, Condos, Heating, Maintenance on April 22, 2024 by Kevin Moeini

  Unlocking Efficiency & Comfort: The Many Benefits of Water Source Heat Pumps in Condominiums Water Source Heat Pumps are the most efficient and easily serviceable solution for heating and air conditioning in high-rise condominiums. This type of HVAC system...

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5 Reasons Your Condo Air Conditioning Isn’t Working: How to Fix It?

5 Reasons Your Condo Air Conditioning Isn’t Working: How to Fix It?

Posted in: Air Conditioning, Condo Heat Pumps, Condos, Fan Coil, Heating, Maintenance on April 15, 2024 by Kevin Moeini

Inefficient Condo Air Conditioning can be stressful. Living in a condo offers many perks, but dealing with an emergency Condo Air Conditioning Repair isn't one of them. Whether it's a heat pump or a fan coil unit, understanding the reasons...

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Condo HVAC Rebates In Toronto & GTA – 2024 Update

Condo HVAC Rebates In Toronto & GTA – 2024 Update

Posted in: Condo Heat Pumps, Condos, Fan Coil, HVAC Tips on March 26, 2024 by Kevin Moeini

Are you a condo owner in Toronto facing a costly HVAC replacement? You might be disappointed to learn that there are currently no government rebates, funding, or incentives specifically designed for condo owners to replace HVAC systems like water source...

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Why Do Compressors Fail In Condo Heat Pumps? – Toronto & GTA

Why Do Compressors Fail In Condo Heat Pumps? – Toronto & GTA

Posted in: Condo Heat Pumps, Condos on March 21, 2024 by Kevin Moeini

This article explores common reasons why Condo Heat Pump Compressors Fail and discusses preventative strategies to avoid unwanted and costly repairs. It takes a lot to break a heat pump compressor. Heat, Acid Contamination, Leaks & Electrical issues are the...

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What is a Fan Coil Actuator In Condos?

What is a Fan Coil Actuator In Condos?

Posted in: Condos, Fan Coil, HVAC Tips on February 3, 2024 by Kevin Moeini

What is a Fan Coil Actuator In Condos? In a condo fan coil system, the actuator is a motorized device responsible for controlling valve operations. Working harmoniously with the thermostat, it regulates the room temperature by managing the flow of...

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Condo ERV Repair & Maintenance – Toronto & GTA

Condo ERV Repair & Maintenance – Toronto & GTA

Posted in: Condos, Fan Coil, HVAC Tips, Maintenance on February 2, 2024 by Kevin Moeini

ERV, also known as Energy Recovery Ventilator, is an integral part of a home's ventilation system. These systems are designed to improve indoor air quality by bringing fresh outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air. They work by transferring the...

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Flashing HPS Red Light on Your Condo Heat Pump System

Flashing HPS Red Light on Your Condo Heat Pump System

Posted in: Condo Heat Pumps, Condos, Heating, HVAC Tips, Maintenance on January 27, 2024 by Kevin Moeini

If you notice a red high-pressure switch (HPS) light on your condo heat pump's circuit board, it typically signals an issue related to elevated refrigerant pressure. The HPS serves as a safety mechanism, designed to deactivate the heat pump compressor...

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Why Do Condo Heat Pumps Fail In Winter?

Why Do Condo Heat Pumps Fail In Winter?

Posted in: Condo Heat Pumps, Condos, Heating, HVAC Tips, Maintenance, Thermostats on November 3, 2023 by Kevin Moeini

Condo Heat Pumps aka Water Source Heat Pumps typically fail due to 5 common reasons. Heat Pumps have strict operation requirements during heating or air conditioning seasons. Failure to satisfy these requirement will disrupt heat pump operation in winter months....

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Who’s Responsible for In-Suite HVAC Repairs in Condos?

Who’s Responsible for In-Suite HVAC Repairs in Condos?

Posted in: Condo Heat Pumps, Condos, Fan Coil, Maintenance on April 7, 2023 by Kevin Moeini

Who’s Responsible for In-Suite HVAC Repairs in Condos? Condo owners are typically responsible for emergency repairs and maintenance of their in-suite heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) systems, including fan coils, heat pumps, ERV, bathroom fans, exhaust fans, and other...

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According to TD Insurance, more than 40% of Condo Insurance Claims have been due to Flooding In Condos in recent years. A few years ago, a flooding incident happened in a prominent high-rise condo building in downtown Toronto. Here is the story:

Condo Fan Coil Unit In Toronto

Fan Coil Flood & Freezing In Toronto

These days, we are experiencing colder days in Toronto & GTA. A few years ago, a Toronto Condo Resident In North York reached out to us in the middle of a chilly Saturday afternoon, saying that his Fan Coil unit is currently flooding and water was coming out from her fan coil system. In an emergency, the building supervisor or maintenance staff are responsible for immediately shutting off the water from the suite or the mechanical room. Fortunately, the building manager quickly shut the water before more suites got damaged.

Condo Management Investigation

Soon after this incident, the Condo Management invited Home Trade Standards to provide an official report as a building HVAC & Plumber Contractor to report their investigation.

Property Management Response

Management took a few days to provide the resident with a written answer. The finding was that “the fan coil unit ruptured due to freezing, which was caused by your balcony door being left open by your tenants. The outside freezing temperature caused the coil to freeze.”

Collection of Payment Notice

At this point, the letter goes on, and the condo management is asking “the landlord to pay $442.11 plus HST for 2.5 Hours of The Emergency Service Call for the investigation process plus $10,000 in damage costs for the insurance deductible. 

So How Did This Incident Happen?

Warning sign about fancoil freezing prevention.

So How Did This Incident Happen?

Leaving the balcony door open on a freezing day can quickly drop the temperature inside the condominium units. Due to limited and compact space in most modern condominiums, some fan coil units are installed near windows & balcony doors, which can easily be exposed to freezing temperatures inside your unit.

In condos, there is cold and hot water flow across the common element plumbing system of the building throughout 365 days of the year. These pipes carry hot and cold water from mechanical rooms branching off to each unit’s fan coils to supply heating and cooling. Freezing water can cause leaks inside the loop and water copper piping connected to the coils.

10 Tips For Condo Owners & Property Managers – How To Mitigate Water Damage Incidents:

Condo Water damages are devastating to the building. Not only does your property get damaged, but it will also have repercussions such as resident displacement, infrastructure degradation, financial damage, and health and safety issues. To Mitigate the risk of water damage incidents, condo owners & property managers are recommended to do the following:

  1. Close Your Balcony Door During Cold Freezing Days In Winter
  2. Ask Your Condo Management To Shutt of Your Unit Water Valves During Long Term Absence
  3. Annual Condo HVAC Maintenance Is Highly Recommended To Ensure Proper & Safe Operation
  4. Retrofit Older Fan Coils For Buildings Over 20 Years Old. New Fan Coils Are Equipped With Freezestat Sensors & Alarms To Prevent Flood Incidents.
  5. Inspect your 2-Way or 3-Way Valve, Cartridge, Actuator & Service Valve Annually to Ensure They Are In a Safe Condition.
  6. Use Glycol & Anti Freeze In The Building Water Supply
  7. Insulating Copper Piping To Protect From Freezing
  8. Educate Your Tenant Regarding Fan Coil Freezing
  9. Use Cautionary signs/stickers on fan coil systems to raise awareness among residents.
  10. Annual Fan Coil Maintenance should take place to minimize the risk of fan coil unit failures, such as ensuring that the in-suite supply & return shut-off valves are operational during the emergency.

Older Fan Coils have no temperature sensor or alarm. Shut-off valves are rusty and seized.

Condo Gets to Hot or Too Cold?

Older Fan Coils have no temperature sensor or alarm. Shut-off valves are rusty and seized.

Fan Coil Freezing Concern – Older Buildings Are More In Danger:

Buildings over 20 years old are more prone to fan coil flood risks. Annual Fan Coil Maintenance is essential in older homes because a professional fan coil technician can detect corrosion and rust inside the units and report necessary recommendations to the management. Most Condo Managements provide HVAC Maintenance twice a year before the heating & cooling season.

Know Your Insurance Coverage

I want to tell you that learning more about your insurance coverage when you live in a condo is essential. Water damage protection plans come as an add-on for most home insurance policies. Insurance Companies will hold you liable for flood damage if you don’t have proper coverage.

Flooding and damage inside your unit may be more devastating since water can damage all floors below you.

Condo HVAC Repair & Maintenance Are the Individual Owner’s Responsibility

In older condominium buildings, the water piping leading to your unit fan coil system could be at risk due to rust and corrosion. In addition, because of mechanical wear and tear, these pipes are less durable than they once used to be. Hence, homeowners & landlords can easily be exposed to condo flooding risk problems if the fan coil pipes are not upgraded when their life is reached.

Fan Coil 3 Way Valve Body Leaking. It had To Be Replaced.

About The Author – Who Is Home Trade Standards?

Home Trade Standards is a Trusted Condo HVAC Company Offering In-Suite Heating, Air Conditioning & Ventilation Services in Toronto & GTA Area. Our Services Are Used by Condo Boards, Property Managers, Superintendents, Landlords & Tenants. Our HVAC Experts Provide The Following HVAC Services in High Rise & Low Rise Buildings. 

Need an Annual Maintenance Quote For Your Building? You can learn more about our services by visiting our website.

Contact Information:

Kevin Moeini – Business Development Manager

Home Trade Standards – Condo HVAC Specialists – Serving Toronto & GTA

Email: Kevin@www.hometradestandards.com | Tel: 416-736-7001