Burnaby Ductless Mini Splits: The Condo and Retrofit Solution
Burnaby's high condo density and older homes without ductwork make ductless mini splits the most popular HVAC upgrade in the city - delivering heating and cooling without renovations.
Why Burnaby Leads Metro Vancouver in Ductless Installations
Burnaby has more condos, townhomes, and apartments per capita than almost any city in Metro Vancouver. The vast majority of these units - especially in Metrotown, Brentwood, and Edmonds - rely on electric baseboard heating and have no ductwork. Ductless mini splits are the only practical way to add both efficient heating and air conditioning to these homes without major structural changes.
The numbers make sense: a ductless mini split uses 30-50% less energy than electric baseboard heating while adding cooling capability that baseboard can't provide. For a typical Burnaby condo spending $100-$150/month on electric heating, that translates to $400-$900 in annual savings - plus you get air conditioning included.
Beyond condos, Burnaby's 1950s-1970s single-family homes in areas like Capitol Hill and Burnaby Heights often have hot water radiators or baseboard heating with no duct system. A multi-head ductless mini split serves these homes with up to 5 indoor units from a single outdoor compressor, heating and cooling the whole house without cutting into walls for ductwork.
Ductless Solutions for Every Burnaby Home Type
Condos (Metrotown, Brentwood, Edmonds)
Single-zone wall-mounted units are the standard condo solution. The indoor head mounts high on a wall, and a small 3-inch hole connects to the outdoor unit on the balcony or exterior wall. Quiet operation (as low as 19 dB) means no disturbance to neighbours.
Townhomes (Highgate, Sullivan Heights)
Multi-level townhomes benefit from multi-zone systems - one indoor unit per floor controlled independently. This solves the common townhome problem of the top floor being significantly hotter than the main level.
Older Single-Family Homes (Capitol Hill, Burnaby Heights)
Homes with baseboard or radiator heat get whole-home comfort with a multi-head system. Three to five indoor units cover the main living areas while the single outdoor unit sits discreetly alongside the house.
Secondary Suites & Rental Units
Burnaby's suite-heavy housing stock benefits from independent ductless units per suite. Each tenant controls their own temperature, and energy costs can be tracked separately - a selling point for both landlords and renters.
Burnaby Ductless Mini Split Pricing & Rebates
Single-zone ductless mini split installation in Burnaby ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 - ideal for condos or single-room applications. Multi-zone systems (2-5 indoor units) range from $8,000 to $16,000 depending on capacity and number of heads. As heat pumps, qualifying ductless systems are eligible for CleanBC and utility rebates up to $19,000+. Condo owners replacing electric baseboard heating see some of the highest rebate amounts because the energy savings are substantial.
View all available rebatesDuctless Mini-Splits FAQs for Burnaby
Yes, strata approval is required for the outdoor unit in condos and some townhomes. We provide detailed installation proposals including noise specifications (typically 45-50 dB outdoor - quieter than a normal conversation), vibration isolation plans, and refrigerant line routing. Most Burnaby stratas approve these installations routinely.
Condo owners switching from electric baseboard to a ductless mini split typically save 30-50% on heating costs - roughly $400-$900 per year depending on unit size and usage. You also gain air conditioning, which baseboard can't provide.
Yes. Modern multi-zone systems connect up to 5 indoor units to a single outdoor compressor. For a typical 3-bedroom Burnaby home, a 3- or 4-head system covers the main living areas. Each indoor unit has its own thermostat for independent room control.
Modern indoor units operate at 19-26 dB - quieter than a whisper. Outdoor units run at 45-50 dB, similar to a quiet conversation. This is well within Burnaby's residential noise bylaws and rarely draws complaints from neighbours or strata.
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